What Happened This Year 2008

People Who Died in 2008

Don Gutteridge

Baseball player and manager, St. Louis Browns
Born
June 19th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 96 years old

Born in 1912, a professional baseball player and manager contributed to Major League Baseball primarily as an infielder. Played for the St. Louis Browns and outlined a significant career in the league. Transitioned into a managerial role after his playing career, leading teams in both Major League Baseball and the minor leagues.

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Cor Brom

Dutch footballer and manager, FC Utrecht
Born
August 27th, 1932 92 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 76 years old

Player and manager in Dutch football. Played primarily for FC Utrecht in the 1950s and 1960s, making significant contributions to the team. Transitioned into a managerial role after retirement, leading FC Utrecht as head coach. Known for strategic development of the team and fostering local talent during the coaching tenure.

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Judy Cassab

Austrian-Australian painter
Born
August 15th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 88 years old

Born in Austria, a painter migrated to Australia in 1951, where her artistic career flourished. Cassab specialized in portraiture, capturing prominent figures in Australian society. She exhibited her works extensively, including at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades and awards for her contributions to the arts, including the Order of Australia. Her work is notable for its vibrant colors and emotional depth, with a strong focus on the human form and expression.

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Rajko Mitić

Serbian footballer and coach
Born
November 19th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 86 years old

This individual played as a forward and is recognized for a long career with Red Star Belgrade. Mitić was part of the team that won multiple Yugoslav championships and achieved European glory by winning the 1969 European Cup. Transitioning to coaching, he managed several teams including the Yugoslav national team. His contributions to football have been influential in Serbian sports.

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Jessica Jacobs

Australian actress and singer
Born
November 14th, 1990 34 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 18 years old

An Australian actress and singer gained recognition through performances in theater and television. Began performing at a young age, showcasing both acting and vocal talent. Achieved prominence through participation in major productions and musical events. Contributed to several acclaimed projects, earning appreciation for versatility in roles and musicality.

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Hans Monderman

Traffic engineer and road safety innovator
Born
November 19th, 1945 79 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 63 years old

Contributions to traffic management and road safety reshaped urban design in multiple countries. Developed the concept of shared space, which removed traditional traffic signs and signals to promote safer interactions between vehicles and pedestrians. Worked on various projects in the Netherlands and abroad, advocating for designs that prioritize the safety of all road users. His work influenced policies and practices in urban planning and traffic management globally.

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Carl Kaufmann

American-German sprinter, Olympic athlete
Born
March 25th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1936, competed primarily as a sprinter. Achieved notable success in the 1960 Rome Olympics, where secured a bronze medal in the 4x100 meters relay representing the United States. Participated in international competitions, showing exceptional speed and technique on the track. His athletic career showcased dedication to the sport, with a focus on sprinting events.

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Ton van Heugten

Motocross racer with championship titles
Born
September 9th, 1945 79 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 63 years old

Born in 1945, a motocross racer achieved prominence in the sport during the 1970s. Competed in various national and international competitions, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. Made significant contributions to motocross in the Netherlands, participating in events that highlighted the athleticism and competitiveness of the sport.

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Anita Farra

Italian actress in classic films
Born
July 15th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 103 years old

Born in Italy, an actress gained recognition for performances in early 20th-century cinema. Appeared in several silent films and transitioned into sound films, demonstrating a versatile acting style. Collaborated with prominent directors of the era, contributing to the development of Italian film.

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