What Happened This Year 2009

People Who Died in 2009

Gordon Waller

Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
June 4th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 64 years old

A Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist, this individual gained prominence as one half of the folk duo Peter and Gordon. The duo achieved significant success in the 1960s with a string of chart-topping hits. Notably, the song 'A World Without Love' reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1964. After the duo disbanded, continued to perform and contribute to the music industry, showcasing talent as a solo artist and collaborating with various musicians.

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Tony Gregory

Irish activist and politician
Born
December 5th, 1947 78 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 62 years old

Active in Irish politics and social justice, contributed significantly to public discourse in Dublin. Elected as a city councillor and later served as a member of the Dáil Éireann. Advocated for community issues, focusing on housing and social equality. Formed strong connections with constituents and was recognized for dedication to local concerns. Established a legacy in political activism and represented the ideals of his community throughout his career.

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Edmund Purdom

Actor in 'The Student Prince' and 'Sodom and Gomorrah'
Born
December 19th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1924, this British-Italian actor began his film career in the 1940s. Gained recognition for performances in significant film productions. Starred in 'The Student Prince' and 'Sodom and Gomorrah', showcasing notable range in dramatic roles. Transitioned to television, contributing to several series throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Maintained a presence in both cinematic and stage performances across various countries during his career.

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Edward T. Hall

Anthropologist known for Hall's theory
Born
May 16th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 95 years old

An American anthropologist and author focused on cultural dimensions and non-verbal communication. Developed the concept of proxemics, which studies personal space and its variations across cultures. Cultivated the field of intercultural communication through extensive research and publications. Published several influential books including 'The Silent Language' and 'Beyond Culture', which outlined theories related to culture and communication behaviors. Contributed to the understanding of how different cultures perceive time and space.

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Johnny Carter

American singer with The Flamingos
Born
June 2nd, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 75 years old

One of the prominent figures in the doo-wop genre, contributed to the formation of The Flamingos in the 1950s. The group gained fame with hits such as 'I Only Have Eyes for You' and 'A Kiss from Your Lips.' His smooth vocal style helped define the sound of the era. The Flamingos received induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, highlighting their influence on subsequent generations of artists. Carter also performed as a solo artist, releasing several tracks and albums that showcased his vocal talent.

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Patricia De Martelaere

Philosopher, author, academic with notable writings
Born
April 16th, 1957 68 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 52 years old

Engaged in significant philosophical work, primarily focusing on ethics, aesthetics, and the philosophy of language. Contributed to academic literature with essays and books that explored complex philosophical ideas. Also served in academic roles, mentoring students and participating in various educational programs. Writings exhibit a deep inquiry into the nature of human experience and understanding.

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Rica Erickson

Botanist and botanical historian
Born
August 10th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 101 years old

A prominent Australian botanist and historian, Rica Erickson dedicated much of her life to the study of Australian flora. Significant contributions included extensive research on native plants and the development of a comprehensive publication on the topic. As an author, her works provided essential insights into the field of botany and the conservation of plant species. Erickson played a key role in promoting awareness and understanding of Australia's unique botanical heritage, participating in various botanical surveys and contributing to the education of future botanists.

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David Herbert Donald

American historian and author
Born
October 1st, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 89 years old

Contributed significantly to American historiography and understanding of the Civil War era. Authored several influential biographies, including works on Abraham Lincoln and Charles Sumner. Held academic positions at various institutions, including Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

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Radovan Ivšić

Croatian writer and poet
Born
June 22nd, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 88 years old

A Croatian writer and poet contributed significantly to literature during the 20th century. Ivšić's works include poetry, prose, and essays that reflect various themes related to human experience and emotion. Engaged in literary circles, Ivšić played a vital role in Croatian literature, gaining recognition for his unique style and voice. His literary career spanned several decades, during which time he published numerous collections and participated in various cultural initiatives.

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