‘Gracious’ Ken Taylor remembered for showing ‘valour and ingenuity’
Joe Clark says helping Americans escape Iran in ’79 ‘a very Canadian thing to do’
Family, friends and dignitaries — including prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau and one of his predecessors, Joe Clark — paid tribute Tuesday to Ken Taylor, Canada’s former ambassador to Iran who garnered international fame for helping six Americans escape the country during the 1979 hostage crisis.
The ceremony, kept light in accordance with Taylor’s wishes, heard him described as a fun-loving, generous man with a taste for fine brandy and fierce loyalty to his friends.
“My grandfather was simply a legend,” granddaughter Kassia told those gathered in the large midtown Timothy Eaton Memorial Church.
Taylor, 81, died on Oct. 15 in New York after being diagnosed in August with colon cancer, his wife Pat by his side.
Clark, who authorized the November 1979 mission that saved the six Americans from an Iranian mob that had stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, said Taylor’s courage earned the admiration of people around the world.
“Yet, it was a very Canadian thing to do,” Clark said, adding Taylor had an “instinct to be gracious.”
Taylor hid the Americans at his residence and at the home of his deputy in Tehran for three months. He persuaded Ottawa to issue them Canadian passports and arranged their plane tickets. What became known as the “Canadian Caper” was the subject of a book and more recently the Hollywood blockbuster Argo.
That movie was criticized for failing to give proper due to Canada’s role in the crisis.
“Sure, it could have gone wrong,” Clark said before the service. “Nonetheless they took the risks that had to be taken.”
While his Iran exploits are well known, it was Taylor’s more personal side that family, friends and colleagues recalled with such fondness during Tuesday’s celebration of his life, for which several hundred peo-
“My grandfather was simply a legend.” KASSIA TAYLOR KEN TAYLOR’S GRAND-DAUGHTER
ple turned out.
They praised him as someone with a brilliant mind, near photographic memory, who was “magically charming” and yet had a complete absence of self-importance.
Pat Taylor, a scientist and Ken’s wife of 55 years, called him her best friend, confidante and adviser.
“He took everyone at face value and made many friends,” Taylor said.
In a clear, strong voice, she described him as compassionate and caring, someone who felt badly for his oncologists because they had been unable to do more for him.
Other speakers offered humorous anecdotes of their long friendships, while Rev. Andrew Stirling, who presided over the service, recited Psalm 100, which is normally reserved for weddings but was fitting in its “joy and praise.”
Longtime diplomatic colleague Malcolm McKechnie said Taylor, who had also served in places such as Afghanistan, Guatemala, London and Detroit, seemed to know everyone.
He was a valuable, fun-loving mentor who had dignity and class, McKechnie said.
After leaving Iran, the Calgary-born Taylor moved to New York as Canada’s consul general.
He was later invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Son Douglas said his father lived for the moment and had no time for regrets.
“I miss you so much, it is heartbreaking,” Douglas said.
“But every time I think of you, I smile.”
After his death, American ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman hailed Taylor’s “valour and ingenuity” that earned him the Congressional Gold Medal.
Also attending the service were Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, former premiers Ernie Eves, Mike Harris and David Peterson, and Toronto Mayor John Tory.