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HERBERT OKUN Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for HERBERT OKUN
Lauren Lawrence
October 27, 2018
Ambassador Okun, it was an honor to have met you at a book party at Arthur Loeb's Madison Avenue Bookshop. I was spellbound by your recollection of having translated into Russian President Kennedy's letter to Premier Kruschev and Kruschev's response from Russian into English on that snowy night at the Kremlin, feeling the weight of the world on your young shoulders, worried about your translations and the impact they would have on the world during the Cuban Missile Crisis while you stared from your balcony at Red Square. Thank you for sharing that memory. I have to think your translation was perfect in every way and helped our two countries avoid war. Thank you for your service to this country.
May you Rest In Peace in the light.
Lauren Lawrence
November 28, 2011
Dear Enid and Family
We were greatly saddened to hear of Herb's death. He was an extraordinary man and we enjoyed his company.
Holding you all in the light
Andrew, Camilla and Sarah, and everyone at the Quaker UN Office
November 23, 2011
Our Deepest Condolence to the entire Okun family. Herbert Okun was the most distinguished man, and a true gentleman. It was an honor to have known him.
The Generoso Family
November 17, 2011
In addition to his key work at the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal in The Hague, Ambassador Okun was active in the attempt to propose a Yugoslav peace plan that would stop the fighting at an earlier date, framed as the Vance-Owen Plan. At the outbreak of the war, he went with former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance to the bombed -out city of Vukovar in Eastern Slavonia to investigate the massacre of Croat hospital patients, and the two men were nearly killed when their car stopped just short of a bomb trigger strung across the road by Serb forces. Ambassador Okun also served as the United Nations mediator in the dispute between Greece and the newly formed "former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" -- to try to solve the issues of the name, boundaries, flag, and constitution of the new Macedonian state and quell any conflict with Greece. For 17 years, he taught U.N. politics and the techniques of peacemaking to hundreds of students at the Yale Law School and the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington D.C. His historical insight, his attention to the language of law and diplomacy, and his healthy mixture of realism and high purpose made him a wonderful teacher and colleague, and of course, a perfect partner for his distinguished wife, Dr. Enid Schoettle. It was an honor and joy to teach with him at both institutions.
Ruth Wedgwood, Burling professor of international law and diplomacy, Johns Hopkins SAIS
November 13, 2011
Dear Enid:
Ellie and I were so saddened to read of Herb's death. He was a valued Foriegn Service colleage, and we were pleased to maintain our friendship in New York and in Maine.
Carroll and Ellie Brown
November 11, 2011
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Bob and Joan Hennemeyer
November 11, 2011
A fond farewell to an old and dear friend and colleague. We will miss you.
November 10, 2011
Dear Enid, all of us at Stimson send our heartfelt condolences. You are in our thoughts at this sad time. love, Ellen
November 10, 2011
To my dear first cousin who would play stoop ball with me in Brooklyn. A true gentleman who met me in Washington, DC for drinks and took me to dinner. A loving family member.
Fran Wilensky
selma schefman
November 10, 2011
My dearly beloved brother who will always be missed and who brigtened all the days of our lives. Selma Okun Schefman
ilene schefman
November 10, 2011
Once I was afraid of you, then I thought you were funny, and then i just loved you very much. We'll miss you very much. Love, ilene
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