Douglas Harkness

Canadian politician and defense minister

Douglas Harkness - Canadian politician and defense minister
Born

March 29th, 1903
122 years ago

Died

May 2nd, 1999
25 years ago — 96 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Canada

Links & References

Served as a Canadian colonel and held the position of Minister of National Defence. Contributed to defense policy during a pivotal period in Canadian military history. Engaged in politics for several years, focusing on national defense and security.

Served as Minister of National Defence from 1957 to 1963

Contributed to the development of Canada's defense strategy during the Cold War

Other People Born on March 29th

Bill Demong

American Olympic Nordic Combined skier
Born
March 29th, 1980 45 years ago

Competed in Nordic combined skiing, a sport that combines cross-country skiing and ski jumping. Achieved significant recognition by earning a gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, becoming the first American to win gold in this event. Throughout the career, participated in multiple World Cup seasons and secured several podium finishes, showcasing exceptional skills in both components of the sport.

Continue Reading

Sheila Kitzinger

Childbirth activist and author
Born
March 29th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 86 years old

An influential childbirth activist and author, focused on women's rights in maternity care. Published numerous books on childbirth and women's experiences, including 'The Childbirth Book' and 'Women as Mothers.' Engaged in discussions surrounding the medicalization of childbirth and advocated for women's autonomy in childbirth choices. Worked alongside various organizations to promote midwifery and respectful maternity care, contributing to the dialogue on women's rights in healthcare settings.

Continue Reading

William Walton

English composer and orchestral music creator
Born
March 29th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1983 42 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent English composer, played a significant role in 20th-century classical music. Created numerous orchestral works, including symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. Served as the composer for the 1947 film 'Henry V' which remains one of the landmark scores in cinema. Worked with notable orchestras and gained acclaim for choral works such as 'Belshazzar's Feast.'

Continue Reading

Jørgen Jørgensen

Danish explorer of Greenland
Born
March 29th, 1780 245 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1841 184 years ago — 60 years old

Embarked on significant exploratory missions to Greenland during the early 19th century. Jørgensen contributed to the mapping and understanding of Greenland's geography and natural resources. His expeditions provided valuable insights into the region's terrain, climate, and Inuit culture. Jørgensen's work in the Arctic demonstrated his commitment to exploration and knowledge acquisition, laying the groundwork for future studies and expeditions in Greenland.

Continue Reading

Hanumant Singh

Indian cricketer and Test player
Born
March 29th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 67 years old

Debuted in Test cricket in 1961 and played for India until 1963. Equipped with a solid batting technique, contributed significantly in matches against several international teams. Played for teams like Rajasthan and has a notable record in domestic cricket. Post-retirement, remained involved in cricket as a coach and commentator.

Continue Reading

Johann Karl August Musäus

German author of folk tales
Born
March 29th, 1735 290 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1787 237 years ago — 52 years old

A German author, Musäus contributed significantly to literature in the late 18th century. His collections of fairy tales and folk stories helped shape the genre in Germany. Musäus published works that combined narrative artistry with folk elements, and he often adapted stories from various cultures. His best-known work, "Volksmärchen der Deutschen" (Folk Tales of the Germans), includes a rich array of tales that highlight German folklore. The stories captivated audiences and influenced future writers of fairy tales.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 2nd

Joseph McCarthy

American politician and lawyer
Born
November 14th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1957 67 years ago — 48 years old

Served as a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin from 1947 to 1957. Gained prominence during the Red Scare for asserting that numerous communists were infiltrating the U.S. government and other institutions. His aggressive investigations and hearings, known as McCarthyism, were marked by accusations without proper evidence, leading to widespread fear and controversy. McCarthy faced opposition from various political figures and media. Eventually, the Senate conducted a censure against him in 1954, which significantly diminished his influence. Died on May 2, 1957.

Continue Reading

Wee Kim Wee

4th President of Singapore
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 2005 19 years ago — 90 years old

A journalist and politician held the office of the 4th President of Singapore from 1985 to 1993. Before presidency, served as a Member of Parliament and in various ministerial roles. Contributed to the establishment of the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre. Worked in the media sector and served as a chief editor, promoting understanding and dialogue within the community.

Continue Reading

Oliver Reed

English actor in 'Gladiator'
Born
February 13th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1999 25 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1938, an English actor gained recognition for a commanding screen presence and intense performances. Career spanned several decades, beginning in the late 1950s. Achievement includes a role in the Oscar-winning film 'Gladiator.' Also appeared in notable films such as 'The Curse of the Werewolf' and 'The Three Musketeers.' Worked in theater and television, showcasing versatility across different media. Reed's off-screen personality was as striking as his on-screen roles, contributing to a public image that blended charm with unpredictability.

Continue Reading

Giulio Natta

Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 26th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1979 45 years ago — 76 years old

An Italian chemist contributed significantly to the development of plastics and synthetic rubber. He served as a professor at the Polytechnic University of Milan. Research focused on stereospecific polymerization. Collaborated with Karl Ziegler, leading to advancements in polymer chemistry. Played a crucial role in the discovery of techniques for producing polypropylene and polyethylene.

Continue Reading

Charles Banks Wilson

Painter and illustrator of murals
Born
1918 107 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 2013 11 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent American painter and illustrator, this individual contributed significantly to the field of mural painting. His works often depicted historical themes and were commissioned by various institutions. Notably created murals for the Kansas Statehouse and completed numerous public and private commissions throughout the United States. The art style embodied a blend of realism and narrative, aiming to convey stories and events relevant to American history. In addition to painting, this individual was an educator, sharing knowledge and skills with students and aspiring artists across multiple institutions.

Continue Reading

José Gálvez Egúsquiza

Peruvian politician and constitutionalist
Born
1819 206 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1866 158 years ago — 47 years old

Served as a prominent politician in Peru during the 19th century. Advocated for constitutional reforms and played a key role in the political landscape of the country. Participated actively in the Liberal movement, promoting democratic ideals and civil liberties. Worked towards establishing a more equitable legal system in Peru. His political career ended prematurely with his death in 1866.

Continue Reading