What Happened This Year 2012

People Who Died in 2012

Aase Bjerkholt

Norwegian politician and minister
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
August 17th, 2012 12 years ago — 97 years old

Served as Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion in Norway. Focused on policies related to children's rights, gender equality, and social welfare. Worked within the Norwegian Parliament, influencing legislation that impacted various social issues. Contributed to the development of initiatives aimed at improving conditions for vulnerable groups in society.

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Victor Poor

Engineer, developer of Datapoint 2200
Born
July 12th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
August 17th, 2012 12 years ago — 79 years old

An engineer born in 1933, contributed significantly to the development of computing technology. Focused on advancements in hardware and software, played a critical role in creating the Datapoint 2200, which is recognized as one of the first programmable desktop computers. This innovation helped pave the way for the personal computer revolution, influencing future designs and architectures in computing. Served as a key figure in the evolution of early computer systems and supported the growth of the computing industry during the 1970s.

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Scott McKenzie

Singer-songwriter with 'San Francisco'
Born
January 10th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2012 12 years ago — 73 years old

A singer-songwriter and guitarist, this individual rose to prominence in the 1960s with the release of the iconic song 'San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)'. The song became an anthem of the counterculture movement and was associated with the Summer of Love in 1967. His career included collaborations with notable artists and contributions to folk music, becoming a significant figure in the music scene during that era. This individual continued to perform and record music throughout the following decades, maintaining a presence in the industry until later years.

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Jesse Robredo

Filipino politician, Secretary of the Interior
Born
May 27th, 1958 66 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2012 12 years ago — 54 years old

Served as the 23rd Secretary of the Interior and Local Government in the Philippines from 2010 until his death in 2012. Implemented significant reforms in local governance and promoted transparency and accountability in government operations. Prior to this, held the position of mayor of Naga City for over 19 years, where focused on urban development and community empowerment. Advocated for disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness during his tenure. His leadership style and dedication to public service earned him respect throughout the nation.

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Harrison Begay

American painter of Navajo heritage
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2012 12 years ago — 95 years old

A painter of Navajo heritage, this artist created works that reflect Indigenous culture and traditions. Using oils and watercolors, the artist captured landscapes, ceremonies, and daily life of the Navajo people. His artwork has been showcased in exhibitions across the United States, contributing to the visibility of Native American art. As a respected member of the Navajo Nation, the artist played a vital role in promoting Navajo culture through various art forms.

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Edmund Skellings

American poet and educator
Born
1932 93 years ago
Died
August 19th, 2012 12 years ago — 80 years old

Contributions included influential poetry and academic work. Authored several poetry collections, with subjects ranging from personal reflections to broader socio-political themes. Served as a professor, shaping the educational landscape for aspiring writers and poets. Participated in various literary festivals and workshops, fostering a community for poetry and creative expression.

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Tony Scott

Director of 'Top Gun' and 'True Romance'
Born
June 21st, 1944 80 years ago
Died
August 19th, 2012 12 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1944, this English-American director and producer gained prominence in the film industry for creating high-octane action films characterized by their stylistic approach and innovative use of visual effects. Significant contributions occurred in the late 20th century, particularly with impactful works that captivated audiences globally. Collaborated frequently with notable actors and was instrumental in shaping the action genre during the 1980s and 1990s. Established a reputation for producing films that became cultural touchstones, especially within Hollywood circles. Continued to explore cinematic narratives until passing away in 2012.

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Mika Yamamoto

Journalist specializing in war coverage
Born
May 26th, 1967 57 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 12 years ago — 45 years old

A journalist focused on war coverage, contributing to prominent publications. Reported on various conflicts, notably the Iraq War. Worked with numerous media organizations and provided frontline reporting that highlighted the human aspects of conflict. Earned respect for dedication to uncovering the truth in dangerous situations and for championing the voices of those affected by war.

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Dom Mintoff

Maltese politician and Prime Minister
Born
August 6th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 12 years ago — 96 years old

Served as the 8th Prime Minister of Malta and was a prominent figure in the Maltese Labour Party. Played a significant role in Malta's independence from the UK. Mintoff advocated for a strong welfare state and pursued policies that aimed to enhance the social and economic wellbeing of Maltese citizens. Also served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works, focusing on infrastructure development. His tenure was marked by efforts to transform Malta into a more self-sufficient nation.

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