What Happened This Year 1987

People Who Died in 1987

Ralph Guldahl

Professional golfer and Masters winner
Born
November 22nd, 1911 113 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 76 years old

Achieved significant success in professional golf during the 1930s. Won the Masters Tournament in 1939, showcasing exceptional skill and competitiveness. Claimed victory at the U.S. Open in both 1937 and 1938, establishing a dominant presence in the sport. Competed against a strong field of contemporaries, contributing to the popularity of golf in America.

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Väinö Sipilä

Finnish middle-distance runner
Born
December 24th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 90 years old

Competed in middle-distance running events in the early 20th century. Specialized in the 1500 meters discipline. Represented Finland in international competitions, including the 1920 Antwerp Olympics. Achieved recognition for athletic excellence during a period marked by significant national pride in sports.

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Salvador Lutteroth

Wrestling promoter, founded CMLL
Born
March 21st, 1897 128 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 90 years old

A wrestling promoter established an influential wrestling promotion in Mexico. The organization became the oldest professional wrestling promotion in the country, significantly contributing to the popularity of lucha libre. Collaboration with various wrestlers and the promotion of unique wrestling styles led to the establishment of a robust wrestling culture. After founding the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, the organization gained a reputation for high-profile events and training talented wrestlers who would become household names in the sport. Efforts in promoting wrestling have been recognized as a pivotal moment in Mexican sports culture.

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Red Dutton

Canadian ice hockey player and coach
Born
July 23rd, 1898 127 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 89 years old

Played professional ice hockey primarily as a defenseman. Competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams including the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Americans. After retiring as a player, transitioned to coaching and management roles within the NHL. Served as the president of the NHL for several years, influencing league policies and developments.

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Frances Mary Albrier

Civil rights activist and community leader
Born
September 21st, 1898 126 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1898, this civil rights activist dedicated life to advocating for racial and gender equality. Active in various organizations, involvement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Urban League led to significant contributions in her community. Worked tirelessly to improve conditions for African Americans, focusing on education and employment. Served as president of the Berkeley chapter of the NAACP and sought to ensure equal rights during a time of widespread discrimination. Engaged in efforts to promote civil rights through grassroots organizing and community service. The dedication to activism extended to drawing attention to issues affecting women and minorities.

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Copi

Argentine writer and artist
Born
November 20th, 1939 85 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 48 years old

A prominent figure in Argentine literature and visual arts, his works spanned various genres including theater, fiction, and comics. Associated closely with the avant-garde movement, he often explored themes of absurdity and identity. Copi published several influential plays, contributing significantly to the Argentine theatrical landscape. His artistic career extended to creating expressive illustrations and comics, showcasing a unique blend of humor and critique. Throughout his life, he lived in various countries, enhancing his multicultural perspective.

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Enrique Jorrín

Cuban violinist and composer of danzón
Born
December 25th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 61 years old

A Cuban violinist and composer, Jorrín played a pivotal role in the evolution of danzón music. His innovations in the genre solidified its popularity in Cuba and beyond. He contributed to the cultural landscape of the region with compositions that combined traditional Cuban rhythms with diverse musical influences. Jorrín's work not only preserved the danzón tradition but also modernized it, appealing to a wider audience. His legacy is marked by numerous original compositions that are still celebrated in Cuban music today.

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Noel Odell

Geologist and mountaineer; Everest expeditions
Born
December 25th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 97 years old

A prominent English geologist and mountaineer, contributed significantly to the field of geology and was an early pioneer of high-altitude climbing. Participated in multiple expeditions to Mount Everest in the 1920s. Played a critical role in the 1924 British Everest Expedition, famously claiming to have seen George Mallory and Andrew Irvine on the mountain before they disappeared. His geological research focused on the geological formations of the Himalayas, which advanced understanding of mountain geology. His explorations have been documented in academic works that have influenced both geology and mountaineering.

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Bobby Locke

South African golfer with major tournament wins
Born
November 20th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent golfer from South Africa, this individual achieved significant success during the 1940s and 1950s. Victories included four Open Championships, won in 1949, 1950, 1952, and 1957, showcasing remarkable talent on the links. A key figure on the international golfing stage, his skillful play contributed to the popularity of golf in South Africa. Additionally, this individual claimed titles on the PGA Tour, further establishing a legacy within the sport. Contributing to both European and American golf circuits made a lasting impact on the game.

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