What Happened This Year 1931

Born in 1931

Alec Reid

Irish priest and peace activist
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 2013 11 years ago — 82 years old

Alec Reid served as a Catholic priest in Northern Ireland and played a significant role in peace initiatives during the Troubles. He was involved in secret negotiations between the Irish Republican Army and the British government aimed at achieving a lasting peace. His efforts were crucial in fostering dialogue and understanding among various factions. Reid utilized his position within the church to advocate for reconciliation and social justice. He also worked on numerous community projects aimed at healing divisions in society caused by decades of conflict.

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Tingye Li

Physicist and engineer specializing in optics
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
December 27th, 2012 12 years ago — 81 years old

Tingye Li contributed extensively to the fields of optics and photonics. His research focused on advanced optical technologies. He published numerous papers and held multiple patents related to optical systems. Li served as a professor at several prestigious institutions, advancing the education of future engineers and physicists. His efforts in academia and industry led to significant advancements in optical devices.

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Alena Vrzáňová

Czech figure skater and Olympic medalist
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
July 30th, 2015 9 years ago — 84 years old

Competed in figure skating and achieved significant success in the early 1950s. Won a bronze medal at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo. Secured multiple titles at the World Championships and European Championships during her career, establishing a reputation in the sport. After turning professional, focused on performances and exhibitions, becoming a celebrated figure in the figure skating community until her later years.

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Noel McGregor

New Zealand cricketer and Test player
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
November 21st, 2007 17 years ago — 76 years old

Played cricket for New Zealand from 1955 to 1963, participating in 15 Test matches. Contributed as a right-handed batsman and a medium pace bowler. After retiring, became involved in cricket administration and coaching. Recognized for contributions to the sport at the domestic level.

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Cemal Süreya

Turkish poet and journalist
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1990 35 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent Turkish poet and journalist, contributions included literary works that explored themes of love, philosophy, and social issues. Involved in leftist politics, published critiques of the government, and played a significant role in modern Turkish literature. His poetry collections, such as 'Göçtü Gitti' and 'Yeniden', established a unique voice in contemporary poetry.

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Marisa Del Frate

Italian actress and singer, La Tempesta
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2015 10 years ago — 84 years old

An Italian actress and singer, rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s. Gained recognition for performances in Italian films and television series. Starred in productions including 'La Tempesta' and 'L'Assassino'. Worked extensively in both film and music, contributing to the cultural landscape of Italy during her career. Passed away in 2015.

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P. J. Kavanagh

Poet and author, published works
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
August 26th, 2015 9 years ago — 84 years old

Born in England, P. J. Kavanagh became an influential poet and author over the course of his literary career. His poetry often drew on personal experiences and themes of memory and loss. Kavanagh's works included collections such as 'The Perfect Stranger' and 'The Green Fool', showcasing a distinctive voice in contemporary poetry. In addition to poetry, he also wrote extensively in prose. Kavanagh's achievements extended to his work as a literary editor and his contribution to various anthologies, enriching the landscape of English literature.

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Makoto Ōoka

Japanese poet and literary critic
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
April 5th, 2017 7 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent figure in Japanese literature, contributed significantly to poetry and literary criticism. Ōoka published numerous collections of poetry that explored themes of nature, human emotion, and societal change. Worked as a literary critic, offering insightful analysis of contemporary literature and poetry. Served as a professor at several universities, influencing a generation of writers and scholars. His literary works are part of academic discussions on Japanese poetry.

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Sukhdev Singh Kang

Indian politician and judge, Governor
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
October 12th, 2012 12 years ago — 81 years old

Served as a judge before entering politics. Held the position of 14th Governor of Kerala from 2004 to 2006. Contributed to various legal reforms and governance initiatives during tenure. Engaged in activities aimed at improving the legal and educational frameworks within the state.

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