What Happened This Year 2004

People Who Died in 2004

Rudy LaRusso

Basketball player and All-Star forward
Born
November 11th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2004 22 years ago — 67 years old

Played professional basketball in the NBA primarily for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors and the Detroit Pistons. Career spanned from 1958 to 1968, with notable performances that earned All-Star selections. Contributed to the Warriors during the 1961-62 season, finishing with an average of 18.4 points per game. Also played for the Pistons achieving a reputation for strong scoring and rebounding skills.

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Soko Richardson

American drummer known for jazz performances
Born
December 8th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
2004 22 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1939, an American drummer specialized in jazz. Gained recognition for contributions to various jazz ensembles and performances. Collaborated with prominent artists, showcasing exceptional drumming skills and creativity. Participated in numerous recordings and live performances throughout the career. Renowned for a unique style that combined technical proficiency with expressive artistry.

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Sergei Zholtok

Latvian ice hockey player and forward
Born
December 2nd, 1972 53 years ago
Died
2004 22 years ago — 32 years old

Played professional ice hockey in various leagues, including the NHL. Competed for teams such as the Ottawa Senators and the Minnesota Wild. Represented Latvia in international competitions, including the IIHF World Championships.

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Vilayat Khan

Sitar Player and Composer
Born
August 28th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2004 22 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent sitar player and composer, contributions to Indian classical music included performances and recordings that gained international acclaim. Pioneered the sitar style known as the 'Maihar Gharana', advancing traditional techniques while also integrating contemporary influences. Taught numerous students, fostering the next generation of musicians. Participated in various music festivals and cultural exchanges, showcasing Indian music worldwide.

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Raymond Goethals

Football coach, led Marseille to victory
Born
October 7th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2004 22 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent football coach, led the French club Olympique de Marseille to win the UEFA Champions League in 1993. Transitioned from a player to a successful manager, building teams that executed strategic and effective game plans. Achieved notable success in Belgian football, securing multiple league titles. Established a reputation for developing talent and fostering competitive teams across various leagues.

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Cotton Fitzsimmons

Basketball coach with a championship win
Born
October 7th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2004 22 years ago — 73 years old

Cotton Fitzsimmons was an American basketball player and coach. He played for the St. Louis Hawks in the NBA and later transitioned to coaching. Fitzsimmons served as the head coach for several teams, including the Phoenix Suns, where he led the team to notable playoff success. He was a key figure in the development of the team during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Throughout his career, he garnered respect for his strategic approach to the game and his ability to develop players.

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Frank McMullen

Rugby player with All Blacks experience
Born
January 18th, 1933 93 years ago
Died
2004 22 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1933, contributions to rugby included playing as a flanker. Represented the All Blacks, New Zealand's national team, between 1956 and 1961. During this period, participated in several Test matches, showcasing skills and physicality.

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Robert Dhéry

French actor and director in theater
Born
April 27th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2004 22 years ago — 83 years old

An influential figure in French cinema and theater, active from the mid-20th century. Worked as an actor, director, and screenwriter. Contributed to numerous theatrical productions and films, establishing a style that blended humor with musical elements. Involvement in the celebrated theatrical company, Les Branquignols, created a unique space for comedy in French theater. Directed and starred in the film 'Les Aventures de Rabbi Jacob', which became a classic of French cinema.

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Paul Nitze

American politician and Secretary of the Navy
Born
January 16th, 1907 119 years ago
Died
2004 22 years ago — 97 years old

Served as the tenth United States Secretary of the Navy from 1963 to 1967. Held significant positions within the Department of Defense, particularly during the Cold War era. Contributed to the development of U.S. defense policies and military strategy. Played a key role in the formulation of the Nixon Doctrine, which aimed to reduce American direct involvement in overseas conflicts. Engaged in various diplomatic efforts concerning arms control and military assistance to allies.

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