What Happened This Year 2008

People Who Died in 2008

Marian Glinka

Polish actor and bodybuilder
Born
1943 82 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 2008 16 years ago — 65 years old

Worked as an actor and bodybuilder in Poland. Participated in various bodybuilding competitions and gained recognition within the fitness community. Involved in multiple film and television projects, reflecting a career dedicated to performance and physical excellence. Left a significant legacy in both acting and bodybuilding before passing away in 2008.

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Arthur Chung

Guyanese lawyer and 1st President
Born
January 10th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 2008 16 years ago — 90 years old

Served as the first President of Guyana from 1970 to 1980. Prior to his presidency, he had a notable career in law and politics, contributing significantly to the legal framework of the country. His presidency followed a period of political transformation in Guyana, and he acted as a stabilizing figure. He was directly involved in the establishment of several key institutions during his tenure, influencing the nation’s governance and legal processes.

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Gerhard Ringel

Mathematician known for graph theory contributions
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
June 24th, 2008 16 years ago — 89 years old

Austrian mathematician contributed significantly to the fields of graph theory and topology. Held a position at the University of Vienna and published numerous papers advancing the understanding of combinatorial structures. Conducted research on the Ringel-Kotzig conjecture and worked on topics related to map colorings. Played a key role in the development of the mathematical theories related to these areas, influencing subsequent studies and applications in mathematics.

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Lyall Watson

Anthropologist and ethologist, authored books
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
June 25th, 2008 16 years ago — 69 years old

A South African anthropologist and ethologist, contributed significantly to the study of animal behavior and human culture. Authored several influential books, including 'Supernature' and 'Lifesystems', which explored the connections between nature and spirituality. Engaged in wildlife conservation and ecological issues throughout his career. Provided insights into the natural world through his research and writings, incorporating scientific and philosophical perspectives.

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Sam Manekshaw

Indian Field Marshal and military leader
Born
April 3rd, 1914 110 years ago
Died
June 27th, 2008 16 years ago — 94 years old

Achieved prominence as a senior commander in the Indian Army during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. The military career began in 1934, serving in World War II and later participating in various operations post-independence. Elevated to the rank of Field Marshal in 1973, he served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1969 to 1973, demonstrating strategic acumen in military planning and leadership. Manekshaw's approach to warfare emphasized the importance of morale and planning, which contributed to India's military successes.

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Mel Galley

Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
March 8th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
July 1st, 2008 16 years ago — 60 years old

An English singer-songwriter and guitarist, contributions spanned several decades, predominantly in the rock genre. Galley gained significant recognition as a member of the band Trapeze, which formed in the late 1960s and released influential albums. Later, he joined the band Whitesnake during its early successes in the late 1970s, contributing to notable albums and tours. Galley's guitar work and songwriting played a critical role in shaping the sound of these bands. In the 1990s, he continued to perform and record music, collaborating with various artists throughout his career.

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Natasha Shneider

Singer and keyboard player in bands
Born
1956 69 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2008 16 years ago — 52 years old

Participated in the music scene as a singer and keyboard player. Collaborated with the band Eleven and contributed to several albums, enhancing the band's sound and style. Acted in films, including significant roles contributing to her artistic portfolio. Recorded with other notable musicians, cementing a presence in both the music and film industries.

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Clive Hornby

English actor in 'Emmerdale'
Born
1944 81 years ago
Died
July 3rd, 2008 16 years ago — 64 years old

An English actor and drummer prominently featured in the British soap opera 'Emmerdale' as Jack Sugden from 1980 to 2008. Aside from acting, involvement in music included drumming for local bands. His role in 'Emmerdale' marked a significant portion of his career, contributing to the show's long-standing presence on British television. Earned recognition for portraying a central character across multiple decades, witnessing the evolution of the series.

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Charles Wheeler

Soldier and journalist in conflict zones
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
July 4th, 2008 16 years ago — 85 years old

Served as a soldier during World War II and reported from various conflict zones as a journalist. Contributed to television news coverage in the UK, becoming a recognizable figure in British journalism. The reporting style emphasized on-the-ground updates from war-torn areas, allowing a deeper understanding of military actions and humanitarian crises.

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