Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: July 1, 1980
• Invested on: July 25, 1980

Born in Calgary, he joined the Trade Commissioners Service in 1959 and rose to be its General Director. In 1977, he was appointed Canadian Ambassador to Tehran. During the Iranian Revolution he organized the evacuation of Canadians from the country and during the hostage crisis unhesitatingly agreed to give refuge to the six American "house guests" after their embassy had been seized by militants. He participated in developing and executing the plan by which these Americans, who were under his care, made their escape on 28 January 1980, as well as organizing the withdrawal of the remaining Canadian Embassy staff. The performance of these tasks with initiative, calm and judgement has brought much credit to Canada and earned him widespread gratitude.