What Happened This Year 2003

People Who Died in 2003

Theo Brokmann Jr.

Dutch football player, FC Utrecht legend
Born
July 3rd, 1922 102 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 81 years old

Played as a forward for FC Utrecht during the 1940s and 1950s. Contributed significantly to the team's performance in the Dutch league. Earned recognition as a prolific goal scorer and became an integral part of FC Utrecht's early history. After retiring from professional football, remained involved in the sport through various roles, including coaching and mentoring young players.

Continue Reading

Marjorie Finlay

Opera singer and television personality
Born
October 5th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 75 years old

An opera singer gained acclaim for performances in various operas and for her work on television. Established a career in both the concert and operatic worlds, performing with prominent companies and orchestras. Contributed to the popularity of opera through televised performances, which brought classic pieces to broader audiences. Received praise for artistry and vocal skills throughout the career.

Continue Reading

Richard Proenneke

American pioneer and naturalist
Born
May 4th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 87 years old

Served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and worked as a carpenter and a meteorologist. In 1968, chose to live alone in the Alaskan wilderness, constructing a cabin and documenting daily life in a remote environment. Used film and writing to share experiences and observations about nature. The journals and films created during this period contributed to an understanding of self-sufficiency in the wild.

Continue Reading

Gordon Kidd Teal

Engineer and inventor of the transistor
Born
January 10th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 96 years old

Played a significant role in the development of the transistor while working at Bell Labs. Contributed to advancements in materials science and semiconductor technology. Specialized in the production and application of gallium arsenide, impacting various electronic devices. Held several patents related to semiconductor devices throughout a career that extended over several decades.

Continue Reading

Daijiro Kato

Japanese motorcycle racer champion
Born
July 4th, 1976 48 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 27 years old

A highly skilled motorcycle racer, achieved significant success in the MotoGP series. Competed for the Honda team and garnered acclaim for exceptional riding abilities and competitive spirit. Won the 2001 250cc World Championship, marking a pinnacle in racing career. Tragically passed away in 2003 following an accident during a race in Suzuka, which led to a period of mourning in the motorcycle racing community.

Continue Reading

Daphne Oram

British composer and electronic musician
Born
December 31st, 1925 99 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 78 years old

A pioneering figure in electronic music, this individual co-founded the BBC Radiophonic Workshop in 1958, which played a crucial role in developing sound design and innovative audio techniques for radio and television. The creation of the Oramics synthesizer marked a significant advancement in electronic composition. Throughout a prolific career, numerous compositions were made, blending traditional music elements with modern technology, showcasing the potential of electronic sounds. Work included contributions to film and television, influencing generations of musicians and composers in the genre.

Continue Reading

Johnny Mauro

Race car driver and Indianapolis 500 participant
Born
October 25th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 93 years old

Competed in various auto racing events during the mid-20th century. Participated in the Indianapolis 500 multiple times, with a notable performance in the 1930 race. Reached the height of success in American race car driving, showcasing exceptional skill on the track. Contributed to the popularity of auto racing as an exciting sport in the United States.

Continue Reading

Irene Gut Opdyke

Polish nurse and humanitarian
Born
May 5th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 81 years old

A Polish nurse and humanitarian, played a crucial role during World War II by sheltering Jewish refugees in Poland. Worked in a hospital and took significant risks to save lives under the Nazi regime. After the war, relocated to the United States, where she continued her advocacy for human rights and shared her experiences. Her memoirs provide a firsthand account of the atrocities of war and the importance of compassion and courage in the face of tyranny.

Continue Reading

Rik Van Steenbergen

Belgian road racing cyclist champion
Born
September 9th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 79 years old

Achieved significant success in professional road racing. Secured three World Road Race Championships in 1949, 1956, and 1957. Dominated the prestigious Paris-Roubaix race in 1948 and earned numerous national titles. Competed in the Tour de France multiple times and earned stage wins, showcasing exceptional stamina and skill. Contributed to the sport's popularity in Belgium and inspired future generations of cyclists.

Continue Reading