What Happened This Year 2007

People Who Died in 2007

Butch van Breda Kolff

Basketball player and coach
Born
October 28th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 85 years old

Played college basketball at Lafayette College and later earned recognition as a head coach in NCAA basketball. Coached teams at the University of New York at Albany and at the University of New Orleans, leading a successful career in coaching. Served as a coach for several professional teams including the Detroit Pistons and the New Jersey Nets. Contributed to the game by influencing many young players and coaches during decades of involvement in basketball.

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Édouard Gagnon

Cardinal of the Catholic Church
Born
January 15th, 1918 108 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 89 years old

Ordained as a priest in 1943, served in various capacities within the Catholic Church. Elevated to the position of Bishop of Sherbrooke in 1963, then became Archbishop of Ottawa in 1978. Appointed as a Cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1976, participating in significant ecclesiastical events. Contributed to the Second Vatican Council, which shaped modern Catholic practices. Engaged in social justice initiatives and pastoral care throughout the Canadian provinces.

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Evelyn Knight

American singer with hit 'A Little Bird Told Me'
Born
December 31st, 1917 108 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 90 years old

Started a career in music in the late 1930s, gaining prominence through radio and recording. Achieved considerable success with the hit single 'A Little Bird Told Me' in 1948, which topped the charts and became a defining song of the era. Her style blended traditional pop and easy listening, appealing to a wide audience. Continued to perform and record throughout the subsequent decades, contributing to a rich legacy in the American music scene.

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William Morris Meredith Jr.

American poet and academic
Born
January 9th, 1919 107 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1919, a prominent poet and academic contributed significantly to American literature. Published several poetry collections, with notable works including 'The Open Sea' and 'The Wreck of the Little Fishes'. Served as a professor of English at several universities, shaping future generations of writers. Received prestigious accolades, including the Academy of American Poets' Fellowship and the National Book Award for Poetry. Served in the U.S. Army during World War II, which influenced his literary voice.

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Tommy Byrne

Baseball player and coach
Born
December 31st, 1919 106 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 88 years old

A former professional baseball player and coach, achieved significant success as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Played for the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. Transitioned to coaching after retiring from playing, contributing to the development of future players in the sport. Additionally involved in politics, serving in the New York State Assembly. His multifaceted career included athletic achievement and public service.

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Mohammed Jamal Khalifa

Saudi Arabian businessman and financier
Born
February 1st, 1957 69 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 50 years old

Born in Saudi Arabia in 1957, a businessman known for his financial ventures and connections. Khalifa gained further attention in the 1990s through his association with various organizations and individuals. His business interests extended to international financial practices, with a focus on Middle Eastern markets. Khalifa's name emerged in discussions surrounding different international affairs, including finance and investments, during a tumultuous period marked by geopolitical changes. His efforts included various business partnerships aimed at expanding economic ties and investments across regions.

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Frank Hyde

Rugby league player and sportscaster
Born
February 7th, 1916 110 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 91 years old

Played rugby league for Balmain Tigers and New South Wales in the 1930s and 1940s. Served as coach for the Sydney Roosters and Western Suburbs Magpies. Transitioned to sportscasting, where contributed to rugby league broadcasts for over three decades. Inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame for contributions to the sport.

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Lothar-Günther Buchheim

German author and painter, wrote 'Das Boot'
Born
February 6th, 1918 108 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 89 years old

An author and painter from Germany, focused on capturing the experiences of World War II through literature and art. Buchheim's most notable work, 'Das Boot', illustrated the life aboard a German submarine during the war. This work was adapted into a successful film, further highlighting the challenges faced by submariners. As a painter, Buchheim's works often reflected his personal experiences and the tumultuous times he lived in. His contributions to literature and visual arts continue to resonate, showcasing a unique perspective on the historical events of his era.

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Kevin Granata

American engineer and academic
Born
December 29th, 1961 64 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 46 years old

An engineer and academic made significant contributions to biomechanics and human movement. Worked extensively in the field of robotics and was a professor at Virginia Tech. Conducted research that enhanced understanding of human gait and posture, influencing the development of prosthetics and rehabilitation methods. Tragically lost life during the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, which prompted discussions on campus safety and mental health.

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