Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney delivers eulogy for George H.W. Bush at the state funeral for the former president at Washington National Cathedral.

As former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney is laid to rest Saturday, I know he will be remembered with fondness and gratitude by many in Canada, as well as around the world. And while he is best known domestically and internationally for his leadership and public service, I wanted to share a personal side of this very public figure whom I had the great privilege of knowing.

My grandfather was Canadian, which is why, perhaps, when I first had the pleasure of meeting Prime Minister Mulroney over the phone, it was extra special. His deep, rich, soothing voice could have sold anything, yet not in a slick salesman type way. His tone was confident, warm and made you believe anything he said.

President Ronald Reagan lifts his glass in a toast with Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney during a state dinner in Ottawa, Canada, on April 5, 1987. (Ronald Reagan Library/Getty Images)

I remember fondly the first time he called the Office of Ronald Reagan – I was new in my role as the executive assistant to President Reagan and was told that Prime Minister Mulroney was on the line for my boss. I picked up the call and planned on putting it straight through, but as I would soon learn, Mulroney cared about the personal side of things, not just the professional side. Clearly this is one reason that the two men were so close.

FORMER CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER BRIAN MULRONEY, CREDITED WITH CLOSER TIES TO THE US, DIES AT 84

I said, "Mr. Prime Minister – this is Peggy – and I am happy to put your call through if you don’t mind holding for just a moment." He replied, "Hello Peggy – this Brian. I don’t think we have met before. I am happy to meet you."........

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