What Happened This Year 1986

People Who Died in 1986

Ding Ling

Chinese author and educator
Born
October 12th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 82 years old

Contributed significantly to Chinese literature, particularly during the 20th century. Worked as an educator and was involved in cultural and political movements. Published influential works that reflected the social issues of the time. Involved with the leftist literary movement and later joined the Communist Party. Received recognition for writing that challenged traditional norms and addressed women's rights.

Continue Reading

Lyudmila Pakhomova

Russian ice dancer and Olympian
Born
December 31st, 1946 78 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 40 years old

An accomplished ice dancer, this athlete excelled in competitive figure skating in the 1970s and 1980s. Pakhomova partnered with Alexander Gorshkov to achieve significant success in the sport, capturing several titles. The duo secured gold at the 1970 World Championships, earned Olympic gold in 1976, and won multiple European Championships. The innovative style and technical precision displayed in performances set a standard in ice dance. This dancer's contribution to the sport remains influential, as the techniques and artistry developed are still referenced in ice dance today.

Continue Reading

Koos Rietkerk

Dutch lawyer and Minister of the Interior
Born
December 14th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 59 years old

A Dutch lawyer and politician served as Minister of the Interior from 1973 to 1977. Engaged in various political roles, contributions included overseeing important reforms in administrative laws and regional governance. Active in enhancing the relationship between the central government and local authorities, which shaped local governance policies during tenure. Competed in political debates and discussions across national platforms, lending expertise in guiding legislative matters for the country.

Continue Reading

Patricia Griffin

Montserratian nurse and social worker
Born
October 24th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 79 years old

Born in Montserrat, a nurse and social worker dedicated a career to the health and welfare of the community. Contributed to advancing nursing standards and practices on the island. Engaged in various social work initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents, especially disadvantaged individuals. Involved in education and training of future nurses, fostering growth in the local health sector.

Continue Reading

Pepper Adams

Saxophonist and composer
Born
October 8th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 56 years old

An American saxophonist and composer contributed significantly to the jazz genre through innovative baritone saxophone performances. Adams collaborated with prominent jazz musicians including Charles Mingus, Donald Byrd, and Thad Jones. His unique style and improvisational skills garnered attention in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in the hard bop genre. Adams recorded numerous albums, showcasing his abilities as both a solo artist and as part of various ensembles. His work has been influential in shaping the sound of modern jazz.

Continue Reading

Malcolm Nokes

English hammer and discus thrower
Born
May 20th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 89 years old

Competed in athletics, specializing in hammer and discus throw. Participated in the 1920 Summer Olympics held in Antwerp, Belgium. Achieved notable national success in the 1920s, marking significant participation in British athletics events.

Continue Reading

Maria L. de Hernández

Mexican-American rights activist
Born
July 29th, 1896 128 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1896, an activist focused on the rights of Mexican-Americans in the United States. Played a crucial role in advocating for immigration rights and social justice within the Mexican-American community. Worked tirelessly to address discrimination and improve living conditions for Mexican-Americans during a time of significant social upheaval. Engaged in various organizations aimed at civil rights and equality.

Continue Reading

Lionel Murphy

Australian jurist and Attorney-General
Born
August 30th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 64 years old

Served as the 22nd Attorney-General of Australia from 1972 to 1975. Contributed to significant reforms in law, particularly in areas related to civil rights and social justice. Played a key role in the establishment of the Australian Legal Aid Office. Appointed to the High Court of Australia in 1975, serving until 1986. Influenced various legal precedents during tenure on the court.

Continue Reading

Thad Jones

Trumpet player and jazz composer
Born
March 28th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 63 years old

Born in 1923, contributed significantly to the jazz genre as a trumpet player and composer. Played with the Count Basie Orchestra and led his own jazz ensemble, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. His compositions and arrangements displayed a unique blend of harmonies and rhythms that shaped modern big band music.

Continue Reading