John Sheardown, player in Iranian hostage crisis, dead at 88

John Sheardown is shown in Ottawa, Jan. 27, 1981. Sheardown, who helped six American diplomats escape from Iran in 1980, died in hospital on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. He was 88 years old. (Chuck Mitchell / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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The Canadian Press
Published Friday, January 4, 2013 9:24PM EST

OTTAWA, Ont. - John Sheardown, a former Canadian diplomat who played a key role in rescuing six American hostages from Iran in the 1970's has died. He was 88.

An obituary posted on the website of an Ottawa funeral home says Sheardown passed away in hospital on Dec. 30.

Sheardown is best known for his role in the so-called Canadian Caper, which saw officials at the Canadian embassy give shelter to six Americans who escaped capture when their embassy was overrun in 1979.

While working as the First Secretary at the Canadian Embassy, Sheardown housed some of the escapees at his home and ultimately helped orchestrate their safe return to the U.S.

Sheardown was made a Member of the Order of Canada for his role in the rescue.

Aside from his 27-year diplomatic career, Sheardown also served four years in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War and six years in the Canadian Armed Forces.