What Happened This Year 1982

People Who Died in 1982

Karl Hein

German hammer thrower, Olympic medalist
Born
June 11th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
1982 43 years ago — 74 years old

Competed in the hammer throw, representing Germany in international athletics. Achieved significant success in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, securing a bronze medal. Dominated national competitions and set remarkable records in the sport during the 1930s. Contributed to the popularity and development of hammer throwing in Germany.

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Albert Facey

Australian soldier and author of 'A Fortunate Life'
Born
August 31st, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1982 43 years ago — 88 years old

Served in the Australian Army during World War I. After the war, wrote an autobiography detailing personal experiences and hardships faced throughout life. The memoir, 'A Fortunate Life,' received acclaim for its candid storytelling, illustrating the life of a rural Australian. Spent years working in various jobs, including wheat harvesting and working in the railways. The book has been influential in Australian literature, contributing to the understanding of the history and culture of the time.

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Lawrence Wackett

Australian commander and engineer
Born
January 2nd, 1896 129 years ago
Died
1982 43 years ago — 86 years old

Served as an officer in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. Contributed to significant advancements in aviation technology. Played a key role in the development of the Australian Aircraft Company and led efforts to establish a national defense production capability. Participated in various engineering projects that enhanced military operations.

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Fred Williams

Australian painter of landscapes
Born
January 23rd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
1982 43 years ago — 55 years old

An Australian painter specialized in landscape artworks, primarily recognized for his innovative techniques and bright color palette. Williams engaged deeply with the Australian landscape, reflecting the natural environment through a modernist lens. His career spanned several decades, during which he produced numerous significant works that contributed to the understanding of Australian identity in art. Williams held solo exhibitions across Australia and received multiple awards for his contributions to the arts, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in contemporary Australian painting.

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Hermann Balck

German general and military strategist
Born
December 7th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
1982 43 years ago — 89 years old

Served in the German Army during World War I and the Wehrmacht during World War II. Achieved the rank of General and commanded various divisions and corps through significant battles. Played a crucial role in military operations on the Eastern Front, including the encirclement of Soviet forces during Operation Barbarossa. Exhibited notable leadership during the Battle of Kharkov in 1943, leading to a successful German counter-offensive.

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Jack Owens

American singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
October 17th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
1982 43 years ago — 70 years old

Born in 1912, this American musician gained recognition as a singer-songwriter and pianist, contributing significantly to the blues genre. Active during the mid-20th century, the music career included recording numerous songs that showcased a unique blend of traditional and modern influences within blues music. Emphasizing emotional storytelling through lyrics and melodies, this artist's music often reflected personal experiences and cultural narratives. They performed extensively, captivating audiences with powerful vocal performances and exceptional piano skills. Later years included collaborations with various musicians and participation in music festivals, solidifying their influence in the American music scene.

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Lloyd Waner

Baseball player and World Series champion
Born
March 16th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1982 43 years ago — 76 years old

Debuted in Major League Baseball in 1927 primarily as a center fielder. Played for the Pittsburgh Pirates for most of his career, contributing to their World Series championship in 1925. Recognized for exceptional hitting and fielding skills, achieved a lifetime batting average of .316 over 15 seasons. Concluded playing career with the New York Yankees and earned a place in the Pirates' Hall of Fame.

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Riccardo Paletti

Formula One racing driver
Born
June 15th, 1958 67 years ago
Died
1982 43 years ago — 24 years old

Competed in Formula One from 1980 to 1982. Entered the sport with the Osella team, making his debut at the 1980 Monaco Grand Prix. Throughout his career, participated in several Grand Prix races, showcasing his skills in a highly competitive environment. Tragically, Paletti's career was cut short due to a fatal accident during the 1982 Canadian Grand Prix. His contributions to the sport are remembered by fans and racing enthusiasts.

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Fazlur Rahman Khan

Engineer and architect of Willis Tower
Born
April 3rd, 1929 96 years ago
Died
1982 43 years ago — 53 years old

An engineer and architect contributed significantly to modern skyscraper design. Co-designed the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center, which are iconic structures in Chicago. Played a key role in developing the tube structure concept, revolutionizing high-rise building methods. His innovative approach allowed for taller and more stable buildings, influencing architecture worldwide. Worked with a team at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, shaping the skyline of Chicago and advancing architectural engineering.

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