What Happened This Year 2004

People Who Died in 2004

Ron Willey

Rugby league player and coach
Born
November 20th, 1929 95 years ago
Died
2004 21 years ago — 75 years old

Played rugby league primarily as a halfback in the 1950s and 1960s, representing Newtown in the NSWRL. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, leading multiple teams, including a tenure with the Newcastle Knights. Instructed young players and contributed to developing rugby league in Australia, particularly through coaching roles in various clubs.

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Terje Bakken

Norwegian singer-songwriter with solo albums
Born
September 3rd, 1978 47 years ago
Died
2004 21 years ago — 26 years old

A Norwegian singer-songwriter, recognized for contributions to the music scene with a unique blend of folk and pop influences. Released multiple solo albums, showcasing original compositions that highlight personal and emotional themes. Gained attention in the late 1990s and continued to evolve artistically in subsequent years, building a loyal fan base both in Norway and internationally. Engaged in various musical collaborations, expanding creative horizons and influencing other artists in the genre.

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Harold Henning

Professional Golfer and PGA Tour Champion
Born
October 3rd, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2004 21 years ago — 70 years old

A professional golfer from South Africa, achievements include winning multiple tournaments on the PGA Tour and the South African Open Championship. Competed in various international events, gaining recognition for consistent performances throughout the career. Participated in the Masters Tournament and represented South Africa in numerous golfing competitions. Contributed to the sport's growth in the country and inspired future generations of golfers.

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George Yardley

Basketball player, 1st NBA All-Star
Born
November 3rd, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2004 21 years ago — 76 years old

Played professional basketball in the NBA during the 1950s. Began career with the Detroit Pistons and later played for the New York Knicks. Recognized as the first player to score 2,000 points in a single NBA season. Earned selection to the NBA All-Star Game in 1953, marking a significant achievement in a competitive league. Contributed to the growth of basketball as a professional sport in America.

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Jimmy McLarnin

Boxer, actor, and golfer
Born
December 19th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
2004 21 years ago — 97 years old

Competed as a professional boxer during the 1920s and 1930s, achieving recognition as a welterweight champion. Secured the title in 1933 and was involved in several significant bouts, including matches against notable fighters such as Barney Ross and Lou Ambers. Transitioned to acting, appearing in various films in the 1940s, and maintained a passion for golf throughout life. Ranks among the top boxers of his era, earning accolades for performances and contributions to the sport.

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Tony Lupien

Baseball player and coach
Born
April 23rd, 1917 108 years ago
Died
2004 21 years ago — 87 years old

Played in Major League Baseball as a first baseman from 1942 to 1949. Primarily associated with the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox, participated in a total of 393 games throughout his career. Transitioned to coaching after retiring as a player, serving in various capacities including at the minor league level. Contributed to the development of many young players during his coaching tenure.

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Enrique Llanes

Wrestler; key figure in Lucha Libre
Born
August 24th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
2004 21 years ago — 85 years old

Born in Mexico, a prominent wrestler emerged in the world of Lucha Libre, capturing the attention of fans with impressive athleticism and charisma. Active during the mid-20th century, he was integral to popularizing the sport in Mexico and abroad. His performances showcased traditional wrestling techniques blended with theatrical flair, contributing to the development of Lucha Libre as a cultural phenomenon. Llanes participated in numerous high-profile events, solidifying his status among the key figures in the wrestling community until his retirement from the ring.

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Elly Annie Schneider

German-American actress in films
Born
July 23rd, 1914 111 years ago
Died
2004 21 years ago — 90 years old

Born in Germany and later residing in the United States, an actress gained recognition in the 1930s and 1940s through a series of films. Featured in productions that showcased her talent, her work spanned various genres, contributing to the cinematic landscape of the era. She became a notable figure within the film industry, and her performances resonated with audiences. In addition to film roles, she participated in stage performances, further establishing a presence in the entertainment world. Her career included collaborations with reputable filmmakers and actors, reinforcing her position during the golden age of Hollywood.

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Nick Joaquin

Filipino writer and journalist
Born
May 4th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
2004 21 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent Filipino writer, journalist, and historian whose works explored Filipino culture, identity, and history. Joaquin published numerous short stories, novels, and essays, with achievements including the prestigious National Artist of Literature award. He contributed significantly to the literary scene in the Philippines, often reflecting the complexities of Filipino life in his narratives. Key works include the novels 'The Woman Who Had Two Navels' and 'The Ballad of a Mother’s Heart', along with various short stories that have become cornerstone texts in Philippine literature. Joaquin also worked as a historian and wrote extensively on the historical context of the Philippines during Spanish colonial times.

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