Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Who Served Under Gerald Ford and George Bush, Has Died At 88

Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who served under two presidents, has died.

Rumsfeld -- known as the Architect of the Iraq war -- passed away "surrounded by family" in New Mexico at the age of 88.

The news of his death comes just days before his 89th birthday.

Rumsfeld proudly served as the Defense Secretary under Gerald Ford and George Bush. He was a key player in planning the invasions of both Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Donald Rumsfeld, an American statesman and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. At 88, he was surrounded by family in his beloved Taos, New Mexico," his family wrote.

Rumsfeld's family said while he was praised around the world for his lifelong accomplishments, to them, he was just a kind soul who loved hard.

"History may member his for his extraordinary accomplishments over six decades of public service, but for those who knew him best and whose lives were forever changed as a result, we will remember his unwavering love for his wife Joyce, his family and friends, and the integrity he brought to a life dedicated to country," their statement concluded.

Rumsfeld -- who was lovingly dubbed as "Rummy” -- retired in 2008, but his ambition didn't end there.

Following his retirement, he headed the Rumsfeld Foundation to help charities that serve wounded veterans and their families.

Rumsfeld is survived by his wife, Joyce, three children, and seven grandchildren.

Despite being loved by so many, he sometimes rubbed a few of his peers the wrong way with his sometimes confrontational way of doing things; however, he had more fans than enemies.

Rumsfeld was the only person to serve as Pentagon chief twice. During his first run in 1975, he was the youngest ever.

Rumsfeld also tried his hand at the President's chair, briefly running for the 1988 Republican presidential nomination.