What Happened This Year 2015

People Who Died in 2015

Olene Walker

Utah's 15th Governor and attorney
Born
November 15th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
November 28th, 2015 9 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the 15th Governor of Utah from 2003 to 2005. Held positions as a member of the Utah House of Representatives and a member of the Utah Senate. Worked as an attorney prior to entering politics, focusing on issues related to public policy and governance. Contributed to local education initiatives and state policies regarding health and human services.

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Joe Marston

Australian footballer and manager
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
November 29th, 2015 9 years ago — 89 years old

Played as a forward in Australian rules football, achieving recognition in the 1950s. Played for Geelong Football Club and later for South Melbourne Football Club. Transitioned to a managerial role, contributing to the growth of the sport in Australia. Helped develop young talent through coaching and mentorship.

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O'tkir Sultonov

Uzbek politician, 2nd Prime Minister
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
November 29th, 2015 9 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the second Prime Minister of Uzbekistan from 1995 until 1996. Played a significant role in the country's development during the post-Soviet era. Participated in the establishment of various legal frameworks to transition Uzbekistan into an independent state. Contributed to political reforms and economic policies during a critical period in the nation's history.

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Shigeru Mizuki

Japanese manga artist and author
Born
March 8th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
November 30th, 2015 9 years ago — 93 years old

An influential Japanese manga artist and author specialized in horror and supernatural themes. Gained recognition for the creation of the manga series 'GeGeGe no Kitaro', which features a variety of yokai and folklore elements. His work offered a unique blend of comedy and horror, capturing the imaginations of readers in Japan and beyond. Mizuki's illustrative style and storytelling techniques showcased the rich tapestry of Japanese mythology, earning him acclaim in the manga industry. Beyond manga, authored several books exploring yokai and folklore, contributing to the cultural understanding of these themes. Received multiple awards, including the Eisner Award for the work 'Kitaro'.

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Eldar Ryazanov

Russian film director and screenwriter
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
November 30th, 2015 9 years ago — 88 years old

A prominent figure in Soviet and Russian cinema, recognized for blending humor with social commentary. Directed numerous iconic films during the 1960s to the 1990s. A hallmark of his work includes a series of romantic comedies that gained popularity for their realistic depictions of life. Ryazanov's films often featured memorable characters and clever dialogue, resonating with audiences across generations. Also engaged in screenwriting, collaborating with notable writers to create engaging narratives.

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Fatema Mernissi

Moroccan sociologist and author of 'Dreams of Trespass'
Born
1940 85 years ago
Died
November 30th, 2015 9 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent Moroccan sociologist and author, contributed significantly to gender studies and cultural criticism. Mernissi explored themes of feminism and Islamic culture in her works. Her book 'Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood' provided insights into the lives of women in Morocco, reflecting on personal and societal challenges. Mernissi’s scholarship often focused on the intersection of culture and gender, offering critical perspectives on various issues affecting women in the Muslim world.

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Marcus Klingberg

Physician and biologist, Nobel nominee
Born
1918 107 years ago
Died
November 30th, 2015 9 years ago — 97 years old

A Polish-Israeli physician and biologist, contribution focused on virology and bacteriology. Education completed in Poland, later moved to Israel. Worked at the Weizmann Institute of Science, contributing to significant research in the field of immunology. Recognized for the development of various vaccines and treatments. His work on the effects of viruses in human health gained notable attention in scientific communities. Honored during a long career with various accolades including a nomination for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

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Rob Blokzijl

Physicist and computer scientist
Born
1943 82 years ago
Died
December 1st, 2015 9 years ago — 72 years old

Contributions spanned physics and computer science, emphasizing the development and understanding of communication networks. Played a significant role in establishing the science park at the University of Twente. Published extensively in the field of optical communications and was instrumental in advancing research methodologies. His work synthesized theoretical principles with practical applications in networking technologies.

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Jim Loscutoff

Basketball player and coach, Boston Celtics
Born
February 4th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
December 1st, 2015 9 years ago — 85 years old

Played professional basketball as a forward for the Boston Celtics from 1955 to 1966, contributing to four NBA championship titles. After retirement, transitioned into coaching and served as an assistant coach for various teams. Loscutoff was recognized for his defensive skills and teamwork during his playing career. His contributions to the Celtics aided in establishing a strong foundation for the team in the 1950s and 1960s, influencing future generations of players.

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