“May He Rest in Peace”: WBC President Joins Barack Obama and Bill Clinton in Mourning Saddening Demise of the ‘Indiana Jones’ of US Diplomacy at Age 75

The former Governor of New Mexico, Mr. Bill Richardson, is no more. He was 75 and reportedly died in his sleep in Chatham, Massachusetts. For his head-on interactions with some authoritarian regimes such as those of Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro, and Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, Mr. Richardson was often hailed as the ‘Indiana Jones’ of United States diplomacy. Mournful, grief-stricken condolences soon started pouring in from across the corners. Among the former presidents and other luminaries, the World Boxing Council (WBC) President also joined in with his heartfelt message.

Taking to his X, formerly the Twitter account, Mauricio Sulaiman Saldivar mentioned that Mr. Bill Richardson was a big-time boxing enthusiast. Since he used to visit Las Vegas to watch fights, Sulaiman frequently had the opportunity to meet him.

Bill Richardson: A great American

So Mauricio Sulaiman’s condolence message read, “We are sorry to learn of the passing away of former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson. I had the pleasure to meet him as he was a huge boxing fan and was often at the fights in Las Vegas. May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal.”

Then former President Mr. Bill Clinton appreciated Mr. Richardson’s contributions as a public servant and diplomat. He said, “Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Governor Bill Richardson, a devoted public servant and skilled diplomat whose career improved countless lives in New Mexico, across America, and around the world.”

Mr. Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, hailed Mr. Richardson as an indefatigable diplomat who gave hope and liberty to Americans held in foreign prisons. So, thanking the former New Mexico Governor for his timely advice and support throughout the years, Mr. Obama mentioned that he and his wife, Michelle, were eternally grateful.

Then, former Vice President Mr. Al Gore, saddened by losing a close friend, also lauded Mr. Bill Richardson as a fierce defender of people wrongfully detained abroad.

Finally, the incumbent President, Mr. Joe Biden, praised Mr. Richardson for his efforts to rescue Americans jailed in other countries. Additionally, he made the most of every opportunity to play a vital role in the administration. “He’d meet with anyone, fly anywhere, do whatever it took. The multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations he received are a testament to his ceaseless pursuit of freedom for Americans.” Said Mr. Biden.

A life in service of others

Born William Blaine Richardson III on November 15, 1947, in Pasadena, California, Mr. Bill Richardson reportedly died on September 1. During the Bill Clinton administration, he first served as the Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations and later became the nation’s Energy Secretary. But before assuming those offices, he served as northern New Mexico’s Congressman for fourteen years in the House of Representatives.

Apart from being an avid boxing observer, Mr. Bill Richardson, as a Massachusetts resident, became closely associated with the local Cape Cod Baseball League. He also voiced strong support for the Chatham-based Eldredge Public Library. But the undertaking that brought him lifelong acclaim and recognition remained saving Americans held unfairly in a foreign land.

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In this moment of sorrow, we request that you share your thoughts and views regarding the departed soul in the comments below.

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