Ronald Reagan 1911-2004

AMERICA mourned former President Ronald Reagan yesterday as preparations began in Washington for a state funeral for the man who won the Cold War and the hearts of countless Americans as the "Great Communicator".

The former Hollywood star, who also established close ties with Ireland, died with his family by his bedside at his Los Angeles residence on Saturday at the age of 93 following a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

The 40th president's body lay overnight at a mortuary near his Bel Air home. It is expected to be taken to his presidential library in the Simi Valley on Monday before being flown to Washington on Wednesday.