Hugh Douglas Barclay (July 5, 1932 – March 14, 2021) was an American politician, diplomat, and attorney from the state of New York. He was a member of the New York State Senate from 1965 to 1984.[1] Barclay also served as the United States ambassador to El Salvador from 2003 to 2007.[2]
Early life and education
The son of Brig. Gen. Hugh Barclay[3] and Dorothy Moody Barclay,[4] Barclay was born on July 5, 1932 in New York City and moved to Pulaski, Oswego County, New York. He attended Pulaski Academy and Central Schools and later attended St. Paul's School. Barclay earned a B.A. from Yale University in 1955 and went on to serve in the United States Army for two years. He then received a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law in 1961.[5]
Career
From 1961 until 2003, Barclay served as a partner at the upstate New York law firm of Hiscock & Barclay, a law firm specializing in banking and administrative law.[citation needed]
Barclay's appointment as Ambassador to El Salvador by George W. Bush was announced August 21, 2003, and the nomination was sent to the Senate for confirmation on September 15. The Senate confirmed the nomination on October 3. He was sworn in as ambassador on November 12, and presented his credentials to El Salvador's president, Francisco Flores, on December 18. He completed his tour as ambassador in January 2007.[citation needed]
Being sworn in as ambassador by Deputy Sec. of State Richard Armitage as his wife Dee Dee looks on. November 12, 2003.
Barclay was an influential leader at Syracuse University.[6][7] He served as an SU Trustee from 1979 until 2007, and was the chair of the board from 1992 to 1998.[11] He was also a member of the College of Law Advisory Board.[citation needed] In 1984, he received the George Arents Award Pioneer Medal, Syracuse university's highest alumni honor, for Excellence in Law and Public Service.[12] In 1985, the law library at the Syracuse University College of Law was named in his honor.[13][14][15] He also received an honorary degree from SU in 1998.[7]
Barclay was married to Sara J. "Dee Dee" Seiter for 61 years.[4] The Barclays had five children, including Assemblyman Will Barclay (born 1969).[17][18]
Barclay died on March 14, 2021 at the age of 88.[17]
