What Happened This Year 2006

People Who Died in 2006

Liese Prokop

Austrian Minister of the Interior and athlete
Born
March 27th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 65 years old

Competed in modern pentathlon at the Olympic level. Transitioned to a political career, serving as Austria's Minister of the Interior from 2000 to 2004. Played a significant role in national security and law enforcement policies during tenure. Involved in various initiatives aimed at improving public safety and police reforms.

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Jurij Brězan

German soldier and author
Born
June 9th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1916, a soldier during World War II, contributed to German literature post-war as an author. Displaced by the war, the writing reflects themes of identity and cultural dislocation. Published several works that explore the experiences of war and exile, becoming a notable figure in the literature of the period. Contributed significantly to the discourse on national identity through storytelling.

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Irving Kaplansky

Mathematician and algebra researcher
Born
March 22nd, 1917 108 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 89 years old

Contributions to the field of mathematics included work in algebra and ring theory. Held academic positions at various institutions, including the University of Chicago and the University of California, Berkeley. Authored several influential papers and books, significantly shaping contemporary algebraic structures. Awarded various honors for academic excellence throughout a long career in mathematics.

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Sudharmono

Indonesian politician, 5th Vice President
Born
March 12th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 79 years old

Served as the 5th Vice President of Indonesia from 1988 to 1993. Held various governmental roles, including Minister of Manpower and Transmigration. Contributed to the formulation of labor policies. Engaged in politics during a significant period of Indonesia's history.

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Franklin Cover

American actor in sitcoms and films
Born
November 20th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 78 years old

An American actor celebrated for significant work in television and film. Played the role of Tom Willis on the sitcom 'The Jeffersons', a character central to many storylines. Also appeared in films such as 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three'. Contributed to various television series throughout a lengthy career, gaining recognition for versatility in roles.

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Arif Mardin

Record Producer and Arranger
Born
March 15th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 74 years old

An influential record producer and arranger, contributed significantly to the music industry, primarily in the genres of pop and jazz. Worked with various artists and bands, shaping the sound of numerous hit records. Immigrated to the United States from Turkey, where early experiences influenced musical style. Mardin's career included notable collaborations with renowned artists and an extensive discography that showcases inventive production techniques.

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Nandini Satpathy

Indian politician and Chief Minister of Odisha
Born
June 9th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the 8th Chief Minister of Odisha from 1974 to 1977. Held the position of a member of the Lok Sabha in the 1980s. Actively participated in political activities and authored works in both English and Odia. Contributed to various literary and educational initiatives during and after tenure in politics.

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Arthur Hertzberg

Rabbi and Jewish scholar
Born
June 9th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1921, this American rabbi and scholar became a prominent figure in Jewish thought and interfaith dialogue. In the 1960s, he served as the rabbi of the 92nd Street Y in New York City, a major cultural and educational center. His scholarship focused on Jewish history and philosophy, and he published numerous works, including 'The Fate of the Jews' and 'The Jewish Idea'. He was instrumental in promoting Jewish-Christian relations and was involved in various Jewish organizations. He was a public advocate for Jewish causes and the State of Israel. Hertzberg's contributions to Jewish education and thought left a lasting mark on the community.

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Eric Namesnik

Swimmer and Olympic medalist
Born
August 7th, 1970 54 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 36 years old

A competitive swimmer specialized in the individual medley and butterfly. Represented the United States at the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics. Achieved notable success in international swimming competitions.

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