What Happened This Year 1998

People Who Died in 1998

Sid Luckman

American football quarterback
Born
November 21st, 1916 108 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1998 26 years ago — 81 years old

Played quarterback for the Chicago Bears from 1939 to 1950. Led the Bears to four NFL championships during the 1940s. After serving in the military during World War II, returned to the NFL and became a key figure in popularizing the modern passing game. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.

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Roy Rogers

Singing cowboy and Hollywood actor
Born
November 5th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
July 6th, 1998 26 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent figure in American Western films and music, this individual gained fame as a singing cowboy during the 1940s and 1950s. Starred in numerous films, including 'King of the Cowboys' and 'The Sons of the Pioneers', and became a fixture on television with 'The Roy Rogers Show'. His appealing persona and musical talent captivated audiences, leading to a lasting legacy in Western entertainment. Established a brand that extended to merchandise featuring his horse, Trigger, and dog, Bullet. Contributed to the cultural representation of the American West and influenced the cowboy genre.

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Moshood Abiola

Nigerian businessman and politician
Born
August 24th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
July 7th, 1998 26 years ago — 60 years old

A prominent businessman and politician in Nigeria, played a significant role in the country's democratic movement. Abiola was the founder of the Abiola Group, which was instrumental in various sectors including media and manufacturing. In 1993, he won the presidential election, which was later annulled by the military government. His activism for democracy led to his imprisonment, which garnered international attention. Abiola's efforts contributed to the eventual return to civilian rule in Nigeria during the late 1990s.

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Lilí Álvarez

Spanish tennis player and feminist author
Born
1905 120 years ago
Died
July 8th, 1998 26 years ago — 93 years old

Achieved prominence in tennis during the 1920s and 1930s, Álvarez competed in the French Championships, the Wimbledon Championships, and the US Championships. She won multiple titles in major tournaments across Europe. Besides tennis, she was an accomplished writer, contributing to feminist literature. Her advocacy focused on women's rights and gender equality, and she engaged in various social issues throughout her life.

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Panagiotis Kondylis

Greek philosopher and author
Born
1943 82 years ago
Died
July 11th, 1998 26 years ago — 55 years old

Contributed to political philosophy, focusing on modern Greek history and philosophical thought. Explored themes such as democracy, nationalism, and the role of the state in contemporary society. Authored influential works, analyzing historical and social contexts of philosophical ideas. Engaged with various philosophical movements, synthesizing ideas from Western thought and applying them to the Greek experience.

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Arkady Ostashev

Soviet scientist and engineer
Born
September 30th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1998 26 years ago — 72 years old

Contributed to the field of acoustics and underwater sound propagation. Developed methodologies for studying underwater sound fields and their applications in naval operations and sonar technology. Conducted research that advanced understanding of acoustic wave behavior in complex underwater environments. Served in various academic and research institutions, contributing to the education of future scientists and engineers in the field.

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Serge Lemoyne

Canadian painter known for vibrant works
Born
June 13th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1998 26 years ago — 57 years old

Born in 1941, a Canadian painter focused on vibrant and colorful abstract works. His artistic style reflects a blend of figuration and abstraction, creating a unique visual language. Lemoyne's career included contributions to various exhibitions, showcasing artwork that explored themes of identity and culture. He gained recognition in the Canadian art scene through his participation in group and solo exhibitions over several decades, establishing a significant presence within contemporary art.

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Jimmy Driftwood

Singer-songwriter and banjo player
Born
June 20th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1998 26 years ago — 91 years old

Contributed significantly to American folk music as a singer-songwriter and banjo player. Gained prominence with the song 'The Battle of New Orleans', which won a Grammy Award. Engaged in education through music, composing over 300 songs while also serving as a school principal. Efforts to promote traditional folk music are noted in various recordings and performances.

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Richard McDonald

Co-founder of McDonald's Corporation
Born
February 16th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
July 14th, 1998 26 years ago — 89 years old

Co-founded McDonald's Corporation, which revolutionized the fast-food industry with its franchise model. Introduced a focus on speed, low prices, and a standardized menu that greatly contributed to the brand's success. Established the original McDonald's restaurant in San Bernardino, California in 1940, transitioning it into a franchised entity in 1955 under the leadership of his brother, Maurice. The innovation of the 'Speedee Service System' laid the groundwork for modern fast-food restaurant operations.

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