Warren Christopher, the former Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton, died on Friday because of bladder and kidney cancer complications, according to the Los Angeles Times. He was 85.
Christopher, an esteemed diplomat, was involved with Middle East peace talks and relations with China, among many other international issues. As Deputy Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter, he helped ensure the release of 52 American hostages in Iran.
Christopher taught an Honors Collegium class at UCLA, “International Flash Points,” which concentrated on hot spots such as North Korea, Colombia and Sudan.
“The course developed from conversations and emails that I exchanged with (then)Vice Provost Geoff Garrett and (then assistant provost of honors programs) Jennifer Wilson, and they encouraged me to do it,” Christopher said in a 2002 Daily Bruin article.
According to the L.A. Times, Christopher is survived by his second wife, the former Marie Wyllis; and their three children, Scott Thomas and Kristen. He is also survived by a daughter from his first marriage, Lynn Collins; and five grandchildren.