What Happened This Year 1998

People Who Died in 1998

Jean-Pascal Delamuraz

Swiss politician, 80th President
Born
April 1st, 1936 88 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 62 years old

Served as a prominent politician in Switzerland, holding the position of the 80th President of the Swiss Confederation. Contributed to the governance and political landscape of the nation during tenure. Engaged in various committees and played a role in shaping policies affecting the Swiss populace.

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Mikio Oda

Triple jumper and academic leader
Born
March 30th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 93 years old

A triple jumper achieved notable success in athletics, becoming the first Asian to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field. Competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, securing the gold medal in the men's triple jump. Later, pursued an academic career and contributed to the field of education, particularly in physical education. His dual career in sports and academia left a significant legacy.

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Augusta Braxton Baker

Librarian and advocate for children's literature
Born
April 1st, 1911 113 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 87 years old

Contributions to children's literature and librarianship included developing programs to increase access to books for African American children. Played a significant role in promoting diversity in library collections and served as the first African American female in the New York Public Library's Professional Division. Extensive work in the American Library Association led to initiatives that supported the inclusion of African American authors and stories within children's literature. Authored books and articles that highlighted the importance of representation in library services.

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Yuri Artyukhin

Russian colonel and space engineer
Born
June 22nd, 1930 94 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1930, this individual served as a colonel in the Soviet Air Force and was an accomplished engineer. Participation in space missions included a flight aboard Soyuz 14 in 1974. The mission lasted nearly 14 days and aimed at conducting scientific experiments and operations on the Salyut 7 space station. Contributions to the field of space exploration were significant, particularly in the development of engineering solutions for human spaceflight. This individual also held various leadership roles within the Soviet space program, influencing the design and implementation of crewed missions.

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Kavi Pradeep

Indian poet and songwriter for films
Born
February 6th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent poet and songwriter in Indian cinema, contributions spanned several decades. Started writing in the 1940s, with a significant focus on Hindi films. Gained recognition for patriotic songs, especially during India's independence movement. Many compositions became anthems for the struggle against colonial rule. Worked with notable filmmakers and music directors, leaving a lasting legacy in the film industry. Received various awards for literary excellence and contributions to music. Continued to inspire generations through the power of words.

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Klaus Tennstedt

Conductor and orchestral leader
Born
June 6th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 72 years old

Born in Germany in 1926, a prominent conductor gained recognition for interpretations of classical repertoire. Worked extensively with major orchestras, including the London Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Held the position of principal conductor of the NDR Symphony Orchestra in Hamburg, enhancing its global reputation. Conducted notable performances at prestigious venues, showcasing a deep understanding of the scores and an ability to communicate with the musicians effectively. Successes included conducting the complete symphonies of Mahler and Bruckner, which received acclaim from critics and audiences alike.

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Gottfried Dienst

Swiss football referee and player
Born
September 9th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 79 years old

An accomplished football referee and player, officiated in major international tournaments. Played for FC Basel and served as a referee in FIFA World Cup matches. Recognized for contributions to the sport in both playing and officiating capacities. Refereed at the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

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David Bairstow

English cricketer and sportscaster
Born
September 1st, 1951 73 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 47 years old

Played first-class cricket for Yorkshire from 1970 to 1984, serving as wicketkeeper and batsman. Made his Test debut for England in 1975 and accumulated 39 Test caps until 1984. Transitioned to sports broadcasting and contributed to various media outlets, sharing insights on cricket. Authored works reflecting on the sport and his experiences.

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Nguyễn Văn Linh

Vietnamese politician and reform leader
Born
July 1st, 1915 109 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 83 years old

A significant figure in Vietnam's political landscape, this individual played a crucial role in the country's transition towards a market economy, often referred to as 'Doi Moi' or Renovation. This policy reform initiated in the late 1980s shifted economic focus from strict central planning to a more market-oriented approach. The individual served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam from 1986 to 1991, overseeing major economic and political changes during a transformative period in Vietnamese history. Through these reforms, Vietnam gradually integrated into the global economy while maintaining its socialist principles.

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