What Happened This Year 1997

People Who Died in 1997

Frank Robert Miller

Canadian Air Marshal and politician
Born
April 30th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1908, served as a Canadian Air Force officer and later became a prominent political figure. Played a key role during his tenure in the military, contributing to national defense strategies. Transitioned into politics, serving as a member of the House of Commons. Engaged in various initiatives to promote the interests of the Canadian military and defense policies.

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Shoichi Yokoi

Japanese World War II soldier
Born
March 31st, 1915 109 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 82 years old

A sergeant in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, served in the Battle of Guam. Following the end of the war, remained hidden in the jungles of Guam for 28 years, unaware of Japan's surrender. Discovered by locals in 1972, returned to Japan, where his story garnered significant media attention.

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Idel Jakobson

Latvian-Estonian NKVD officer
Born
August 12th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 93 years old

Born in 1904, served in the NKVD, which was responsible for state security and law enforcement in the Soviet Union. Played a significant role in various operations during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in Latvia and Estonia. Active during the Soviet regime, participating in efforts to consolidate power and suppress dissent, contributing to the enforcement of Soviet policies in the Baltic region.

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Bohumil Hrabal

Czech author of 'Too Loud a Solitude'
Born
March 28th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 83 years old

A notable Czech writer, contributed significantly to 20th-century literature. Works often experienced a blend of surrealism and existentialism. Gained prominence through novels, short stories, and essays that explore the human condition amid oppressive political climates. 'Too Loud a Solitude' and 'I Served the King of England' are among the celebrated works. His writing reflects a distinctive style that combines humor and melancholy, frequently drawing from personal experiences and historical context.

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Kunihiko Kodaira

Mathematician, Fields Medal recipient
Born
March 16th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent mathematician, contributions focused on complex analysis and algebraic geometry. Developed new methods in the theory of functions, which impacted the area of several complex variables. Awarded the Fields Medal in 1954 for significant advancements in mathematics. Worked at various prestigious institutions, including Princeton University and the University of Tokyo, influencing mathematical research and education.

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Reginald Victor Jones

British physicist and military intelligence expert
Born
September 29th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 86 years old

Contributed significantly to military intelligence and the development of scientific technology during World War II. Jones specialized in the application of physics to military problems, particularly in analyzing enemy technology and weapons. His work led to advancements in radar and electronic warfare. He authored notable publications and served in various roles that emphasized the importance of scientific expertise in military strategy. After the war, continued to influence the fields of physics and technology through education and writings.

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Chico Science

Brazilian singer-songwriter and musician
Born
March 13th, 1966 59 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 31 years old

A prominent figure in Brazilian music, contributed significantly to the manguebeat movement, a fusion of traditional Brazilian music with rock and hip-hop elements. Initiated a powerful cultural revival in the Recife region during the 1990s. Released acclaimed albums such as 'Da Lama ao Caos' which received recognition for innovative sound and socially conscious lyrics. Engaged in collaborations with other artists that expanded the reach of manguebeat both nationally and internationally.

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Hans Eysenck

Psychologist and theorist
Born
March 4th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent psychologist, expertise encompassed personality theory and intelligence. Developed the Eysenck Personality Inventory, a tool for assessing traits. Published extensively on the relationship between personality and behavior, garnering attention for critiques of mainstream psychology. Contributed to the field through the establishment of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and research on the genetic basis of behavior. Held positions at the University of London and authored over 30 books, including 'Dimensions of Personality'.

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Gunpei Yokoi

Japanese video game designer, Game Boy inventor
Born
September 10th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 56 years old

Contributed significantly to the video game industry, particularly through work at Nintendo. Designed the Game Boy, a portable gaming device that revolutionized gaming on the go and sold over 118 million units worldwide. Also created the Game & Watch series, which combined handheld gaming with a clock and became a precursor to modern portable games. Led development of several successful arcade games, including the highly acclaimed Kid Icarus. His innovative approach emphasized creativity and simplicity in game design.

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