Dick Cheney, former US vice-president, dies at 84

George W Bush's ex-deputy had battled numerous illnesses

- PAUL FARRELL, OWEN SCOTT

Dick Cheney, regarded by many as the most influential vice president in modern American history, has died at the age of 84, his family said in a statement.

Cheney, who served as vice-president under President George W Bush, passed away on Monday. He was 84 years old. He had been suffering from pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease.

"Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing," the press release read in part. "We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man." Cheney had battled with cardiovascular disease for much of his life and survived a series of severe heart attacks. In 2012, he underwent a heart transplant, which he later described as "the gift of life itself".