Eiji Sawamura
Japanese baseball player and soldier
Born in 1917, a professional baseball pitcher played for the Tokyo Kyojin in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league. Achieved significant recognition for exceptional talent on the mound, showcasing impressive fastball velocity and control. Sawamura's career, however, was interrupted by military service during World War II, leading to his early retirement from baseball. He is remembered for his contributions to Japan's sport despite his life being cut short.
Played for the Tokyo Kyojin
Pioneered modern pitching in Japan
Other People Born on February 1st
Ben Weider
Bodybuilding pioneer and businessman
Born
February 1st, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 85 years old
Co-founded the International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness, contributing to the promotion and standardization of bodybuilding as a competitive sport. Instrumental in the establishment of various contests including the Mr. Olympia competition. Weider built a successful business centered on fitness and bodybuilding products, influencing the fitness industry significantly. His efforts in bodybuilding advocacy fostered global interest and participation in fitness culture.
Continue ReadingAndrew Breitbart
Journalist and publisher, Breitbart News
Born
February 1st, 1969 56 years ago
Died
March 1st, 2012 13 years ago — 43 years old
Operated as a journalist, author, and publisher. Played a significant role in the rise of conservative media through the founding of Breitbart News. Engaged in commentary on American politics and society, often advocating for right-leaning perspectives. Authored several books including 'Righteous Indignation' and 'Hollywood Smear'. Oversaw tactics in political coverage that contributed to the visibility of the Tea Party movement.
Continue ReadingFrank Buckles
American soldier and World War I veteran
Born
February 1st, 1901 124 years ago
Died
February 27th, 2011 14 years ago — 110 years old
Enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 16 during World War I. Served as an ambulance driver with the 1st Fort Riley Casual Detachment. Participated in battles including the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Completed military service in 1919, becoming the last recognized American veteran of World War I. Advocated for veterans' issues later in life. Served in World War II as a civilian director of a shipyard in the Pacific. Passed away in 2011, leaving a legacy as a link to a pivotal time in history.
Continue ReadingVladimir Dimitrov
Bulgarian painter and muralist
Born
February 1st, 1882 143 years ago
Died
September 29th, 1960 65 years ago — 78 years old
Born in Bulgaria in 1882, this artist gained recognition for contributions to the world of painting, specifically focusing on vibrant and emotive depictions of Bulgarian rural life and folklore. The education included studies in Sofia and Paris, where exposure to various artistic movements influenced the style. Works often integrated elements of national identity and historical themes, garnering acclaim throughout the 20th century. The artistic career included creating murals for public buildings and private collections. The involvement in various exhibitions helped establish a prominent presence in the Bulgarian art scene, leading to a retrospective in 1939. Later years saw a continuation of the artistic legacy, with works still celebrated for their unique blend of realism and tradition.
Continue ReadingEkaterina Maximova
Ballerina and choreographer from Russia
Born
February 1st, 1939 86 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2009 16 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent ballerina and choreographer, she achieved acclaim for performances with the Bolshoi Ballet. She trained at the Moscow Choreographic School and joined the Bolshoi in 1956. Her repertoire included various classical and contemporary pieces. Participation in international ballet competitions garnered recognition. Contributions to ballet as a choreographer expanded the art form, bringing innovative interpretations to classic works. Her work with famed choreographers enriched ballet's evolution.
Continue ReadingMuriel Spark
Scottish novelist of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Born
February 1st, 1918 107 years ago
Died
April 13th, 2006 19 years ago — 88 years old
A significant figure in 20th-century literature, Spark produced a body of work that includes novels, short stories, and essays. The most acclaimed novel, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, explores themes of influence and betrayal in a girls' school setting in Edinburgh. Other notable works include Memento Mori and The Ballad of Peckham Rye. Spark's distinctive writing style often combined wit with deep psychological insight. Her contributions to literature were recognized with numerous awards, including the Booker Prize for lifetime achievement. Spark's literary career began in the early 1950s and continued until her death in 2006.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 2nd
Henry Molaison
Medical patient in memory research
Born
February 26th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2008 17 years ago — 82 years old
Underwent brain surgery in 1953 to treat severe epilepsy, resulting in the removal of portions of the hippocampus. This procedure led to profound amnesia, rendering an inability to form new memories while preserving older ones. The case provided critical insights into the human memory system and served as a foundation for extensive research in neuroscience. His condition was studied by notable psychologists and neurologists, influencing theories related to memory function and brain structure.
Continue ReadingMarcelo Déda
Brazilian politician and attorney
Born
1960 65 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2013 12 years ago — 53 years old
Served as the Governor of Sergipe from 2007 to 2013. Worked as a lawyer prior to entering politics, gaining recognition for contributions to public policy. Was a member of the Workers' Party and participated actively in local and national politics. Also held position as mayor of Aracaju, the state capital of Sergipe, during the late 1990s.
Continue ReadingWilliam P. Lawrence
American admiral and fighter pilot
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2005 20 years ago — 75 years old
A United States Navy admiral and fighter pilot with a distinguished career spanning several decades. Served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Graduated from the United States Naval Academy and was awarded multiple commendations for bravery and service. Contributed to military aviation advancements and held key leadership positions within the Navy, including the role of Commander of the Naval Air Force in the Pacific. Retired in the 1970s and continued to serve in various capacities related to naval aviation.
Continue ReadingWilliam Allain
American lawyer and politician, Governor
Born
February 14th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2013 12 years ago — 85 years old
Served as the 58th Governor of Mississippi from 1984 to 1988. Before the governorship, held various political positions, including serving in the Mississippi House of Representatives and as a state senator. Advocated for education reforms and economic development initiatives during the tenure as governor. After leaving office, contributed to state political and legal affairs.
Continue ReadingEhsan Naraghi
Iranian sociologist and author
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2012 13 years ago — 86 years old
Contributed significantly to sociological studies in Iran, focusing on societal issues and cultural dynamics. Authored several influential books that explored Iranian society, culture, and politics. Highlighted the importance of sociology in understanding the complexities of Iranian identity. Engaged in academic discussions regarding the impacts of political events on social structures and individuals.
Continue ReadingEdward Samuel Rogers
Canadian businessman and media executive
Born
May 27th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2008 17 years ago — 75 years old
Founded Rogers Communications Inc., a major telecommunications company in Canada. Played a pivotal role in the development of cable television and wireless communication in the country. Oversaw the expansion of media services, including radio, television, and internet access. His leadership established Rogers as a leader in the Canadian telecom market.
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