What Happened This Year 1980

People Who Died in 1980

Arnold Gartmann

Swiss bobsledder Olympic medalist
Born
November 20th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 76 years old

A Swiss bobsledder competed in the 1920s and 1930s. Achieved considerable success in the sport, particularly during the 1928 Winter Olympics held in St. Moritz, where secured a gold medal in the four-man bobsleigh event. Also participated in the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, where earned a bronze medal. Contributed to the development and popularity of bobsledding in Switzerland.

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Tim Hardin

Folk singer-songwriter and musician
Born
December 23rd, 1941 83 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 39 years old

An influential folk singer-songwriter and musician emerged in the 1960s, contributing to the genre with a distinctive voice and poignant lyrics. Hardin's songwriting gained attention and was covered by various artists, showcasing the emotional depth of his work. Hardin recorded several albums, with significant acclaim for his self-titled debut. His most notable songs include 'If I Were a Carpenter' and 'Reason to Believe', which became popular through covers by other artists. Struggling with personal demons, Hardin's career was marked by periods of instability but left a lasting imprint on the folk music scene.

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Max Miedinger

Swiss Typeface Designer, created Helvetica
Born
December 24th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 70 years old

A Swiss typeface designer was instrumental in the development of the Helvetica typeface in 1957. The design of Helvetica was commissioned by the Haas Type Foundry in Switzerland, where it quickly gained popularity for its clean and modern aesthetic. This typeface became widely adopted in various forms of media and design, influencing typography in advertising, signage, and business communications. Miedinger's contribution to type design extended beyond Helvetica, as he created several other typefaces and laid the groundwork for contemporary graphics and typography principles.

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Richard Gurley Drew

Engineer, inventor of masking tape
Born
June 22nd, 1899 125 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 81 years old

An American engineer, this individual invented masking tape while working for 3M in the 1920s. The invention was designed to allow for better paint lines during painting and eventually led to the development of various adhesive products. The innovative product gained widespread use in homes, industries, and automotive applications. The invention's impact on both the professional painting and DIY markets was significant, as it provided a solution for cleaner paint application and helped streamline the painting process.

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Anatoli Lvovich Kaplan

Russian painter and sculptor
Born
December 26th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 78 years old

A painter and sculptor, this individual was part of the Soviet artistic movement and contributed significantly to Jewish themes in art. The body of work includes notable paintings and sculptures that explored identity, culture, and historical context. This artist's style blended traditional techniques with modern expressions, often reflecting personal and collective narratives. Active in the mid-20th century, the artwork received attention both in the Soviet Union and internationally.

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Billy Butlin

Businessman, founder of Butlins resorts
Born
September 29th, 1899 125 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 81 years old

A businessman established a chain of holiday camps in the United Kingdom, providing affordable vacation options for families. The first camp opened in 1938 in Skegness, which marked the beginning of a successful enterprise that expanded to include several locations. Butlin's vision aimed to create a fun and enjoyable environment for guests, offering various leisure activities and entertainment options. The brand quickly became synonymous with family holidays, catering to millions throughout its operation. The business grew significantly, especially during the post-war years when domestic tourism boomed in Britain.

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Ibn-e-Safi

Author and poet of detective fiction
Born
July 26th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 52 years old

An Indian-Pakistani author and poet, contributed significantly to the Urdu literature scene. Created the popular detective fiction series featuring characters such as Inspector Jamshed and the fictional detective group, the 'Daredevils'. His works combined elements of crime, adventure, and romance, captivating readers across both India and Pakistan. Produced several novels and short story collections, gaining a substantial following for narrative style and engaging plots.

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Queenie Watts

Actress and singer in British television
Born
July 21st, 1923 101 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 57 years old

Born in 1923, an English actress and singer became widely recognized for performances in the television series 'The Wackers' and 'EastEnders'. Career also included stage performances and contributions to music. Strong presence in British entertainment through various roles across multiple decades. Continued to perform until later in life, showcasing versatility in both acting and singing.

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Gerhard Hanappi

Austrian footballer and architect
Born
February 16th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 51 years old

A footballer and architect, played as a midfielder primarily for SK Rapid Wien from 1945 to 1969. Contributed significantly to the team, earning a reputation as a skilled playmaker. Participated in the Austrian national team, competing in international tournaments. After retiring from professional football, pursued a career in architecture, merging sports with design. Established a legacy in both disciplines, remembered for contributions to Austrian football and architecture.

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