What Happened This Year 2013

People Who Died in 2013

Tetsuharu Kawakami

Japanese baseball player and manager
Born
March 23rd, 1920 105 years ago
Died
October 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 93 years old

Played professional baseball in Japan primarily as an outfielder. Served as a player-manager for the Yomiuri Giants, one of the most successful teams in Nippon Professional Baseball. Achieved multiple championships and earned recognition for leadership and strategy on the field. Transitioned into a managerial role after a successful playing career, guiding teams to further successes.

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Tadeusz Mazowiecki

Polish Prime Minister and journalist
Born
April 18th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
October 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 86 years old

An influential journalist and politician, served as Prime Minister of Poland from 1989 to 1991. Played a significant role in the transformation of Poland from a communist state to a democratic government. Initiated economic reforms that transitioned the country to a market economy, which laid the groundwork for Poland's entry into the European Union. Actively participated in the Solidarity movement, which challenged the communist regime during the 1980s. After his term as Prime Minister, continued to engage in public life and provided insights on political matters throughout his later years.

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Rajendra Yadav

Indian author and playwright
Born
1929 96 years ago
Died
October 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 84 years old

An influential figure in Hindi literature, contributed significantly to modern storytelling through novels and plays. Gained recognition for addressing social issues and human emotions with a realistic approach. Worked as an editor for several literary magazines, promoting new writers and voices in the Hindi literary scene. Authored numerous books that reflect the complexities of relationships and the human condition. Fostered dialogue around contemporary societal norms and values.

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Graham Stark

English actor and director of 'The Goon Show'
Born
1922 103 years ago
Died
October 29th, 2013 12 years ago — 91 years old

An English actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, contributed significantly to British comedy and entertainment. Gained prominence through appearances in 'The Goon Show' and works with the BBC. Directed several theatrical productions and was involved in numerous TV series and films. His work spanned over several decades, showcasing a range of talents in both acting and directing.

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Bill Currie

Baseball player and World Series champion
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
October 30th, 2013 12 years ago — 85 years old

A former professional baseball player, played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Debuted in 1944 and played until 1948. Played for the New York Giants and the Chicago Cubs. Contributed to the Giants' victory in the 1954 World Series, securing a championship title. After retiring from professional baseball, engaged in various activities within sports and coaching.

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Frank Wess

Saxophonist and Flute player, jazz innovator
Born
1922 103 years ago
Died
October 30th, 2013 12 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent American jazz musician, contributed significantly to the genre through exceptional skills on both the saxophone and flute. Played with notable ensembles such as the Count Basie Orchestra, showcasing remarkable versatility and creativity in performances and recordings. Collaborated with many artists across the jazz spectrum, influencing future generations of musicians. Also had a successful solo career, releasing several albums that highlighted innovative arrangements and improvisational techniques.

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Michael Palmer

Physician and author of medical thrillers
Born
October 9th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
October 30th, 2013 12 years ago — 71 years old

A physician and author, contributed to the genre of medical thrillers through a series of bestselling novels. Engaged in the practice of medicine while writing fiction that often drew upon medical knowledge and experiences. Authored titles such as 'The First Patient' and 'Critical Error,' which gained popularity for their intricate plots and realistic medical scenarios. Walker's stories combined suspense and medical expertise, appealing to both healthcare professionals and general readers. Additionally took part in discussions about public health and medical ethics within the literary community.

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Pete Haycock

English musician and guitarist
Born
March 4th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
October 30th, 2013 12 years ago — 62 years old

A singer-songwriter and guitarist, contributed significantly to rock music, particularly through work with the band Climax Blues Band. Gained recognition for combining blues and rock elements in original songs. Played a vital role in the band's success during the 1970s and 1980s, leading contributions to the hit songs that marked the era. Also pursued a successful solo career, showcasing talents through various albums and collaborations.

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Gérard de Villiers

French journalist and author of SAS series
Born
1929 96 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2013 12 years ago — 84 years old

A journalist and author specialized in spy fiction, gained recognition through the SAS series, which includes over 200 novels. The series features the character Malko Linge, an Austrian nobleman and CIA agent. This extensive work, spanning from the 1960s to the 2010s, merged espionage and thriller elements in an engaging narrative style. De Villiers traveled extensively for research purposes, often drawing on real-world events and geopolitical contexts. This approach contributed to the series' authenticity and detail, appealing to a wide readership across Europe and beyond.

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