What Happened This Year 2009

People Who Died in 2009

Dave Treen

American politician, 51st Governor of Louisiana
Born
July 16th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 81 years old

Served as the 51st Governor of Louisiana from 1980 to 1984. Advocated for fiscal conservatism and education reform during the tenure. Prior to governorship, practiced law and held positions in the Louisiana House of Representatives. Played a significant role in Republican politics within Louisiana, contributing to the party's growth in the state during the late 20th century.

Continue Reading

Lou Creekmur

American football player and sportscaster
Born
January 22nd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 82 years old

Played as an offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions from 1950 to 1958. Contributed to the team's success in winning three NFL championships during the 1950s. After retiring from professional football, transitioned into a career in broadcasting, working as a sportscaster. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996, recognizing impactful contributions to the sport.

Continue Reading

Israel Gelfand

Mathematician and biologist, Gelfand Transform
Born
September 2nd, 1913 111 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 96 years old

Contributions to mathematics included work in functional analysis, representation theory, and differential equations. Significant influence on the theory of distributions, known for developing tools like the Gelfand transform. In biology, contributions included the mathematical modeling of biological processes. Authored numerous seminal textbooks and papers, shaping future research in mathematics and its applications.

Continue Reading

Peter Arundell

Race car driver with success in Formula One
Born
November 8th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 76 years old

Engaged in motorsport as a race car driver, primarily competed in Formula One during the early 1960s. Achieved notable results with the Team Lotus and drove a variety of cars, including the Lotus 24. Contributed to the development of competitive racing techniques and participated in several Grand Prix events throughout his career. Also raced in the British Saloon Car Championship and secured significant podium finishes.

Continue Reading

Ignacio Ponseti

Orthopedic physician, Ponseti method creator
Born
June 3rd, 1914 110 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 95 years old

A Spanish physician and orthopedist developed a non-surgical treatment for congenital clubfoot, which transformed the standard of care for this condition. The Ponseti method emphasizes gentle manipulation and the use of casts to correct foot positioning, followed by the use of a brace to maintain correction. The technique significantly reduced the need for surgical intervention and improved outcomes for patients worldwide. The method gained widespread recognition and adoption in pediatric orthopedics for its effectiveness and simplicity.

Continue Reading

Simple Kapadia

Indian actress and costume designer
Born
August 15th, 1958 66 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 51 years old

Began a career in acting in the late 1970s. Gained prominence as an actress in films such as 'Batwara', 'Rakhwala', and 'Kshatriya'. Transitioned to costume design, contributing to numerous Bollywood films. Won a Filmfare Award for Best Costume Design for the film 'Baazigar'. Worked in the industry until the untimely demise in 2009.

Continue Reading

Kenny Rankin

American singer-songwriter of 'Penny Lane'
Born
February 10th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 69 years old

An American singer-songwriter enjoyed a successful career that spanned several decades. Gained recognition with the release of the album 'Inside' in 1972, featuring a cover of 'Penny Lane' which showcased a distinct style combining elements of folk, jazz, and pop. Released multiple albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to the musical landscape with original songs and covers. Performed with artists such as Frank Sinatra and Paul Simon, further solidifying a place in the music industry. Continued to perform and release music until passing away in 2009.

Continue Reading

Kent Douglas

Ice Hockey Player and Coach
Born
February 6th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 73 years old

Played professional ice hockey primarily as a defenseman from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. Appeared in over 300 NHL games with teams including the New York Rangers and the Detroit Red Wings. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, applying extensive playing experience to develop future players in various leagues.

Continue Reading

Philip José Farmer

American science fiction author
Born
January 26th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 91 years old

An influential science fiction author who created richly detailed worlds and complex characters. Authored the 'Riverworld' series, which explores themes of reincarnation and immortality. Published works include 'To Your Scattered Bodies Go' and 'The Lovers', demonstrating a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements. Also wrote under different pseudonyms, expanding the range of narratives explored across various genres.

Continue Reading