George W. Bush celebrates his nomination with wife, Laura, Vice Presidential candidate Dick Cheney, and his wife, Lynne in Philadelphia on Aug. 3, 2000.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney died at the age of 84 on Monday, Nov. 3, his family confirmed.

A prominent and controversial GOP political figure, Dick Cheney is known for his work under the younger George W. Bush. Per a statement from his family, he died as a result of complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.

Cheney served in the White House alongside Bush for two terms, from 2001 to 2009. He is credited with his influence over the war in Iraq, a critical marker of the Bush administration.

On foreign affairs, national security, energy issues and other fronts, Cheney was second only to the president in shaping policy and strategy, though his influence declined and his relationship with Bush cooled toward the end of their time in office.

"He was certainly the most powerful vice president, but I hate to damn him with that moniker," said Paul Light, a political scientist at New York University and author of "Vice-Presidential Power: Advice and Influence in the White House."

Light continued, "He was much more than vice president. He ended up doing so many things that go well beyond the boundaries of the vice presidency."

Bush released a statement offering his condolences to Cheney's family, adding that his death is "a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends."

"Dick was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges. I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best," Bush stated.

"He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people. For those two terms in office, and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheney’s service always reflected credit on the country he loved."

See more photos of Dick Cheney and George W. Bush through the years

This story has been updated to add new information.

Contributing: Susan Page, USA TODAY

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Photos show Dick Cheney's legacy, political journey with George W. Bush

Reporting by Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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