What Happened This Year 2016

People Who Died in 2016

Jon English

Singer-songwriter and actor from Australia
Born
March 26th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 67 years old

A singer-songwriter and actor, this individual gained prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. Debuted in the Australian music scene with the album 'Jokers and Queens' and achieved commercial success. Also starred in the television series 'The Pirates of Penzance' and 'Against the Wind'. His theatrical performances and musical contributions left a notable mark on the Australian entertainment landscape.

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Hso Khan Pha

Burmese-Canadian geologist and politician
Born
April 15th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 78 years old

Born in Burma, contributed significantly to geology and political affairs in Canada. Studied geology and engaged in various research projects throughout professional career. Transitioned into politics, representing the interests of the Burmese community. Advocated for environmental issues and the rights of ethnic minorities in political discussions. Actively involved in promoting education and sustainable development.

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Margot Honecker

East German politician and First Lady
Born
April 17th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 89 years old

Served as the First Lady of East Germany from 1971 to 1989, playing a significant role in the German Democratic Republic's educational policies. Advocated for the promotion of socialist ideology within the educational system. Active in the Socialist Unity Party, she contributed to political discourse and policy-making in East Germany.

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André Courrèges

Fashion designer and space-age fashion pioneer
Born
March 9th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 93 years old

A French fashion designer emerged in the 1960s, revolutionizing women's fashion with an innovative approach. Founded his own label in 1961, introducing bold designs that emphasized geometric shapes and a modern aesthetic. Pioneered the use of synthetic materials and created the 'moon dress,' encapsulating the essence of space-age style. His work contributed to the establishment of the miniskirt as a prominent fashion staple. Played a significant role in promoting the idea of 'futurism' in fashion, influencing both haute couture and ready-to-wear industries. Courrèges continued to inspire future generations of designers through his distinctive vision until his retirement in 2015.

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Yūko Mizutani

Voice actress and singer in Japan
Born
November 4th, 1964 61 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 52 years old

Born in Japan, a prominent voice actress and singer. Active in the voice acting industry since the 1980s, contributed to numerous anime series and video games. Gained recognition for roles in 'Sailor Moon' as the voice of Sailor Jupiter and in 'Digimon Tamers' as Rika Nonaka. Worked on a wide range of projects, showcasing versatility in various genres. Also engaged in singing, contributing to character songs and soundtracks.

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Walter Kohn

Physicist, Nobel Prize Laureate
Born
March 9th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 93 years old

Walter Kohn was an Austrian-American physicist recognized for contributions to the field of quantum mechanics and computational materials science. Kohn developed the Kohn-Sham equations, a fundamental component of density functional theory, which revolutionized the way electronic structure calculations are performed in solids and molecules. Kohn received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998, sharing it for work that advanced the understanding of the electronic structure of matter. Kohn served as a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, influencing generations of physicists and chemists through research and education.

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Red Simpson

Country music singer-songwriter
Born
March 6th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 82 years old

Born in 1934, a significant country music singer-songwriter emerged, contributing notably to the genre. Early in the career, worked as a studio musician and songwriter for established artists. Gained prominence in the 1960s with a unique style that blended traditional country sounds and themes. The album 'I'm a Truck' and the hit single 'Sam's Place' solidified a reputation in the trucking music sub-genre. Lyrics often reflected the lifestyle of truck drivers and included catchy hooks.

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Pierre Aubert

Swiss lawyer and politician
Born
March 3rd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 89 years old

Practiced law and engaged in politics in Switzerland. Served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council from 1971 to 1981, representing the Social Democratic Party. Held the position of head of the Federal Department of Transport, Communications and Energy. Contributed to significant reforms in public transport and telecommunications during tenure.

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Ralph Hauenstein

American businessman and philanthropist
Born
March 20th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 104 years old

Founded the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University. Played a pivotal role in the development of the Great Lakes shipping industry. Contributed significantly to various charitable organizations, focusing on education and community development.

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