When Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter chose his running mate in 1976, he chose Minnesota Senator Walter Mondale.  The Baptist Sunday School teacher and the son of a Methodist minister went on to win the election and became life-long friends.

Former Vice-President and United States Ambassador Mondale passed away at his home in Minnesota on Monday at the age of 93.  Carter and Mondale were the longest living President and Vice-President in the nation’s history.

President Carter released this statement from the Carter Center in Atlanta on Monday evening:

Today I mourn the passing of my dear friend Walter Mondale, who I consider the best vice president in our country’s history. During our administration, Fritz used his political skill and personal integrity to transform the vice presidency into a dynamic, policy-driving force that had never been seen before and still exists today. He was an invaluable partner and an able servant of the people of Minnesota, the United States, and the world. Fritz Mondale provided us all with a model for public service and private behavior. Rosalynn and I join all Americans in giving thanks for his exemplary life, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.