What Happened This Year 2006

People Who Died in 2006

Steve Stavro

Canadian businessman and philanthropist
Born
September 27th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 80 years old

A businessman and philanthropist who founded the Canadian supermarket chain, Food Basics. Played a crucial role in the development of community initiatives and cultural events in Toronto. Contributed significantly to various charitable causes in education and health. Served as the owner of the Toronto Raptors basketball team during the early years of the franchise.

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Marian Marsh

Trinidadian-American actress and environmentalist
Born
October 17th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 93 years old

An actress and environmentalist, gained recognition in the 1930s for roles in films such as 'Svengali' and 'The Mad Genius.' Transitioned to a successful career in environmental conservation after leaving Hollywood. Involved in wildlife preservation and advocating for environmental causes.

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Samuel Bowers

White supremacist and KKK leader
Born
August 6th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 82 years old

Co-founded the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan during the civil rights movement. Bowers played a significant role in the Klan's activities in the southern United States, particularly in Mississippi. His leadership was marked by the promotion of white supremacist ideologies and violent actions against African Americans and civil rights activists. Bowers was implicated in the killings of civil rights workers and was later convicted for his involvement in racially motivated crimes.

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Peter Barkworth

English actor in television and film
Born
January 14th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 77 years old

An English actor, this individual had a substantial career in television and film. Notable performances included roles in the series 'The Sandbaggers' and 'The Last of the Mahicans'. The actor appeared in over 20 films and numerous television programs throughout the career. Collaborated with various prominent directors and worked alongside many distinguished actors. Received accolades for theatrical performances and contributions to British television, reflecting a commitment to the craft of acting. In addition to acting, he also had a strong presence in radio drama, further diversifying his artistic portfolio.

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Johnny Grande

Pianist and accordion player for Bill Haley
Born
January 14th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 76 years old

Esteemed as a pianist and accordion player, contributed significantly to the rock and roll genre. Most prominently associated with Bill Haley and His Comets, played a crucial role in the development of early rock music during the 1950s. Participated in the recording of the iconic hit 'Rock Around the Clock,' which became a cultural phenomenon and solidified the band's place in music history. Continued to perform and record music throughout the decades, often collaborating with various artists and groups in different capacities, contributing to the preservation and evolution of rock and roll sound.

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Denice Denton

American engineer and educator
Born
August 27th, 1959 65 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 47 years old

An accomplished engineer and academic, her work focused on electrical engineering and computer science. Denton served as the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Washington and held the position of the first female dean in the College's history. Contributed significantly to advancements in women in engineering and education, promoting diversity within the technical fields. Played a pivotal role in developing programs aimed at increasing the enrollment of women and underrepresented minorities in engineering disciplines.

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Vince Welnick

Keyboard player for The Grateful Dead
Born
February 21st, 1951 74 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 55 years old

A keyboard player contributed to American rock music through work with The Grateful Dead. Joined the band in 1990, replacing Brent Mydland. Played on the group's final studio album, 'Built to Last,' released in 1989. After the band's dissolution, toured with the remaining members and participated in various offshoots like The Dead & Company. Pursued a solo career and released personal albums, showcasing original compositions and his musicianship. Engaged in various collaborative projects, continuing to influence the jam band scene until passing in 1998.

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Johnny Checketts

New Zealand World War II flying ace
Born
February 20th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent flying ace during World War II, gained recognition for significant aerial achievements in combat. Served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force and fought in the Pacific Theatre. Credited with a number of enemy aircraft shot down. Checketts' contributions to aerial warfare tactics and skills contributed to the overall efforts of his squadron, which undertook many critical missions against enemy forces.

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Rolande Falcinelli

French organist and composer
Born
February 18th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 86 years old

An accomplished organist, pianist, composer, and pedagogue, contributions spanned performance and education. Served as a professor at the Conservatoire de Paris, influencing generations of musicians. Composed numerous works for organ and piano, blending traditional and contemporary styles. Involved in promoting organ music and enhancing the repertoire within the classical music community.

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