bout de papier, Vol. 16, No. 1 (1999) — Spring 1999 // Printemps 1999, pp. 34–35
The following are excerpts from a eulogy by Jake Warren, retired Ambassador, at a Memorial Service for Saul Rae on Wednesday, January 13, 1999.
Saul was a dear friend, and a valued and admired colleague. A bigger-than-life human being whose outreach was extraordinary and whose work and presence touched so many, here and in other countries. Complementing the intelligence and charm of this man, to say nothing of his capacity through music to captivate and entertain, lay a deep commitment to Canada, its Foreign Service and notably, through the United Nations, the building of a more secure, more equitable and peaceful world. That commitment and belief were given particular expression in the mid-fifties when he served, successively, as Special Assistant to the SSEA, Mr. Pearson, as Head of the United Nations Division in External; again as our Permanent Representative to the UN at Geneva for four years in the sixties; and as Ambassador to the United Nations, New York 1972-1976. Within the UN framework of those years Saul put his shoulder to many wheels, not least when serving on the 1956 UN Disarmament Commission and later as Deputy Head, with General Burns, of the continuing Eighteen Nation Disarmament Conference in Geneva in the mid-sixties.
1955/56 saw Saul, a keen, cool and careful observer, the Alternate Delegate to the Vietnam Commission (Hanoi) and Advisor to the Canadian element of the Indochina International Supervisory Commission. Befitting a graduate of University College Toronto, the University of London and of Balliol College, Oxford, Saul Rae cherished the beauty of the English Language and defended its proper usage. In this he was a gifted, but not undemanding mentor. Vernon Turner, himself of meticulous mind, tells me that Saul was the only chief with whom he served whose corrections to his drafting were invariably improvements! (I fear Jake Warren has to be numbered amongst the “also rans”.)
But Saul’s peregrinations and preoccupations were not confined to these locales and priorities. I envy his first posting to London during World War II, then, under General Vanier, being accredited in Algiers in 1944 to the French Committee of National Liberation, leading to the reestablishment of the Canadian Embassy in Paris in 1946.
In was in London, from ’49 through ’51, where first I fell under the spell of the Raes. Their warm and joyous hospitality and his clear minded professionalism and diplomatic skills were important elements in the learning curve for this young officer and the enjoyment of my first posting abroad. In my mind’s eye I can still see Saul, the consummate and costumed Master of Ceremonies of the High Commission Christmas party, marshaling Frederic Hudd, the Official Secretary, (Santa Claus), and his two clowning reindeer (John Halstead and Jake Warren) to the delight of the multitude of moms and children present.
Saul was Minister at the Embassy in Washington for six years from ’56 to ’62 — a central focus of Canada’s diplomatic efforts because of the vast economic impact of the United States on Canada and because, as the leading NATO country, the US was critical to the prosecution of the Cold War. Ed Ritchie recalls Saul as a first-class colleague both in London and when, later, as Economic Minister, he was Saul’s opposite number in Washington. They and their families became the closest of friends. Had Ed’s physical shape permitted he would, of course, have been here today. That could not be, but Gwen is here to represent the family.
Embassies in Mexico and the Netherlands were also blessed with the Rae touch, including on the tennis courts; — the Hague being his last Head of Mission posting (1976-1979).
John has spoken of his father’s deep love, concern and pride in family. I would like to add a word about Lois whose central role as wife and mother was always, and remains, at the heart of the Rae relationships. Two points only – one that hers is one of the finest no-nonsense minds that I have ever known, male or female; secondly her person is illuminated with passion and compassion and with love-filled loyalty to Saul, not only through his recent more difficult times but for all their nearly sixty close and productive years together. We, your friends, share, Lois, your great sense of loss and in the time ahead we will be there to offer you some comfort and to help, as best we may, as you adjust to the absence of your brilliant star.
We wish his health had permitted him to continue for a longer period his contribution to Canada and its diplomacy. But alas that was not to be. We salute you Saul for what you so generously gave in your time to country, to international life, to family and to friends. If by chance you are still able to keep track (perhaps when the mists are rising off Big Rideau) we hope you will see that your legacy lives on, not just through your dear family but in all those you touched with your lively mind and giving spirit.
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Originally published in bout de papier, Vol. 16, No. 1 (1999) — Spring 1999 // Printemps 1999, pp. 34–35. Read the rest of this issue →
