CHARLES W. MCCASKILL, SR.
1923 - 2005
We are deeply saddened at the passing on August 13, 2005 of Charles W.
McCaskill, Sr., a distinguished retired foreign officer and friend who
served in Thessaloniki Greece, 1957 – 60, in Cyprus, 1960 – 64, and as
the Cyprus Desk officer at the Department of State, 1965 – 67. His last
overseas posting was in Athens, Greece, 1978 – 82. He joined the Foreign
Service in 1947 and was the first Greek language trainee in the State
Department. He also served in Tehran, Iran, in Bombay, India and was
Consul General in Madras, India. He and Ambassador Taylor G. Belcher
served together in Cyprus in the early years of Cypriot independence in
the 1960’s.
“Charlie” McCaskill was noted for his understanding of Cyprus, its
people, culture, and civilization. As an American diplomat he displayed
unique sensitivity about the political dynamics that affected Greece and
Cyprus. Even after his retirement from the Foreign Service, he never lost
interest in the two countries he came to know so well.
His contribution in the discussion of American policy toward Greece and
Cyprus showed the clarity of his thinking and the honesty of his opinions,
even as his health declined. “Charlie” honored us with his
participation in conferences on U.S. policy towards Greece and Cyprus. The
American Hellenic Institute volume The United States and Cyprus – Double
Standards and the Rule of Law includes two insightful papers on Greece and
Cyprus. His first paper titled: “U.S.- Greek Relations and the Problems
of the Aegean and Cyprus” was delivered on April 29, 1988. His second
paper titled: “Cyprus – Twenty-Five Years Later: A Diplomat Looks
Back,” was delivered on January 28, 1989. Both papers are pertinent
today and should be required reading for persons involved or interested in
U.S. – Greece and U.S. – Cyprus relations.
He will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him for so many years. We
extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Jacqueline and family – Charles
W. McCaskill Jr., and his wife, Norma, Stephen H. McCaskill and his wife,
Holly and grandson, Jared W. McCaskill. Eternal be his memory.
