What Happened This Year 2006

People Who Died in 2006

Raymond P. Shafer

Governor of Pennsylvania
Born
March 5th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
December 12th, 2006 18 years ago — 89 years old

An attorney and politician served as the 39th Governor of Pennsylvania from 1967 to 1971. Prior to his gubernatorial role, held positions in Pennsylvania's House of Representatives and Senate. Advocated for various reforms during the governorship, including infrastructure development and environmental conservation. Focused on improving the state's economy and education system. After leaving office, continued public service and involvement in legal and business sectors.

Continue Reading

Paul Arizin

Basketball player, 10-time NBA All-Star
Born
April 9th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
December 12th, 2006 18 years ago — 78 years old

Played as a forward for the Philadelphia Warriors from 1950 to 1962. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978. Contributed significantly to the Warriors' success and was a key player in the NBA during his era. Led the league in scoring during the 1951-52 season and was known for his jump shot.

Continue Reading

Lamar Hunt

American businessman; AFL co-founder
Born
August 2nd, 1932 92 years ago
Died
December 13th, 2006 18 years ago — 74 years old

An American businessman played a significant role in the development of professional football and tennis in the United States. Co-founded the American Football League in 1960, which later merged with the National Football League. Also instrumental in the creation of World Championship Tennis, helping to elevate the sport's profile. Actively involved in owning and managing various sports teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL and the Kansas City Wizards in Major League Soccer. Contributed to the establishment of the MLS Cup and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Received several accolades, including induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Continue Reading

Ahmet Ertegun

Record producer, co-founder of Atlantic Records
Born
July 31st, 1923 101 years ago
Died
December 14th, 2006 18 years ago — 83 years old

A Turkish-American music producer and composer, played a significant role in the development of rock and rhythm and blues music. Co-founded Atlantic Records in 1947, nurturing the careers of many influential artists. Worked with prominent musicians such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Led Zeppelin, shaping the sound of popular music in the mid-20th century. Held the position of Atlantic's president and was instrumental in expanding its catalog and reach within the music industry. Received numerous accolades for contributions to the music field until passing in 2006.

Continue Reading

Anton Balasingham

Sri Lankan-English negotiator in peace talks
Born
March 4th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
December 14th, 2006 18 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent negotiator in Sri Lanka's civil conflict, played a crucial role in peace negotiations between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan government. Worked extensively to establish frameworks for ceasefires and formal talks aimed at political solutions. Authored numerous documents outlining the LTTE's positions and demands during the peace process. Contributed to the 2002 ceasefire agreement, which marked a significant attempt to resolve decades of conflict through dialogue and negotiation. Actively engaged in international diplomacy to garner support for the Tamil cause.

Continue Reading

Mike Evans

American actor and screenwriter
Born
November 3rd, 1949 75 years ago
Died
December 14th, 2006 18 years ago — 57 years old

An American actor and screenwriter first gained prominence through the role of Lionel Jefferson in the television series "The Jeffersons." The character was notable for its depiction of an African American man in a progressive household setting. The series ran from 1975 to 1985 and became a staple of American television. In addition to acting, Evans contributed to the show as a writer. After leaving the series, he worked on various projects in television and film, maintaining a presence in the entertainment industry until his later years.

Continue Reading

Clay Regazzoni

Swiss Formula One race car driver
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
December 15th, 2006 18 years ago — 67 years old

A Swiss race car driver gained prominence in Formula One during the 1970s. Regazzoni drove for several teams, most notably Ferrari, where significant achievements occurred. He participated in 132 Grands Prix, achieving 5 race victories. Regazzoni's career included remarkable performances, showcasing skill and determination on the racetrack. His time with the Scuderia Ferrari team highlighted competitive spirit and technical prowess. Regazzoni suffered a severe injury in an accident during the race, which impacted his career. Despite challenges, he continued to race and remained influential in motorsport.

Continue Reading

Stanford J. Shaw

Historian specializing in Ottoman studies
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
December 16th, 2006 18 years ago — 76 years old

An academic focused on Ottoman and Turkish history, contributed significantly to the understanding of the late Ottoman Empire and the formation of modern Turkey. Authored several foundational texts including 'History of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Turkey' which remains a key resource in the field. Directed academic efforts towards integrating Turkish studies into broader historical narratives.

Continue Reading

Don Jardine

Professional wrestler and trainer
Born
1940 85 years ago
Died
December 16th, 2006 18 years ago — 66 years old

A Canadian professional wrestler and trainer, gained recognition during the 1970s and 1980s. Worked under the ring name 'The Spoiler' and became notable for his masked persona. Achieved success in various wrestling promotions and held multiple championships. Contributed to the development of wrestling talent as a trainer after retiring from in-ring competition.

Continue Reading