What Happened This Year 2015

People Who Died in 2015

Edward Natapei

Vanuatuan politician, 6th Prime Minister
Born
July 17th, 1954 70 years ago
Died
July 28th, 2015 9 years ago — 61 years old

Served as the 6th Prime Minister of Vanuatu from 2004 to 2006. Held various positions in the Vanuatu government including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Finance. Contributed to national development and international diplomacy.

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Mike Pyle

American football player and sportscaster
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2015 9 years ago — 76 years old

Played as a defensive tackle in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons. After retiring from professional football, transitioned to a career in sports broadcasting, contributing analysis and commentary for various networks. Pyle had a background in college football, playing for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before entering the NFL.

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Franklin H. Westervelt

American computer scientist and engineer
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2015 9 years ago — 85 years old

Contributed significantly to computer science and engineering through academic endeavors. Worked extensively in the field of computer graphics and visualization. Served in various capacities at renowned institutions, focusing on the advancement of technology and education. Engaged in research that influenced the development of systems in computer science, specifically in image processing and visualization techniques.

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Alena Vrzáňová

Czech figure skater and Olympic medalist
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
July 30th, 2015 9 years ago — 84 years old

Competed in figure skating and achieved significant success in the early 1950s. Won a bronze medal at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo. Secured multiple titles at the World Championships and European Championships during her career, establishing a reputation in the sport. After turning professional, focused on performances and exhibitions, becoming a celebrated figure in the figure skating community until her later years.

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Lynn Anderson

Country music singer and actress
Born
September 26th, 1947 77 years ago
Died
July 30th, 2015 9 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1947, this American country music singer gained prominence in the 1970s. The artist achieved significant chart success with hits like 'Rose Garden', which reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. In addition to music, the artist also appeared on television, showcasing talents beyond singing. Throughout a career spanning several decades, the artist released numerous albums and singles, contributing to the presence of women in country music during a transformative era.

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Roddy Piper

Professional wrestler and actor
Born
April 17th, 1954 71 years ago
Died
July 31st, 2015 9 years ago — 61 years old

A Canadian professional wrestler and actor, contributed significantly to the wrestling industry during the 1980s and 1990s. Gained popularity in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where developed the character 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. Featured in the cult classic film 'They Live' which showcased both acting and wrestling skills. Wrestled in major promotions across North America, returning to WWE as a commentator and manager.

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Billy Pierce

Baseball pitcher and sportscaster
Born
April 2nd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
July 31st, 2015 9 years ago — 88 years old

A professional baseball player, this individual played in Major League Baseball primarily as a pitcher from 1945 to 1964. The player spent the majority of his career with the Chicago White Sox, where he became an All-Star and was integral to the team's success. After retiring from baseball, transitioned to sports broadcasting, providing analysis and commentary on games. The player also participated in the 1959 World Series with the White Sox.

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Howard W. Jones

Surgeon and academic associated with IVF
Born
1910 115 years ago
Died
July 31st, 2015 9 years ago — 105 years old

Practiced as a prominent surgeon and made significant contributions to the field of reproductive medicine. Co-founded the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Virginia. Pioneered in vitro fertilization techniques in the United States, aiding in the birth of the first IVF baby in the U.S. His research and expertise in assisted reproductive technology established new protocols that transformed fertility treatments.

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Alan Cheuse

Writer and literary critic; 'The Missed',
Born
January 23rd, 1940 85 years ago
Died
July 31st, 2015 9 years ago — 75 years old

A writer and literary critic contributed to various publications and taught creative writing at several universities. Achieved prominence as a novelist with works such as 'The Missed' and wrote fiction and essays that explored the complexities of human experience. Served as a book commentator on National Public Radio, reaching a wide audience with insightful reviews and recommendations. In addition, worked as a professor of creative writing, influencing a generation of writers through mentorship and education.

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