Twenty six years ago, Rev. Terry Ellsberry led the funeral service for Dottie Bush. On Wednesday, he shared he shared his memories of her son, President George H.W. Bush.

Dottie’s funeral took place at Christ Church in Greenwich just two weeks after President Bush lost a hard-fought election to Bill Clinton.

Rev. Terry Ellsberry said despite the circumstances, Bush was as gracious and generous as ever.

He says that President Bush said his mother molded him into the quiet--but firm leader he is now remembered as.

PHOTO GALLERIES: Bush through the years

Rev. Ellsberry says he was "warm, friendly and outgoing."

As the country said their farewells to President Bush, Rev. Ellsberry wore a small gift from him--the presidential cufflinks.

"It's just something tangible--my connection with the president," Rev. Ellsberry says.

Rev. Ellsberry told News 12 that after his mother's funeral, Bush took time out of his day to teach his grandkids how to skip rocks in the pond.

He says he regrets that he never spoke to President Bush again after that day. He wanted to write him a note and tell him that he was one of his heroes.