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U.S. President George W. Bush announces plans to lift the ban on oil exploration and drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on July 14, 2008. (UPI Photo/Kevin Dietsch)

WASHINGTON, July 14 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush Monday paid a condolence call on the family of former White House spokesman Tony Snow, who died during the weekend.

Bush, accompanied by first lady Laura Bush, went by motorcade to Snow's Virginia home shortly after a Rose Garden appearance during which he rescinded an executive order banning new offshore oil drilling.

Snow died of colon cancer Saturday. He was 53.

Bush said Sunday he was saddened by Snow's death. Snow served as White House press secretary from May 2006 to last September when he revealed his cancer had recurred. Before joining the administration he worked as an anchor and political commentator for Fox News.

Snow is to be buried Thursday, the White House said.