May I wish Nelson Mandela a happy belated birthday? It used to be proper ettiquette to always call a former?

Question

president by the title. To me this great man will forever be President Nelson Mandela

Answer 1

Normally we should address former presidents as "Former President" as a gesture of recognition and respect of his former status. In personally addressing him, you can opt to call him Mr. President. It is rare but not unknown to just address them as "Mister".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Preside...