What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

Nikolai Andrianov

Gymnast and Olympic gold medalist
Born
October 14th, 1952 73 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 59 years old

Accomplished gymnast and coach. Competed for the Soviet Union during the 1970s. Achieved significant success at the Olympic Games, securing multiple medals. Dominated the 1972 Munich Olympics, winning six gold and two silver medals. Contributed to the sport as a coach after retirement, influencing future generations of gymnasts.

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Pierre Dansereau

Canadian ecologist and educator
Born
October 5th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 100 years old

Contributions to ecology include research on ecosystems, biogeography, and plant communities. Developed the ecological study of diversity and its relationship to environmental factors. Played a key role in the establishment of ecological science as a significant field of study in Canada. Authored several influential books and articles, contributing to the academic understanding of ecological principles and conservation.

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Inese Jaunzeme

Javelin thrower and surgeon
Born
May 21st, 1932 94 years ago
Died
2011 15 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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Stetson Kennedy

Author and Civil Rights Activist
Born
October 5th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 95 years old

Contributed to the American civil rights movement through literature and activism. Authored works documenting the injustices faced by African Americans, including 'Jim Crow Guide' which exposed racial segregation in the South. Collaborated with the anti-Klan group, the Southern Conference for Human Welfare, and was instrumental in undermining the Ku Klux Klan's influence through infiltration. His experiences were later reflected in the book 'The Klan Unmasked', which detailed the inner workings of the Klan. Used storytelling as a means to advocate for social justice and equality.

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Taiji

Japanese bass player & songwriter
Born
July 12th, 1966 60 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 45 years old

A prominent bass player and songwriter contributed significantly to the Japanese music scene. Notably, played in the influential heavy metal band X Japan during its rise to fame. Involved in various musical projects throughout the career, showcasing versatility in genres and styles. Established a successful solo career, releasing several albums and singles.

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Theodore Roszak

Scholar and author of 'The Making of a Counter Culture'
Born
November 15th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
2011 15 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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Jet Harris

Bass player for The Shadows
Born
July 6th, 1939 87 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 72 years old

An English bass player, celebrated as a founding member of the instrumental rock group The Shadows in the 1960s. The band gained prominence as a backing group for Cliff Richard and achieved significant success with hits such as 'Apache' and 'Wonderful Land'. Alongside his work with The Shadows, Harris also had a solo career and contributed to the British rock and roll scene. His distinctive bass playing and innovative techniques helped shape the sound of the band and influenced future musicians.

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Nicholas Courtney

Actor in Doctor Who
Born
December 16th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2011 15 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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Eddie Kirkland

Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
August 16th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2011 15 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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