Canadian who sheltered Americans in Iran dies

This Jan. 27, 1981 photo shows John Sheardown in Ottawa, Ontario. Sheardown, a former Canadian diplomat who hid fugitive American Embassy staffers during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, has died. / Chuck Mitchell,AP Photo/The Canadian Press

TORONTO John Sheardown, a former Canadian diplomat who hid fugitive American Embassy staffers during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, has died. He was 88.

His wife Zena said Saturday that Sheardown passed away in an Ottawa hospital on Dec. 30. She says he had been treated for Alzheimer's disease for the past four years but also suffered from other ailments.

Sheardown played a key role in the events depicted in Ben Affleck's Oscar-contender film "Argo," although he was not portrayed in the film because of time constraints.

Sheardown, the second-ranking diplomat in the Canadian Embassy in Tehran, housed four American Embassy employees in his home for more than 2 1/2 months during the hostage crisis. Two other American diplomats hid in the home of the Canadian ambassador, Ken Taylor, until their rescue by a fake film crew.

[LosAngelesCA]

Thank you for your help sir. Rest in peace. I send prayers to you and your family.

[crankyoleman]

This guy was a real unsung hero. RIP my friend.

[jolhoft1]

Thank you ever so much.....

[arspoetica]

RIP John. We would do it again in a flash. We have your back door up here and ready to assist anytime. We're proud yet humble to be called upon in times of need or sacrifice by our US cousins. Condolences to his family and friends.

[Mikep62]

God Bless Him...

[AustinRunner]

Thank you Mr. Sheardown and rest in peace :)

[pitai]

Peace to an Honorable man.

[joesapper]

Agreed , and his courage and compassion will be remembered . No Uniform for those in the Foreign Service , but they serve with Honour , as the fiber of their Nation stands for Freedom and Liberty to all founded in peace .