Ken Taylor, former Canadian ambassador to Iran, dead at 81

[Hard_Rom]

Ken Taylor, former Canadian ambassador to Iran, dead at 81
Diplomat was famous for his role in 'Canadian Caper' during Iran hostage crisis in 1979

Former Canadian ambassador to Iran Ken Taylor has died, his son told CBC News on Thursday. He was 81 years old.

The Calgary-born diplomat was most famous for his role in the 1979 covert operation called the "Canadian Caper," when he sheltered six Americans who escaped capture when a mob of Iranians stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took most people inside hostage in November 1979.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman issued a statement expressing condolences to Taylor's family.

"Ambassador Taylor earned the enduring gratitude of the United States — and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal — for his valour and ingenuity in harbouring six American citizens trapped in Iran in the aftermath of the seizure of the American Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979 and, ultimately, in securing their safe return.

"Ambassador Taylor's courageous actions exemplify the enduring nature of the special relationship between the United States and Canada."

 

[JustaSCOUNDREL]

Hard_Rom, thank you for posting this. I read the story a long time ago and forgot his heroic roll in saving half a dozen Americans from the wrath of the Iranians when they captured and took over the American Embassy in Tehran in 1979.

Six American diplomats were ether away from the embassy or slipped away in the confusion as the Iranians stormed the American Embassy. They met and decided to ask the Canadians to help them. Ambassador to Iran Ken Taylor agreed,he took the Americans in and began planning how to get them out of Iran.

The Americans were kept safe, taught to speak Canadian (G), given Canadian diplomatic Passports and eventually flown out of Iran with a group of Canadian diplomats.

Ambassador Ken Taylor ensured the escape from captivity of six Americans from the 444 days of captivity the Iranians held 52 other Americans with diplomatic immunity.

In 1980, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada along with his wife Pat and other Canadian personnel involved in the escape,[1] and was also awarded the United States Congressional Gold Medal that same year.[16]

This American as least would like to thank you Mr. Ambassador for your willingness to go beyond your designated mission to support your neighboring colleges who were in a a very dangerous situation.

Rest in Peace Mr. Ambassador and thank you for your service to your country and to mine.