U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday mourned the death of former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Stephen Bosworth, calling him "a legend" and "one of our nation's most capable and admired diplomats."

Bosworth, a career diplomat who also served as special representative for North Korea policy and ambassador to the Philippines and Tunisia, died at his home in Boston on Sunday after suffering from prostate cancer.

"From his tireless efforts as special representative for North Korea policy to his distinguished service in countries such as the Republic of Korea, the Philippines and Tunisia, Steve served our country with great distinction," Kerry said in a statement.

Kerry said he had known Bosworth since the mid-1980s, when he was a young senator and Bosworth a young diplomat trying to restore democracy in the Philippines.

"Steve's unique brand of diplomacy blended the gravitas of a statesman and the timing of a comedian. He was an unfailingly genuine and nice person, a straight-forward man who was quick with a kind comment or a self-deprecating joke," Kerry said.

"One of our nation's most capable and admired diplomats, Ambassador Bosworth is a legend" and was "beloved by all" in the State Department, he said. "I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and friends." (Yonhap)