What Happened This Year 1986

People Who Died in 1986

László Lékai

Archbishop of Esztergom and Cardinal
Born
March 12th, 1910 116 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the Archbishop of Esztergom and held the title of Cardinal within the Roman Catholic Church. Contributed to church leadership during a time of significant social change in Hungary. Worked towards the restoration of church properties and the re-establishment of religious institutions in post-World War II Hungary. Participated in various church councils and contributed to ecclesiastical discussions on pressing issues of the time.

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Howard Greenfield

American songwriter with hit songs
Born
March 15th, 1936 90 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 50 years old

A notable songwriter, contributed to the music industry primarily during the 1960s. Collaborated with composers to produce a range of popular songs. Worked extensively with several prominent artists, creating timeless tunes that have been covered by various musicians. Also wrote lyrics for songs in films and television, further expanding the reach of work. Contributed to the development of the pop music genre during a transformative era.

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Georges Dumézil

French philologist and academic
Born
March 4th, 1898 128 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 88 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of philology and comparative mythology. Developed the theory of the tripartition of societies, which influenced the study of Indo-European cultures. Served as a professor at the Collège de France and published extensively on ancient texts and mythologies. His analysis of the social structures of ancient peoples shaped the understanding of their cultures and religious practices.

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Lionel Murphy

Australian jurist and Attorney-General
Born
August 30th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
1986 40 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.

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Maria L. de Hernández

Mexican-American rights activist
Born
July 29th, 1896 130 years ago
Died
1986 40 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.

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Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis

American saxophonist and jazz musician
Born
March 2nd, 1922 104 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 64 years old

An influential tenor saxophonist, recognized for contributions to jazz music. Collaborated with notable artists such as Count Basie and the Heath Brothers. Recorded both as a leader and as a sideman, contributing to the development of hard bop. Worked extensively in clubs and festivals throughout the United States, showcasing virtuosity and distinct tone. Participated in various recordings that helped shape modern jazz.

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King Clancy

Ice hockey player and referee, Stanley Cup
Born
February 25th, 1903 123 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 83 years old

This individual achieved prominence as a professional ice hockey player, referee, and coach. Playing primarily as a defenseman, contributions to the Ottawa Senators during the 1920s and 1930s resulted in winning the Stanley Cup in 1927. Transitioning from player to referee, officiated multiple games in the National Hockey League, showcasing a commitment to the sport in various capacities. Later served as a coach, influencing many players and teams in the league.

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Patricia Griffin

Montserratian nurse and social worker
Born
October 24th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
1986 40 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.

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Daniel Balavoine

French singer-songwriter and producer
Born
February 5th, 1952 74 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 34 years old

Beginning a musical career in the 1970s, this artist gained significant recognition in the French music scene. His talent was showcased through a combination of poignant lyrics and powerful vocals. Major hits included 'L'Aziza' and 'Le Chanteur', which addressed social issues and personal struggles. The artist also collaborated with prominent figures in French music, such as Michel Berger, and contributed to musical theater, most notably in the rock opera 'Starmania'. Tragically, a fatal accident occurred in 1997 while on a humanitarian mission in Africa.

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