Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a force in Republican politics for over 30 years and one of the most powerful people to hold the second-highest office in the U.S., has died. He was 84.

In a statement , Cheney's family said he died Monday night of complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, surrounded by his wife of 61 years, Lynne, daughters Liz and Mary and other family members.

Before becoming vice president in the George W. Bush administration, Cheney served as defense secretary, White House chief of staff and a Wyoming congressman.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney in 2011. David Hume Kennerly / Getty Images

In the statement, his family called Cheney "a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of co

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