What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

Francisco Solano López

Argentinian illustrator of 'Patoruzú'
Born
October 26th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1928, this illustrator became a prominent figure in the Argentinian comic scene. He gained recognition for creating the character Patoruzú, an iconic figure in Argentine comic books. The character, a noble and strong indigenous chief, captured the spirit of the nation and became a symbol of Argentinian culture. In addition to Patoruzú, the illustrator worked on various other comic series and was influential in the development of graphic storytelling in Argentina during the 20th century.

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Eddie Kirkland

Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
August 16th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1928, this individual became a prominent figure in the blues genre, influencing the style with a unique sound blending guitar work and vocals. He began performing in the 1940s and gained recognition for his work in the 1960s, particularly with the release of several albums. The musician toured extensively, showcasing talent at various festivals and venues. He collaborated with notable artists and contributed to the blues scene, recording tracks that resonate with audiences.

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Anne Sharp

Soprano and actress in opera and film
Born
October 24th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 95 years old

A Scottish soprano and actress, gained recognition for performances in both opera and film. Engaged in the performing arts from an early age, demonstrated exceptional vocal talent and stage presence. Acted in a production of "The Merry Widow" and participated in numerous operatic presentations throughout her career. Contributed to radio and recordings, showcasing versatility as a performer. Continued to influence the arts community with performances that blended singing and acting.

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Dennis Ritchie

Computer Scientist, created C language
Born
September 9th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 70 years old

Contributed significantly to computer science by creating the C programming language, a foundational language for modern software development. Co-developed the Unix operating system, which has influenced many others and led to the development of various programming innovations. Worked at Bell Labs, collaborating with other prominent scientists in the field. Authored several influential texts and guides on computer programming.

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Nicholas Courtney

Actor in Doctor Who
Born
December 16th, 1929 95 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 82 years old

This individual gained recognition as an actor, particularly for the role of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Portraying the character from 1968 to 1997, this actor appeared in multiple episodes and story arcs, often alongside the Doctor. The character became a staple of the series, bridging various generations of the show. Additionally, the actor featured in theatre productions and other television programs, showcasing versatility in performance across different media.

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Theodore Roszak

Scholar and author of 'The Making of a Counter Culture'
Born
November 15th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1933, contributions include work as a historian and sociologist. In 1969, published 'The Making of a Counter Culture', which explored the emergence of the 1960s counterculture in America. Focused on the cultural and social revolutions that shaped the era. Later work spanned topics including ecology, technology, and the philosophy of history. Served as a professor and engaged in various academic pursuits throughout his career.

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Lidia Gueiler Tejada

First female President of Bolivia
Born
August 28th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 90 years old

A politician and activist, served as the first female President of Bolivia from 1979 to 1980. Advocated for social justice and women's rights throughout her political career. Tejada was involved in leftist politics, participating in various organizations and movements dedicated to challenging the inequalities faced by marginalized groups. Her presidency was marked by significant political turmoil and she faced opposition during her time in office, ultimately leading to her resignation. Despite her limited time in power, her election represented a significant moment in Bolivian history and women's representation in politics.

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Inese Jaunzeme

Javelin thrower and surgeon
Born
May 21st, 1932 92 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 79 years old

Achieved recognition as a javelin thrower and a surgeon. Competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics and secured a bronze medal in women's javelin. Had a successful career in medicine, specializing in surgery within Latvia. Contributed to the sport and healthcare fields during and after competitive career.

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Pavol Demitra

Slovak ice hockey player, NHL All-Star
Born
November 29th, 1974 50 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 37 years old

A professional ice hockey player, made significant contributions in the National Hockey League (NHL) and international competitions. Played primarily as a center and left winger. Represented teams including the St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, and Minnesota Wild in the NHL. Achieved an NHL All-Star selection in 2003. Competed for Slovakia in multiple international tournaments, including the IIHF World Championships and the Winter Olympics. Demitra's career spanned from 1993 to 2011 before premature passing in a plane crash in 2011.

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