Keith L. Wauchope, a career Foreign Service Officer, and Ambassador to Gabon, died October 10 ^th in his home in Lovettsville, VA. He was 79. Born in 1941 on the North Shore of Long Island, NY to George and Helen Wauchope. He attended the Boston Latin School and Johns Hopkins University (Class of 1963). Following graduation he went on to serve in Vietnam (1964-1965) as a Lieutenant in the 704 ^th Intelligence Division. After the death of his brother Douglas in Vietnam in 1965 he was given the opportunity to return home as he was the sole surviving son, but he instead returned to Vietnam to finish his tour. After his honorable discharge in 1965 he took the Foreign Service exam and started his career as a U.S. Diplomat.

As a Foreign Service Officer, he specialized in Program Directing and Strategic Planning. His first overseas assignment was in Hong Kong in 1966. He went on to serve in Chad, Eritrea, Mali, Liberia, and Gabon. As Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) in Liberia from 1986 - 1989, Mr. Wauchope managed a 9 agency US mission of 225 Americans and 1500 Liberians. As the US Ambassador to Gabonese Republic and to Sao Tome Principe he directed a multi agency US mission promoting US interests in Africa's richest per capita nation and was able to negotiate an agreement to bring a $30 million Voice of America Africa-wide transmitter facility on Sao Tome. Upon returning to the US in 1992 Keith worked as a Director to: the Performance Evaluation, Special Projects and the Grievance Board before his eventual retirement in 1998.

After retiring Keith dedicated himself to passion projects including volunteer work with the George C. Marshall center in Leesburg VA, the Dodona Manor, Loudoun County Caregivers, as well as various political candidates/campaigns he endorsed.

Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Linda. Keith is survived by his sister Anne Smith of Beaconsfield, Canada, his eldest son Ian A. D. Wauchope and his wife Teaya of Dover, NH and his son Colin P. K. Wauchope and his wife Jacque of Lovettsville, VA. Keith has 3 grandchildren in Camden (5); June (4); and Wolf (1). In his last years it was the time with his grandchildren that seemed to bring him the most joy.

He lived as full a life as one could ask and left a legacy of honesty and integrity that will not be forgotten. He is deeply loved by his family and will be missed.

In memory of Keith Wauchope, contributions may be made to DACOR Bacon House Foundation, 1801 F St., NW, Washington, DC 20006, or to the American Cancer Society.