Kenneth Taylor died yesterday after a two-month battle with colon cancer.
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Taylor became a household name in 1979 when, as Canada’s ambassador to Iran, he provided Canadian passports for six American diplomats to help them escape from Tehran during the Iranian revolution in a plan labelled the ‘Canadian Caper’.
His exploits in Tehran at the time were the basis for the blockbuster 2012 Hollywood film “Argo”, which resurrected the crisis for a whole new generation – even if it was criticized for understating Canada’s part in the drama.
Taylor resided in New York City, but remained a Canadian citizen.
Taylor received the US Congressional Gold Medal for his actions and United States Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman said he had “earned the enduring gratitude of the United States… for his valor and ingenuity”. “He represented the very best Canada’s foreign service offers”.
Bob Rae called Taylor a “star” of the Canadian foreign service.
Former Canadian prime minister Joe Clark, who was in office during the Iranian hostage crisis, called Taylor a “Canadian hero” and “an example of what we can be at our best”.
Six diplomats escaped in the chaos and took refuge with Taylor and another Canadian official for more than two months.
She said Taylor, born in 1934 in Calgary, has a legacy of generosity.
Taylor’s family confirmed to CTV News that he died on Thursday. He said it made Canada look like a mere observer to Central Intelligence Agency heroics.
“You really think your little story is going to make a difference?” the diplomat asks, to which Mendez responds with customary American bravado, “I think my little story is the only thing between you and a gun to your head”. “On the other hand, he did it. He just did what he thought was right”. Taylor and his deputy sheltered the Americans for three months.
He was heralded as a hero in both the USA and Canada for helping save the Americans in the clandestine operation.
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Over the years, Taylor’s fishing partners included former Ontario premier Mike Harris, U.S. President George Bush and hockey great Wayne Gretzky.
