Richard Boucher, a long-time spokesman for the State Department and former assistant secretary of state for public affairs, has passed away at the age of 73. He lost his battle with cancer in a Virginia hospital, according to close sources. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Boucher was the prominent face of U.S. foreign policy, representing different administrations starting from George H.W. Bush to George W. Bush. He notably worked as the spokesperson for secretaries of state such as James Baker, Madeleine Albright, Colin Powell, and Condoleezza Rice.
Boucher had a diverse career that included stints in the Peace Corps in Africa and Asia, as well as serving as the U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong during the historic handover of the territory from Britain to China in 1997. His diplomatic skills were instrumental in resolving the U.S.-China spy plane crisis in 2001. His experience and expertise made him a key figure in shaping American foreign policy and handling sensitive international matters.
His passing is a loss not only for his family and friends but also for the diplomatic community. Boucher’s contributions to U.S. foreign relations and his dedication to public service have left a lasting impact. He will be remembered for his professionalism, integrity, and tireless commitment to promoting America’s interests on the global stage.
After leaving the spokesman’s job, Boucher became assistant secretary of state for state for South and Central Asia and was then ambassador to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Retired veteran CBS journalist Charles Wolfson, who worked with Boucher for years, lauded him as an effective State Department spokesman but also a valued professional colleague and friend.
“He was a superb diplomat, an excellent spokesman and an even better human being,” Wolfson said.
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