ROCHESTER, New York — George H.W. Bush speech writer Curt Smith says he witnessed the former president’s sentimental side.

  • Bush's second child died at 4 years old
  • That tragedy had a great impact on Bush
  • Bush would choke up about the death 60 years later

George and Barbara Bush's second child Robin died after a battle with Leukemia when she was 4 years old.

Smith said that tragedy had a great impact on the former president, who became emotional every time he spoke about her.

"60 years later even to talk about Robin, even to mention her name, he literally would choke up. His voice would catch. he could not talk about her,” said Smith.