Iran: John Sheardown

Iran Dept: John Sheardown, 88, and his wife Zena provided shelter to American escapees during the Canadian Caper, while John was serving as the chief immigration officer in Iran, according to The Star. Zena was with him in Iran when six Americans escaped the embassy as it was overrun by Iranians, mostly radical students, Nov. 4, 1979. They found their way to then Canadian ambassador Ken Taylor, who enlisted the couple to shelter the escapees. They kept them hidden for months, through both Thanksgiving and Christmas and the former Canadian consular official who helped six Americans escape Iran during the hostage crisis died in hospital Sunday night. John was a very dedicated servant of Canada, said Zena on Monday. She praised his sense of humour and calm demeanour. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.