What Happened This Year 2012

People Who Died in 2012

Jon Lord

Keyboard player for Deep Purple
Born
June 9th, 1941 85 years ago
Died
2012 14 years ago — 71 years old

A British musician, played keyboard for the rock band Deep Purple. Co-founded the band in 1968, contributing to its distinctive sound with classical influences. Composed the iconic track 'Smoke on the Water', which became a defining song of rock music. Also acted as a key player in the formation of the supergroup Whitesnake. Besides performing, Lord composed various classical works, blending rock and orchestral music. His contributions to music extended beyond performance, as he was also involved in production and songwriting.

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János Rózsás

Hungarian author and playwright
Born
August 6th, 1926 100 years ago
Died
2012 14 years ago — 86 years old

Born in Hungary in 1926, contributed significantly to literature as an author and playwright. Wrote various novels and plays that explored themes of society and human experience. Gained prominence for works that reflect the complexities of life in Hungary during significant historical events. His literary legacy includes both acclaimed novels and influential theatrical productions, establishing a lasting presence in Hungarian culture.

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Víctor Cabedo

Spanish cyclist and professional racer
Born
June 15th, 1989 37 years ago
Died
2012 14 years ago — 23 years old

Competed as a professional road cyclist. Achieved recognition in major cycling events. Participated in the 2010 Vuelta a España. Began cycling at a young age and progressed through various competitive ranks in Spain.

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Roger Boisjoly

Aerodynamicist and engineer, Challenger disaster
Born
April 25th, 1938 88 years ago
Died
2012 14 years ago — 74 years old

An aerodynamicist and engineer focused on rocket propulsion and safety concerns. Worked at Morton Thiokol where contributions to the Space Shuttle program occurred, particularly regarding the Challenger disaster. Voiced concerns about the O-rings used in the solid rocket boosters prior to the Challenger launch, warning that cold temperatures could compromise their integrity. After the disaster, provided testimony before the Rogers Commission to discuss the engineering decisions and safety issues related to the launch, emphasizing the need for better safety practices in aerospace engineering.

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Annapurna Maharana

Indian activist advocating for women's rights
Born
November 3rd, 1917 108 years ago
Died
2012 14 years ago — 95 years old

Active in the Indian women's rights movement, worked tirelessly for gender equality and women's empowerment. Contributed significantly to policy changes benefiting women in various sectors. Participated in grassroots efforts to create awareness about women's issues and mobilized communities to support social justice initiatives. Engaged in public speaking and advocacy to amplify the voices of marginalized women. Played a crucial role in organizing women's collective actions and events that highlighted their struggles and achievements.

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Arkady Vorobyov

Weightlifter and Olympic Coach
Born
October 3rd, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2012 14 years ago — 88 years old

A prominent figure in the weightlifting community, made significant contributions as both an athlete and a coach. Achieved success in various international competitions, securing multiple medals. Transitioned to coaching, where mentorship shaped future generations of weightlifters. His techniques and training methodologies set standards in the sport, leading athletes to excel on the world stage.

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Raymond Dumais

Canadian bishop with significant influence
Born
June 4th, 1950 76 years ago
Died
2012 14 years ago — 62 years old

Ordained as a priest in 1975, served in various parishes and held multiple leadership roles within the church. Became the bishop of a diocese, focusing on spiritual guidance and community development. Played a key role in promoting interfaith dialogue and addressing social issues within the community. Known for commitment to education and support for youth programs, contributing to the growth of local parish initiatives.

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Greg Ham

Australian keyboardist and songwriter
Born
September 27th, 1953 72 years ago
Died
2012 14 years ago — 59 years old

A keyboard player, saxophonist, and songwriter emerged as a prominent figure in the music scene. Played in the band Men at Work, contributing to their distinctive sound. The band achieved global fame with hit songs like 'Down Under' and 'Who Can It Be Now?'. His performances and arrangements featured heavily on the group's successful albums, which garnered multiple awards, including a Grammy Award. In addition to performing, involvement in songwriting helped shape the band's legacy in the 1980s music landscape.

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Jacob Sahaya Kumar Aruni

Chef renowned for innovative cuisine
Born
June 4th, 1974 52 years ago
Died
2012 14 years ago — 38 years old

Born in 1974, this Indian chef has contributed significantly to the culinary world through fusion cuisine. Early in the career, worked in various prestigious kitchens, showcasing traditional Indian flavors in combination with global techniques. Active in culinary education, this chef has conducted numerous workshops and cooking demonstrations that highlight the importance of regional ingredients and cooking methods. The establishment of a personal restaurant has allowed for the exploration of modern Indian gastronomy, gaining recognition from food critics and enthusiasts alike. A commitment to sustainability and local sourcing reflects in the culinary philosophy, further enriching the culinary landscape.

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