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Richard Morefield Obituary
Richard, a career diplomat, became well known during the 14 months he was held as a hostage in Iran. At the time he was the Consul General at the U.S. Embassy in Teheran.
Born in California, he graduated from the University of San Francisco and spent two years in the Army before returning to graduate school at the University of California Berkeley. He was appointed to the U.S. Foreign Service in 1956 and spent the next fifty years working for the U.S. Department of State. Along with Iran, Richard served as a diplomat in Barranquilla, Colombia; Oslo, Norway; Montevideo, Uruguay; Guadalajara and Mexico City, Mexico; and Bogota, Colombia along with assignments in Washington DC. He retired to Cary, NC in 2007.
Richard Morefield is survived by Dorothea, his wife of 55 years; five children, Elizabeth, Daniel, William, Steven and Kenneth.
He was preceded in death by his son Richard Morefield, Jr.
Funeral service will be held in Northern Virginia.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Morefield
6 Entries
John Moss
October 18, 2010
Dotty -- The members of the Stanford Sloan Program Class of 1974 send their heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We all remember Dick well and fondly, even though we haven't been in touch much in recent years. In many ways Dick was our hero, having survived those 444 days, providing leadership and guidance to all the Embassy staff members. This coming weekend is our 36th Reunion at Stanford and we'll be thinking of you.
Sloan Class of 1974
Margaret Prochaska-Coplin
October 15, 2010
Betsy and family, it was a shock to hear of your father's passing. My parents worked in Iran from late 1977 until just before the overthrow. They got out about the same time your brave father entered the country. I remember the fear my mom experienced while my dad worked in Tehran. Your dad knew he was risking his life yet he did his best for his country. We are forever grateful.
Marge
October 15, 2010
Dottie - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Of all the people we have met over the years in the Foreign Service, Dick was one our favorites. As RSO in Bogota, Dick stopped by the office, almost daily, just to chit chat. I always enjoyed his company and have fond memories of the discussions we would have. His bravery in the face of adversity in Tehran, is something we will always remember. Farewell to a great guy.
October 15, 2010
Condolences from the Andrews family - we lived near you in Annandale, VA in the early 1970's. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
October 14, 2010
Hello i am doin a history fair project for high school and while looking for a topic, I spotted the Iran Hostage Crisis and looked it up to see what it was. I soon took interest upon it and decided to do my history fair project on it. After I read about it,I read the list of hostages and noticed one recently passed away. I am very sorry about Richard Morefield's death and I hope the best to his family, friends, and anyone who has met this brave man.
April Camillo
October 14, 2010
Dear Morefield family, it was an honor & a pleasure to take care of such an amazing man. Your entire family is wonderful. You all were so strong & brave, & you honored Mr. Morefield in such an admirable way. I wish you all the best & know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. God bless you all. Love, April C. RN
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