What Happened This Year 1968

People Who Died in 1968

K. Kanapathypillai

Sri Lankan author and academic
Born
July 2nd, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 66 years old

Contributions to literature and academia defined a career. Writings encompassed Tamil literature and cultural studies, with emphasis on the Tamil diaspora. Served as a professor and influenced numerous students through academic pursuits. Engaged in literary and scholarly activities that enriched understanding of Tamil identity and heritage.

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Walter Robins

English cricketer and footballer
Born
June 3rd, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 62 years old

Played professional cricket and football during the early 20th century. Achieved recognition as a cricketer with several appearances for Sussex between 1927 and 1938. In football, played as a forward for various clubs including Portsmouth and Brighton & Hove Albion, contributing to their successes in the Football League.

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Giovanni Messe

Italian field marshal and politician
Born
December 10th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1883, this individual served as a prominent field marshal in the Italian Army during World War II. His military career included key roles in various campaigns, particularly in North Africa and Russia. After the war, he transitioned into politics, representing the National Republican Party. His influence extended through military strategy and political leadership in post-war Italy.

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Dorothy Garrod

British archaeologist and excavator in Palestine
Born
May 5th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 76 years old

A leading figure in archaeology, contributions focused on the Paleolithic period and early human cultures. Conducted significant excavations at Mount Carmel in Israel, uncovering key archaeological findings. Worked extensively to promote the role of women in archaeology, contributing to academic literature and education. Held the position of the first female professor at the University of Cambridge.

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Rezso Seress

Hungarian pianist and composer of songs
Born
November 3rd, 1899 125 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 69 years old

Born in Hungary, a pianist and composer gained recognition for creating songs that combined romanticism with the challenges of life. His most notable work, 'Gloomy Sunday', often referred to as the 'Hungarian Suicide Song', became a significant piece in the world of music, inspiring various renditions by prominent artists. Throughout the years, the song has been associated with various cultural and historical contexts, leading to its lasting legacy in music and popular culture.

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Joseph William Martin Jr.

American politician, 49th Speaker of the House
Born
November 3rd, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent publisher and politician, served as the 49th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1947 to 1949 and again from 1953 to 1955. Represented Massachusetts' 3rd congressional district for 26 years, winning elections in multiple terms. Played a significant role in Republican leadership and was influential during the post-World War II era. Authored several works and was actively involved in various legislative processes.

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Craig Wood

American golfer and major championship winner
Born
November 18th, 1901 123 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 67 years old

A professional golfer, contributed significantly to the sport during the early to mid-20th century. Played in several major championships, securing a prominent place in golf history. Achieved remarkable success in 1941 by winning the Masters Tournament, further enhancing reputation. Competed multiple times in the U.S. Open, finishing as a runner-up on three occasions throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Represented the United States in international competitions, showcasing exceptional talent and sportsmanship.

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Aleksander Maaker

Estonian bagpipe player and composer
Born
October 20th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 78 years old

Born in Estonia in 1890, a prominent bagpipe player and composer contributed to the revival of traditional Estonian music. His expertise in playing the Estonian bagpipe helped popularize this folk instrument. He participated in numerous cultural events and festivals, showcasing the rich heritage of Estonian music through performances and educational initiatives. In addition to performing, also worked on preserving and documenting the traditional music culture of Estonia, ensuring its continuation for future generations.

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Harold D. Babcock

American astronomer and solar researcher
Born
January 24th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 86 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of astronomy, focusing on solar studies. Babcock developed techniques for measuring the magnetic fields of sunspots and analyzing solar flares. His research on the solar cycle revealed important patterns in solar activity. This work advanced the understanding of the sun's influence on Earth's space weather, directly impacting satellite operations and communication technologies.

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