What Happened This Year 1931

Born in 1931

John T. Houghton

Welsh physicist and climate scientist
Born
December 30th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent physicist involved in climate research. Played a key role in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as co-chair of Working Group I. Authored multiple pivotal scientific reports that evaluated the state of climate change and its impacts. Contributed significantly to raising awareness about the science of climate change and advocated for policy measures to address it. Wrote various publications including 'Global Warming: The Complete Briefing', providing insights into climate science and policy.

Continue Reading

David Hartman

Rabbi and philosopher, Shalom Hartman Institute
Born
May 19th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
February 10th, 2013 12 years ago — 77 years old

An American-Israeli rabbi and philosopher, contributed significantly to Jewish thought and education. Founded the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, which has played a vital role in Jewish scholarship and community engagement. Advocated for pluralism in Judaism and engaged in interfaith dialogue, promoting understanding between different religions. Authored several books on Jewish philosophy and theology, influencing both scholars and laypeople.

Continue Reading

Alex Webster

American football player and coach
Born
October 25th, 1969 55 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 2012 13 years ago — 42 years old

Played as a fullback in the National Football League for the New York Giants from 1955 to 1964. After retirement, transitioned to coaching, serving as head coach for the Giants from 1973 to 1974. Led the team to notable performances during his coaching tenure. Inducted into the New York Giants Ring of Honor, recognizing contributions to the franchise.

Continue Reading

Jazeh Tabatabai

Iranian painter and sculptor
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2008 17 years ago — 77 years old

An Iranian artist contributed to modern art through painting, sculpture, and poetry. He studied painting at the fine arts faculty of the University of Tehran. His works reflected Iranian culture and heritage, often incorporating traditional motifs and techniques. In the 1960s, he became prominent in the contemporary art scene and was involved in several exhibitions. The artist moved to Paris in the 1970s, where he engaged with a wider artistic community. He returned to Iran after the Revolution and continued to work until his death in 2008. His artistic legacy remains influential in Iranian art.

Continue Reading

Cyril Wecht

Forensic pathologist and expert witness
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
May 13th, 2024 0 years ago — 93 years old

A forensic pathologist served in multiple high-profile cases and provided expertise in over 40,000 autopsies. Contributed to various notable legal cases, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the death of Elvis Presley. Held academic positions, including as a professor and established a career as a medical consultant for law enforcement agencies. Authored numerous publications on forensic pathology and offered services as an expert witness in court, often testifying in complex legal matters.

Continue Reading

Padma Desai

Development economist and author
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
April 29th, 2023 1 years ago — 92 years old

An Indian-American development economist, contributed to the fields of economic policy and development strategy. Served as a professor at Columbia University. Research focused on India's economy and transitioned to closely studying Russian economic reforms during the post-Soviet period. Authored several books and articles on economic issues, emphasizing the interplay between market economies and social structures.

Continue Reading

Maxwell R. Thurman

American general and military leader
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1995 29 years ago — 64 years old

A general in the United States Army, played a pivotal role in the modernization of the Army through various leadership positions. Served as the commanding general of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Contributed significantly to military operations during the Cold War and was instrumental in the development of military strategies and tactics. Provided leadership in the Gulf War and held various senior military roles throughout his career. Retired as a four-star general, representing a notable figure in the U.S. military history until passing in 1995.

Continue Reading

Yao Wenyuan

Chinese politician and writer
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 2005 19 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent figure in the Chinese Cultural Revolution, held a key role as a member of the Gang of Four. Worked as a political theorist and author, significantly contributing to revolutionary literature. Played a part in formulating cultural policies and critiquing artistic expressions. After the fall of the Gang of Four, faced arrest and was later convicted of counter-revolutionary activities.

Continue Reading

Gene Fullmer

Professional boxer, middleweight champion
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
April 27th, 2015 9 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent middleweight boxer, achieved acclaim through a successful career spanning from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s. Claimed the world middleweight title in 1957, defended it multiple times. Notable for the rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson, which included two major bouts. Retired from professional boxing in 1963, achieving a significant record. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991, recognizing contributions to the sport.

Continue Reading