What Happened This Year 1923

Born in 1923

Eugenio Cruz Vargas

Chilean poet and painter
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
January 18th, 2014 11 years ago — 91 years old

Contributed significantly to Chilean literature and art. Published several volumes of poetry exploring themes of identity and existence. Engaged in visual arts, creating impactful paintings that reflected social issues. Actively participated in cultural discussions within Chile and beyond.

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Fahd of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian King and statesman
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
August 1st, 2005 20 years ago — 82 years old

Ascended to the throne in 1982, led Saudi Arabia through a significant period of modernization and economic growth. Implemented numerous social reforms and infrastructure projects. Oversaw the country's policies during the Gulf War in 1990-1991, contributing to the coalition that liberated Kuwait. Promoted the establishment of educational institutions and healthcare systems, enhancing the quality of life in the kingdom. Strengthened Saudi Arabia’s relations with the United States and other Western nations.

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James Durbin

Economist and statistician
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 2012 13 years ago — 89 years old

An English economist and statistician, contributed to economic theory and statistical methods. Durbin's work focused on time series analysis and economic forecasting. Developed the Durbin-Watson statistic, a test used in regression analysis for detecting autocorrelation. Held a position at the University of Manchester and was a leading figure in the field of econometrics.

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Morris

Cartoonist, creator of Lucky Luke
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
July 16th, 2001 24 years ago — 78 years old

Morris was a Belgian cartoonist who created the comic strip Lucky Luke, which debuted in 1946. The series follows the adventures of a cowboy who shoots faster than his shadow. Morris collaborated with writer René Goscinny for many of the Lucky Luke stories, contributing to the strip's humor and narrative style. The character became iconic in European comic culture and was adapted into animated series and films over the years. Morris received several awards for his work, cementing his place in the world of comics before passing away in 2001.

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Markus Wolf

German intelligence officer and spy chief
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
November 9th, 2006 19 years ago — 83 years old

Served as the head of the foreign intelligence service of East Germany from 1957 to 1986. Played a significant role in intelligence operations during the Cold War, overseeing espionage efforts against West Germany and other Western countries. After the reunification of Germany, became a public figure and commented on intelligence practices and history. Authored several books that detailed experiences in intelligence work and perspectives on East German espionage.

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Judith Merril

Science fiction writer and editor
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1997 28 years ago — 74 years old

A significant figure in science fiction, played a crucial role in shaping the genre through writing and editing. Contributed to anthologies and magazines, including The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Engaged in political activism and supported various social causes. Co-founded the feminist speculative fiction organization, the Speculative Literature Foundation.

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Thomas Keating

Trappist monk and Centering Prayer developer
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
October 25th, 2018 7 years ago — 95 years old

An American Trappist monk, served as the abbot of St. Joseph's Abbey in Massachusetts. Developed Centering Prayer, a method of contemplation rooted in Christian monasticism. Co-founded the Contemplative Outreach organization, promoting the teaching and practice of Centering Prayer. Authored several books on prayer and contemplation, contributing to the spiritual formation of many. Emphasized the integration of spirituality and psychological growth.

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Dennis Lindley

Statistician and academic in England
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
December 14th, 2013 12 years ago — 90 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of statistics, with a focus on Bayesian inference and decision theory. Worked as a professor and held various academic positions throughout a lengthy career. Published numerous influential papers and books, including works on the foundations of statistics and Bayesian methods. Advocated for the application of statistics in various fields, emphasizing its importance in decision-making processes.

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Irma Grese

Concentration camp guard during WWII
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1945 80 years ago — 22 years old

Worked as a guard at Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps during World War II. Grese joined the SS and was involved in the administration of the camps, characterized by harsh treatment of detainees. Captured by British troops in 1945, faced trial for war crimes, which resulted in a death sentence. Executed in December 1945.

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