‘A true Canadian hero’; quotes on the death of Ken Taylor of Canadian Caper fame

Ken Taylor, who helped shelter six U.S. citizens at the height of the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis, died in New York on Thursday at the age of 81. Here are some of the tributes to Canada’s former ambassador to Iran:

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“Ambassador Taylor’s courageous actions exemplify the enduring nature of the special relationship between the United States and Canada,” —U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman.

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“As Canada’s ambassador to Iran during the Iranian Revolution, Taylor valiantly risked his own life by shielding a group of American diplomats from capture,” — Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

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“Ken Taylor was a great ambassador and a true Canadian hero for his lifesaving actions during the Iranian revolution. He’ll be missed,” — Liberal leader Justin Trudeau.

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“A heroic Canadian diplomat, educator and businessman,” — NDP leader Tom Mulcair.

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“I was very sorry to learn just now of the death of Ken Taylor, a star of the Canadian foreign service and brave soul,” — former Ontario premier Bob Rae.