What Happened This Year 2007

People Who Died in 2007

Robert Orville Anderson

Businessman, founder of Atlantic Richfield
Born
April 13th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 90 years old

Founded Atlantic Richfield Company, a major publicly traded oil company in the United States. Expanded operations in the petroleum industry, leading to significant growth and success. Played a vital role in the development of oil resources during the mid-20th century. Contributed to various philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and the arts, later in life.

Continue Reading

Elfi von Dassanowsky

Singer and pianist with theatrical acclaim
Born
February 2nd, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 83 years old

Born in Austria in 1924, this singer, pianist, and producer made significant contributions to the arts, particularly in musical theater and opera. The individual was involved in various productions, showcasing a strong talent for both performance and music production. After relocating to the United States, the individual participated in numerous theatrical performances and concerts, gaining recognition in the cultural landscape. Teaching and mentoring young musicians also formed a crucial part of the professional journey, impacting the next generation of artists.

Continue Reading

Warren Avis

Businessman, founded Avis Rent a Car
Born
August 4th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 92 years old

Founded Avis Rent a Car System in 1946, which transformed the car rental industry. Introduced innovations in rental processes and customer service. Expanded the business rapidly, establishing Avis as a key player in the market. Developed a franchise system that allowed for global expansion, making Avis a recognized name in travel and transportation services.

Continue Reading

F. Albert Cotton

Chemist and academic, co-authored 'Chemical Applications of Group Theory'
Born
April 9th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 77 years old

An American chemist and academic contributed significantly to the fields of inorganic chemistry and group theory. Played a key role in developing the understanding of molecular structure and bonding through his work in coordination chemistry. Served as a professor at Texas A&M University, influencing numerous students in the field of chemistry. Co-authored the influential textbook 'Chemical Applications of Group Theory', which became a reference in the discipline. Participated in various scientific organizations and received multiple awards for contributions to chemistry.

Continue Reading

Gad Yaacobi

Israeli Diplomat, UN Ambassador
Born
January 18th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 72 years old

An academic and diplomat, served as the 10th Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations. Contributed to various international discussions regarding Israel's position on global issues. Held significant roles in both academic circles and governmental frameworks, bridging knowledge and diplomacy.

Continue Reading

Seung-Hui Cho

Mass murderer responsible for Virginia Tech shooting
Born
January 18th, 1984 41 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 23 years old

Born in South Korea, committed a mass shooting at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, which resulted in 32 deaths and injuries to many others. The incident is remembered as one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. Cho was a student at Virginia Tech prior to the shooting and had exhibited signs of mental health issues in the years leading up to the event. He wrote and directed a series of disturbing plays that reflected his troubled state of mind. Cho's actions spurred discussions about gun control and mental health resources in educational institutions.

Continue Reading

Ernst Otto Fischer

Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
November 10th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1918, a German chemist made significant contributions to the field of organometallic chemistry. Fischer's work laid the foundation for understanding the bonding and reactivity of compounds containing both carbon and metal. In 1973, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry alongside another chemist for their pioneering studies of the transition metal complexes with the emphasis on the structures and reactivity of these compounds. Fischer's research advanced the development of new materials and catalysis in organic synthesis.

Continue Reading

Vladimir Kazantsev

Russian middle-distance runner
Born
January 6th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 84 years old

Competed in middle-distance running events, participating in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Achieved notable success in Soviet athletics during the 1940s and 1950s. Established personal bests in various distances, contributing to the development of track and field in Russia.

Continue Reading

Charles Forte

Businessman and Forte Group founder
Born
November 26th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 99 years old

Born in Italy, a businessman established the Forte Group, a prominent hospitality and restaurant company with operations in various countries. This venture began in the mid-20th century and expanded significantly, encompassing hotels, restaurants, and catering services. As a key figure in the hospitality industry, the individual contributed to the development of numerous establishments across the United Kingdom and beyond. The Forte Group became synonymous with quality dining and accommodation, playing a significant role in shaping the food and hotel services sector.

Continue Reading