Gordon Robert Beyer, 79, died at home in Peterborough, New Hampshire, on June 4, 2010.

Ambassador Beyer was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 13, 1930, the son of Jewel Gordon and Hugo R. Beyer.

He was a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy '48, and Harvard College '52 and earned his master's degree in history from Northwestern University.

He was a Marine veteran of the Korean Conflict.

He served as a diplomat in the Foreign Service for 28 years, being posted to Thailand, Japan, Somalia, Tanzania, the United Nations in New York, and Uganda, where he was appointed Ambassador. He served as Deputy Commandant of the National War College for 2 years and as President of the George C. Marshall Foundation, Lexington, VA, for 6 years.

He was a member of the English-Speaking Union, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Cosmos Club and the Fortnightly Club. He was chairman of the Rockbridge County, Virginia Democratic Party.

He wrote a monthly article for the Rockbridge Weekly on foreign affairs.

His interests included sailing, raising grapes for wine, and flying small airplanes.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Winsor Beyer; his daughter, Theresa Beyer of New Rochelle, New York; two sons, Hugh R. Beyer of Peterborough, New Hampshire, and Thomas P. Beyer of Gloucester, Massachusetts; his brother, Richard A. Beyer of Evanston, Illinois; and 8 grandchildren; a daughter, Helen Winsor Beyer; a brother, Frederick Beyer; and a grandchild, John Thomas Vann Beyer, died earlier.

A private celebration of his life will be scheduled for a later time. Memorial gifts may be sent to Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services at P. O. Box 564, 312 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH 03431 or the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.