What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

Keith Holman

Rugby league player and coach
Born
September 11th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 84 years old

Played professional rugby league in Australia for teams such as the Balmain Tigers and later transitioned into coaching. Made significant contributions to the sport by coaching various teams, including the Balmain Tigers and the Australian national team. Achieved notable success in the NSWRL and represented Australia in international competitions.

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Arthur Laurents

American playwright, director, screenwriter
Born
July 14th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 93 years old

A prominent playwright and screenwriter, contributed significantly to American theater and film. Best recognized for writing the book for the musical 'West Side Story' and the play 'See You Next Tuesday'. His works often featured complex characters and intricate storytelling. Directed productions on Broadway and received acclaim for revivals and adaptations. Also worked in television, creating and writing scripts for series that garnered critical praise. Received multiple awards including Tony Awards and a Drama Desk Award for contributions to theater.

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Samuel Wanjiru

Kenyan Olympic marathon champion
Born
November 10th, 1986 38 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 25 years old

A marathon runner achieved notable success in distance running. Secured a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, marking a significant achievement in Olympic history. Established multiple course records, including victories in prestigious marathons such as the London Marathon and the Chicago Marathon. Demonstrated exceptional speed and talent, breaking the then world record in the marathon distance.

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Charles H. Percy

American politician and government official
Born
September 27th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 92 years old

Served as a United States Senator from Illinois from 1967 to 1985. Held the position of chairman for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Actively participated in the debates surrounding major legislation during the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to the development of significant laws in areas including telecommunications and transportation. Prior to his senatorial career, was the president and CEO of a successful manufacturing company, enhancing expertise in business and governance.

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Josef Vašíček

Czech ice hockey player, Stanley Cup champion
Born
September 12th, 1980 44 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 31 years old

Played professional ice hockey primarily in the National Hockey League (NHL). Vašíček was a forward who represented several teams, most notably the Carolina Hurricanes. Contributed to the team's success in winning the Stanley Cup in 2006. Also played for the New York Islanders and had a notable career in international competitions, representing the Czech Republic.

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Chuck Gilmur

Basketball player and coach, educator
Born
August 13th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 89 years old

A professional basketball player and coach, played for various teams in the NBA and served as a coach at different levels throughout his career. Contributed to basketball as an educator, teaching fundamentals and sharing knowledge with students and athletes. Led teams to various championships and fostered the growth of young players in the sport.

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William Lipscomb

Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 9th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 92 years old

Contributions included significant work in the fields of chemistry and molecular structure, especially in the area of boranes, a class of compounds containing boron and hydrogen. While at Harvard University, served as a professor and conducted extensive research that led to a deeper understanding of these compounds. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1976 for work on the structure and bonding of boron compounds. Authored numerous articles and participated in various academic collaborations throughout a distinguished career.

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Juan María Bordaberry

President of Uruguay during dictatorship
Born
June 17th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 83 years old

Served as the President of Uruguay from 1972 to 1976. First assumed power as a constitutional president and later led a de facto government after a military coup in 1973. Implemented policies that led to a significant military presence in government. Oversaw a period characterized by repression and human rights violations. After a coup, continued as a puppet leader under military control until his ousting in 1976. Faced several charges related to human rights abuses in subsequent years.

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Leonidas Kyrkos

Greek politician and communist leader
Born
October 12th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 87 years old

A politician active in Greek politics for several decades, involvement began in the 1940s. Played a significant role in the Greek Communist Party, serving as its general secretary. Participated in the protests against the military junta in the late 1960s and 1970s, which led to his imprisonment. Elected as a member of the Greek Parliament multiple times and promoted various social and political reforms. Apart from parliamentary work, engaged in numerous political movements advocating for democracy and human rights.

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