Ronald Reagan actually said...

"I wish him the very best, expressing my personal gratitude for his outstanding service for over 5 years in this most challenging assignment."

"He is a talented, dedicated, and able public servant, whose service to this administration and to our country is deeply valued."

"He has had a distinguished Foreign Service career and was a major player in the important arena of United States-Soviet relations."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill and his family."