Ken Taylor, Ambassador: Former Canadian Diplomat, Who Sheltered Six Americans

Part of Taylor’s story is shown in the Oscar-winning picture “Argo,” directed by the Hollywood star Ben Affleck.

Taylor was the architect and driving force behind the protection and eventual escape of six American Embassy workers during the violent Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979.

Affleck set the record straight, saying the Central Intelligence Agency operation would not have succeeded without the help of Taylor and his fellow Canadians.

“The Canadian Ambassador in Iran, Ken Taylor, first heard of the Embassy takeover from his Swedish colleague, whose building overlooked the compound. And Americans – USA citizens have long memories, particularly when they feel themselves in a dilemma where they’re looking for an ally and that ally is there and is prepared to act on their behalf whatever the consequences”.

After the USA and five other world powers reached an accord with Iran over the country’s nuclear program this year, Taylor praised the deal and criticized the Canadian government for not doing more to thaw relations with Iran. He was appointed Canada’s consul general in New York and received a key to the city.

“It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Ken Taylor”, said Harper. In reality, it was Taylor and other Canadians who sheltered the Americans at great personal risk. “He represented the very best Canada’s foreign service offers”.

Ken Taylor, the real-life Canadian diplomat featured in the movie “Argo”, has died.

Taylor’s wife Pat said her husband’s legacy would be his generosity.

“Those of us who know him lost a friend, but Canadians lost a true hero who just lived life to the fullest and I got lucky enough to be allowed to tag along with Taylor”.

With files from The Canadian Press.

In the tumult that followed the Iranian Revolution, the USA and Canadian governments feared what would happen if the six Americans and their Canadian protecters were discovered.

He also spent time with his grandchildren and his wife, Pat, his son said.

Taylor was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the U.S. Congress in 1980 and then U.S. President Ronald Reagan paid tribute to Taylor at the White House.

Born in Calgary in 1934, Taylor was educated at the University of Toronto, with an MBA from Berkeley.

An officer of the Order of Canada, he also served as Chancellor of Victoria College at the University of Toronto from 1998 to 2004.