What Happened This Year 1998

People Who Died in 1998

Cliff Barker

Basketball player, 1947 NBA Champion
Born
January 15th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 77 years old

Played professional basketball as a guard in the National Basketball Association. Contributed to the success of the New York Knicks during the late 1940s. Helped lead the Knicks to win the 1947 NBA Championship. Transitioned later to coaching and mentoring young athletes in the sport.

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Hal Laycoe

Ice hockey player and coach
Born
June 23rd, 1922 102 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent ice hockey player and coach, notable contributions occurred in both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the minor leagues. Played as a defenseman for the New York Rangers and the Boston Bruins, participating in crucial games during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Transitioned to coaching, leading teams in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL). Established a reputation as a tactical coach, focusing on player development and team strategy in various leagues.

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B. A. Santamaria

Australian political activist and publisher
Born
August 14th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 83 years old

Participated in the establishment of the National Civic Council, which promoted anti-communist policies in Australia. Published various works aimed at discussing issues related to politics and society. Engaged in significant debates on social justice, labor relations, and civic responsibility. Contributed to the influence of Catholic social teaching in public policy and national debates.

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Richard Cassilly

Tenor and actor from 'The Most Happy Fella'
Born
December 14th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 71 years old

An American tenor and actor celebrated for a distinguished career in opera and musical theater. Notable performances occurred at the Metropolitan Opera, where notable roles included performances in 'La Traviata', 'Aida', and 'Carmen'. Achievements included performances on Broadway, particularly in the acclaimed production of 'The Most Happy Fella' and appearances in television specials. Cassilly's vocal talent earned recognition in various music competitions, leading to a successful recording career. A respected figure in the operatic community, he contributed to the arts through teaching and mentoring aspiring performers.

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María de la Purísima Salvat Romero

Roman Catholic nun; canonized saint
Born
February 20th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 72 years old

A Roman Catholic nun founded the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. Dedicated life to education and social service, establishing schools and welfare institutions. Emphasized the importance of faith and service to others. After passing away in 1996, was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016, recognizing contributions to the community and the life of faith.

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Keith Newton

English footballer, played for Burnley
Born
June 23rd, 1941 83 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 57 years old

A professional footballer born in England on June 23, 1941. Played primarily as a full-back and made a significant impact in the Football League. Spent a substantial part of his career at Burnley, where he contributed to the team's success during the 1960s. Also played for Blackburn Rovers and had a brief stint with various other clubs. Represented the England national team at the under-23 level. Retired from professional football in the mid-1970s, transitioning to a coaching role afterwards.

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Brian Dickson

Canadian Chief Justice and politician
Born
May 25th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 82 years old

Born in 1916, a prominent lawyer and politician served as the 15th Chief Justice of Canada from 1973 to 1984. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 1972, contributed to significant rulings on civil rights and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Held a role in the development of constitutional law in Canada. After retiring from the bench, continued to be involved in various legal and civic initiatives.

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Shinichi Suzuki

Violinist and music educator
Born
October 17th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 100 years old

A violinist and educator from Japan established the Suzuki method of teaching music, which emphasizes listening and parental involvement. This approach revolutionized music education, allowing children to learn instruments in a similar manner to language acquisition. Founded the Suzuki Association of the Americas and contributed to the international spread of the method. Played a significant role in promoting music education globally, influencing both teaching practices and curricula.

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Laszlo Szabo

Hungarian Chess Player and Author
Born
March 19th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 81 years old

Born in Hungary in 1917, a prominent chess player and author, gained recognition in the chess world in the mid-20th century. Achieved the title of International Grandmaster in 1950, a year after the title's inception. Contributed to chess literature with several instructional books, enhancing the knowledge of chess strategies among players. Regularly participated in international chess tournaments, representing Hungary in numerous competitions. His contributions to the game and his writings continue to influence aspiring chess players.

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