Nicholas Rey, former US Ambassador to Poland, dies in Washington 15 January 2009
“It is with sadness that we report that Polish-born Nicholas Rey, who actively supported Poland’s transition to freedom and democracy after the fall of communism in 1989, and served as US Ambassador to Poland from 1993-1997, died of lung cancer in Washington on Tuesday night, January 13,” announced U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Victor Ashe. Rey was named Ambassador by former President Bill Clinton in recognition for his work in creating and leading the Polish-American Enterprise Fund, the forerunner to today’s Polish-American Freedom Foundation.
During his tenure, Poland was invited to join NATO and enjoyed strong growth of its economy and democratic institutions. Ambassador Ashe added that both Poland and America lost a dear friend. “As Ambassador, Nicholas Rey contributed greatly to strengthening the friendship and special relations that exist between our two countries,” said Ashe. “With his background, he symbolized that relationship in many ways. I am proud that I was able to know him and draw inspiration from him during my tenure as Ambassador. He and Lisa were personally most helpful to me and my wife Joan during my nomination process in the spring of 2004.”