Senator McCain never lost his sense of humor, even when things weren't going well. In the summer of 2007, with his presidential campaign flat broke and in shambles, he came to Des Moines to try to stem volunteer defections to other campaigns. I was one of those volunteers. During a quiet moment, I was talking to my nephew Scott on my cell phone and on a whim, asked the Senator if he'd like to speak to an undecided Iowa voter. With a look of glee on his face, McCain said "Give me your phone. What's his name?" I told him, he grabbed my phone and without missing a beat, said "Scott, this is John McCain. Vote for me, or tomorrow morning you're going to find your car up on cement blocks!" What a great and good-natured man. I will miss him.

-- Jim, Iowa

Mr senator John McCain one of my heroes deeply condolences

-- Oscar A, Florida

I had the opportunity to see Senator Mc Cain on a Southwest flight arriving in Baltimore. When we got off the plane I was able to run and follow him and speak to him. He was very gracious and thanked me! I have followed his career over many years. Please accept my condolences. He will be sorely missed!

-- Priscilla, Massachusetts

John McCain's courage inspired me to face my own cancer diagnosis.

-- Kathryn, Washington

I am a great admire of John S. McCain. God bless him! My condolences to his family.

-- Guillermo, Florida

While serving with Pilots in the USAF in 1969, we followed this hero in the Hanoi prison as well as the other prisoners. I had the honor to meet him last year and tell him. I also told him that in 2004 I helped him during a debate at Saddleback Church in Orange County where he and Mr. Obama were interviewed by Pastor Rick Warren. Last year he thanked me. I thank John McCain!

-- Bill, Arizona

It's with the deepest heart felt sympathy I send this note. I am so sorry to hearing this. I know you must be with the knowledge that our Good Lord is watching over our Senator now. We pray for you the family at this time. God Bless you all.

-- Victor, Arizona

wow he will be sadly missed a great man who put his country and its people first .

-- chris, Australia

The world has lost a true hero!!!! My sincere condolences to the McCain family!!!!! The world will seem a little less brighter without him in it!!!!

-- paulette, Connecticut

I never knew Senator McCain personally, though have been in his company at various political events in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. over the years. But all my adult life I have tried to emulate Senator McCain's love of country, concern for his fellow man, putting country over political party, taking your work but not yourself seriously, and having a little fun along the way. To this day I can visualize his captivity, feel his struggle and pain as a prisoner of war, and marvel at his remarkable positive spirit-despite all odds. But what he has left and given will never be forgotten. In fact, his legacy will hopefully give all citizens hope and faith for a better world. Made that way by Senator John McCain. To his family, my deepest sympathy. He will live on in generations of hopeful, defiant Americans.

-- Dava, Maryland

In 1982 John McCain sat down with myself and so to be wife Karen and talked to us at Temple Beth Israel. We occasionally cross ed paths again at different sporting events in the Valley of the Sun. I did volunteer work with his son Andrew at different Fiesta Bowl Events. Hopefully John McCain Name with be on different buildings throughout Arizona. Mr. McCain helped my son Nathan play football in the Down Under Bowl game in Australia in 2009. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ?? STATE OF ARIZONA ??.

-- MICHAEL, Arizona

I like John McCain, I wish I had meet him and his family.

-- David, Texas

I remember Sen. McCain at Wright State University introducing Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. It was a fun and optimistic time. I will always remember his patriotism.

-- Mary S, Ohio

It’s hard to imagine American political life without Senator John McCain. His departure leaves a void of congressional leadership, of national security thought and moral direction that seems nearly impossible to fill. If ever there were a moment when his presence is necessary, this tumultuous time in our country’s politics is it. The country - and the world - are better for his service to them both.

It is also difficult to imagine my own life without John McCain. The years I spent on his staff, and every day I've known him since, has been a personal and professional privilege. I joined his office while in my twenties, not quite knowing the amazing adventure that would unfold over the next half-decade. Legislative victories and defeats, jokes and war stories and history lessons, trips to Iraq and Uzbekistan and the South Pole - all with a certain presidential campaign thrown into the mix - this was the stuff my experience.

It was extraordinary, and I count myself among the very luckiest: those honored to know John McCain.

Like so many, I will miss him dearly. But our sorrow should be leavened by the transformative effects he left on the views and careers of his Senate colleagues, staff and friends. Senator McCain's fingerprints are all over America’s law and policy, our institutions and even the way in which Americans think of ourselves and our role in the world. And in all this, he leaves behind something far, far greater than himself – a legacy which is, by his own reckoning, the best measure of a meaningful life.

-- Richard, Virginia

A PATRIOT,HONORABLE ,AMERICA FIRST. May you feel the hand of GOD on YOUR SHOULDER. GBY

-- Charles, Arizona

Served as his Director of Black Engagement 2008 Presidential Campaign, he loved my Caribbean chicken soup, saw him at CHC club 2017, I said sir it was my honor, he said no it was mine. Thank you for the opportunity, HBCU support, and the many quite things that you did.

-- CJ, Virginia

Happy trails good friend till we meet again! Rest well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Thomas N, Arizona

To the McCain family, my family and I wish to offer our sincere condolences on your loss. To me, Senator McCain personifies the meaning of what it is to be a real American patriot. He truly followed the path of Robert Jordan by sacrificing for his country. I admire him for admitting that he after all was human and capable of making mistakes. But he said that's ok as long as you own it. As a Vietnam veteran I would just like to say REST IN PEACE may God be with you

-- Ruben, California

My family and I first heard about Senator John McCain running for the 2008 Presidential elections. Were were visiting Minneapolis/St. Paul 10 years ago to attend the State Fair and had no idea the Republican National Convention was being held the same time we were there. We have heard Senator McCain speak on television during this convention and noted his admiration for his country and his devotion to his family. Even though we are from Canada, we took note of how Senator McCain spoke eloquently and how humble he was, even after his election loss. To the people of Arizona and to the McCain Family we offer our heartfelt condolences. God Bless you all.

-- Andrew, Canada

My wife once help serve soup in your house for Brophy. The next time we met you and i brought it up. The Senator said you can serve soup any time you want for us. As a defense exec i met him many times and was always remarked about his honesty We will all miss him. By the way my son interned for the senator

-- Jerry, Arizona

May all Americans strive to follow Senator McCain's extraordinary example of honor, integrity, true patriotism, and public service. My deepest sympathies to the McCain family.

-- Danielle, Virginia

Semper Fidelis, John. You were always one of my heroes and held the ideals of our country to such a high esteem that I became a Republican back in the late 90s when I was a Marine. You will be sorry missed, but the marines at the gate to your next destination will will be happy to see you.

-- Miguel, Virginia

John McCain, had he been elected President of the United States, would have not only been a very great president, he would have been able to unite the country, in spite of a hostel main stream media. There was something truly unique in John’s ability to bring any group into dialogue which ultimately benefited the whole. I’m very sad we’ve lost a leader irreplaceable in the younger generations.

-- Beth (Dorithy Elizabeth), Hawaii

Thank you for your service to the United States of America, Senator John McCain! You have been a shining example to all of a hero, of a public servant, of a humanitarian, of a world leader! You were willing to fight for your country & die for it if needed. You never gave up. You endured torture that would have broken many. Your bravery is that of a super hero! You lived your life with dignity & have earned my respect as well as many throughout the USA & around the world! God bless you & your family! May you rest in peace, dear sir! You deserve it!

-- Wanda, Ohio

Honorable Senator John McCain returning home from prisoner of war status is the first memory I have of this inspiring defender of The United States of America. Since that time, he has persevered in putting country above party. Character -driven leadership is his greatest legacy. May the current and next generation of leaders follow in his path. Thank you for your gallant service dear patriot.

-- FRANCES, Arizona

Senator John McCain was a great American patriot and statesman. We need more like him in today’s leadership. We extend our condolences to Mrs. McCain and all of the extended family. He was an inspiration to millions of Americans and a breath of fresh air in an era when vitriolic attacks are the norm. John McCain spoke truth and earned the right to do so by his military service and extraordinary service. He will be missed.

-- John, Kentucky

John McCain was a true American hero. Probably the most significant hero of my lifetime.

-- Rick, California

Thank you for your faithful and loyal service to the Constitution, to our country, and to the world. You will always be remembered with gratefulness. You are in the Hands of the Greatest Love now. Prayers to the McCain family.

-- Lisa, Connecticut

Condolences to the McCain family - Sen. McCain was the best of the best, somebody with an unbreakable spirit. We need more like you, lots more.

-- Tina, California

Attended his rally for President at Stabler Arena, Lehigh U., Bethlehem, Pa.

-- Ken, Pennsylvania

Rest In Peace Senator McCain. You inspired every person to reach higher and to be the best version of themselves, as you were, in service to your country and to mankind. Thank you for your service.

-- Sonia Garcia, Virginia

I have been so inspired by John McCain. I wish he had become our president. God bless him and his family.

-- Kim, Virginia

As a fellow Naval aviator and Marine Corps pilot John may you rest in peace I flew 369 missions in Vietnam and I honor the service that you gave both in your flying skills and your courage to withstand the torture that you had to undergo I rescued many down Pilots as well as many marines Army and others I wish you the very best God bless you and may you rest in peace go navy blue Semper Fi

-- Thomas, Indiana

As a former Scoutmaster, SenMccain would den alter tI My new Eagle Scouts. It inlckude. a letter about making a flag out of scraps while he was a prisoner. My son still has his letter and he is 48 now. He never failed to make this Scout feel good.

-- John, Arizona

2 of my children and I had the pleasure of attending The Senators 100th town hall in NH when he was running for President. I was fortunate to be called on for a question. He was gracious and strong that day. He even complemented my young children. We sometimes watch the replay on CSpan. We think of that family time and cherish the memory. As well, I was just recently working in Vietnam and visited the Relic in Hanoi. I was moved to tears reading the history and how much I’m sure that he endured for the fight for our great country. But more importantly, the grace he showed on his return. He will be missed and our families prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I know, as you do, that he is in God’s Loving arms for all time. God Bless you!

-- Michael, New York

Senator McCain joins a long legacy of Arizona statesmen that have all made a difference in Washington D.C.: Senators Henry Fountain Ashurst, Carl T. Hayden, Ernest W. McFarland, Barry Goldwater, Dennis W. DeConcini, Jon Kyl. U.S House of Representatives: John Rhodes, Stewart Udall, Mo Udall, Bob Stump, Matt Salmon, John Shadegg. However, Senator John McCain, in our troubled times, stands as a warrior, an inspiration, a patriot and a good friend,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Barry M. Goldwater Jr Member of Congress, retired

-- Barry, Arizona

Rest in peace, Great American Patriot. Ukrainian people will remember you as the true Friend. My sincere condolences to Senator John McCain family.

-- Inna, New York

Thank you for your service in the US Navy, Sir. You were a true hero!

-- Cathy, North Carolina

RIP Senator.

-- Bryan, Arizona

What a hero. What a legend. What an Example For All Of Us ! There are so many great things that we could say about this man, but the bottom line is for all the misery he went through as a Vietnam POW, he still wanted to serve his country. He never gave up and I think that would be what he would say to all of us today..Never Give Up !! Thank you John McCain for never giving up.

-- Steve, Georgia

A Great Great Man. He will be miss by all

-- Ron, Washington

Thank you Senator McCain for raising the bar and being a great leader to us. You will be missed dearly.

-- Raymond, Arizona

Clearly the loss of a fine and decent man ; our sympathy to his family , to his state and his great country. A hero indeed !

-- Al and Angela, Canada

A true American! Our country is a lesser place without him! Rest In Peaceand God speed.

-- David, Arizona

Thank you for being a continual beacon of decency and forthrightness for all Americans. Rest, knowing you will be missed.

-- Nicole, Ohio

Thank you so much your help our country, We miss you

-- Van, Maryland

A truly great person in every way. I am proud he was our senator and represented Arizona well. Thank you so much for your service to the United States of America and God. He served all people. Thank you for representing us well. Rest in God. Love and highest regards for Senator John S. McCain and to his wife and family. God be with you all. Thank you.

-- Dominique A., Arizona

John taught me that character is the most important quality of a leader....measured by actions ... guantified with respect ...appreciated with love...he was an awesome soul!

-- Bernie, Massachusetts

My profound sympathy on the passing of Senator McCain. He was an officer and a gentleman as well as an example of a person we should all try to be. His respect for those with whom he disagreed is legendary as is his love and respect for his country. Senator McCain certainly fought the good fight. Thank you for your service, Sir!

-- Frank, California

Condolences to his Family, friends and all who loved him. Rest and your spirit shall touch us. My older brother lost his life in Vietnam, and so I know John's enormous sacrifice.

-- Cheryl, Florida