John Hurd
John Gavin Hurd | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | September 6, 2001 (aged 87) |
| Occupation(s) | Cattle rancher, oil and gas producer, diplomat, fencer |
| Known for | United States ambassador to South Africa (1970–1975), 1936 Olympic fencer |
John Gavin Hurd (July 2, 1914 – September 6, 2001) was a cattle rancher and independent producer in the oil and gas sector who served as the United States ambassador to South Africa from 1970 to 1975 during the Nixon administration. Additionally, he was an Olympic fencer, competing in the 1936 Games.
Early life
While attending Harvard College, where his focus was Italian Renaissance history, Hurd led the fencing team as captain and took part in the men’s team foil competition at the 1936 Summer Olympics. He completed his undergraduate studies in 1934 and obtained a law degree from Harvard Law School three years later, in 1937.
Hurd began fencing after unsuccessful attempts to join the boxing and football squads.
During the Second World War, he served as a U.S. Navy surface warfare officer aboard destroyer escorts operating in the North Atlantic, receiving a Bronze Star for his service. Commissioned as an Ensign through ROTC in 1934, he entered active duty in 1941 and concluded his military career as a Commander in 1946.
Career
Prior to his naval service, Hurd practiced law in San Francisco with Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro and subsequently worked as in-house counsel for Standard Oil of California. Following World War II, he co-established Killam & Hurd, an independent oil and gas exploration and production firm headquartered in Laredo, Texas. In 1982, he launched Hurd Enterprises, Ltd. based in San Antonio, which also specialized in oil and gas exploration and production.
Active politically within Texas during the 1950s, Hurd served as a delegate at the Republican National Conventions of 1964 and 1968, held the position of Deputy State Chairman for the Texas Republican Party from 1967 to 1968, and chaired the Texas Nixon for President Committee in 1968. Although initially nominated as ambassador to Venezuela, that nomination was withdrawn prior to confirmation when he was appointed ambassador to South Africa instead.
Death
Hurd passed away at age 87 at his residence due to heart failure.