What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

Fred Shuttlesworth

Civil Rights Activist, Co-founder SCLC
Born
March 18th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 89 years old

Played a crucial role in the American civil rights movement. Co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Focused efforts on desegregation and voter registration, advocating for equality and justice in the South. Led numerous protests and demonstrations to combat racial discrimination, particularly in Birmingham, Alabama. Known for his courageous activism despite facing violence and intimidation.

Continue Reading

Jane Russell

Actress & singer in 'The Outlaw'
Born
June 21st, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 90 years old

An American actress and singer gained prominence in the 1940s. Notable for starring in the film 'The Outlaw,' which was directed by Howard Hughes, this work showcased both her acting ability and her striking beauty. Russell also appeared in films such as 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' alongside Marilyn Monroe and 'The Paleface' with Bob Hope. In addition to film work, she recorded several albums, highlighting her singing talent. Russell became a prominent figure in Hollywood during her career, appearing in over 20 films. She was also involved in charitable work, sponsoring youth and promoting healthcare initiatives.

Continue Reading

Derek Gardner

Engineer and designer of the Jaguar E-Type
Born
September 19th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 80 years old

An engineer and designer with significant contributions to automotive design, particularly in the mid-20th century. Attended the Birmingham College of Arts and Crafts, influenced by the burgeoning automotive industry. Achieved prominence through work with the Jaguar Car Company. Played a pivotal role in the development of the iconic Jaguar E-Type, which was introduced in the 1960s and became a symbol of automotive excellence. Also contributed to various automotive projects, enhancing Jaguar's reputation for performance and style throughout his career.

Continue Reading

Tom West

American technologist and entrepreneur
Born
November 22nd, 1939 86 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent technologist who contributed to the development of innovative computer technologies. Established a company that focused on advanced computing solutions and has been pivotal in the field of computer-aided design. Played a significant role in introducing user-friendly software for various applications. Contributed to several important projects that shaped the evolution of software engineering practices and tools. Actively engaged in mentoring young technologists and fostering innovation within the tech community.

Continue Reading

Willem Duys

Tennis player and Dutch sportscaster
Born
August 17th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 83 years old

A Dutch tennis player and sportscaster, contributed significantly to the sporting world through both athletic achievements and broadcasting. Competed professionally in tennis during the mid-20th century, representing the Netherlands in multiple prestigious tournaments. Later transitioned to a successful career in sports broadcasting and production, where his insights enriched viewers' understanding of various sports, particularly tennis. His work as a television producer further established the connection between sports and entertainment in the Netherlands. Throughout a dynamic career, left a lasting legacy in the realm of sports media while also showcasing his tennis prowess.

Continue Reading

Armen Gilliam

Basketball player and coach in the NBA
Born
May 28th, 1964 61 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 47 years old

Played college basketball at UNLV, where a notable season included leading the Runnin' Rebels to a National Championship game. Entered the NBA after being selected as the 7th overall pick in the 1990 draft. Played for multiple teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks, over a career spanning 13 seasons in the league. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, taking on assistant coaching roles in different college programs and developing young talent in the sport.

Continue Reading

Agnes Milowka

Diving explorer, author, and photographer
Born
December 23rd, 1981 44 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 30 years old

Born in Poland and later residing in Australia, this individual specialized in cave diving and underwater photography. Significant contributions to the exploration of underwater caves were made, with a strong focus on documenting these environments through high-quality photography. Authoring several works on diving techniques and cave environments further showcased expertise in the field. In addition to diving, extensive efforts in promoting safety and awareness regarding cave diving were undertaken, particularly regarding the hazards involved.

Continue Reading

Joey Carew

Trinidadian cricketer and Test player
Born
September 15th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 74 years old

A Trinidadian cricketer, this athlete played for the West Indies national team primarily during the 1960s. Represented Trinidad and Tobago in domestic cricket as well. Debuted in Test cricket in 1954 and played in 31 Test matches until 1969, achieving a batting average of 36.18. Contributed significantly as a middle-order batsman during a formative period for West Indies cricket.

Continue Reading

Trish Keenan

Singer-songwriter of Broadcast band
Born
September 28th, 1968 57 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 43 years old

Originated from England, contributions to music included serving as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the band Broadcast. The band emerged in the late 1990s, intertwining elements of electronic and psychedelic pop. Released several albums, including "Tender Buttons" and "Haha Sound," which received critical acclaim. Passed away in 2011, leaving behind a significant influence on the music genre.

Continue Reading