What Happened This Year 2017

People Who Died in 2017

Erica Garner

Civil rights activist against police violence
Born
May 29th, 1990 35 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2017 7 years ago — 27 years old

Born in 1990, activism focused on civil rights following the death of Eric Garner, father. Advocated for justice and accountability in cases of police violence. Organized demonstrations and engaged in public speaking to raise awareness about systemic racism and police brutality. Co-founded organizations aimed at addressing police violence and providing support to affected families. Continued activism until untimely death in 2017 due to health complications.

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Richard Gordon

Surgeon and author of medical books
Born
September 15th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 96 years old

An English surgeon specialized in the field of surgery and authored several medical books. Contributed to the popularization of surgical practices through engaging writings. Served as a consultant surgeon and conducted surgeries at various institutions. His works offered insights into the medical profession, combining expertise with accessible language for a broader audience. Engaged in teaching and made significant contributions to surgical education.

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Halim El-Dabh

Composer and educator, 'The Son of the Nile'
Born
March 4th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 96 years old

Born in Egypt and later residing in the United States, a composer and educator made significant contributions to contemporary music. Studied at institutions such as the University of Cairo and Columbia University. Developed a unique style that blended traditional Egyptian music with modern compositions. Pioneered the use of electronic music in the 20th century, which distinguished his works in both concert and educational contexts. Taught at various institutions, sharing insights into music theory and composition.

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Neil Fingleton

Actor and basketball player, tall athlete
Born
December 18th, 1980 44 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 37 years old

An English actor and basketball player, gained recognition for being among the tallest men in the world. Played college basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Transitioned to acting, appearing in prominent roles including the character Mag the Mighty in the HBO series Game of Thrones. In addition to athletics and acting, was also featured in the film X-Men: First Class.

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Cécile DeWitt-Morette

Mathematician and physicist in quantum theory
Born
December 21st, 1922 102 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 95 years old

A French mathematician and physicist specialized in quantum gravity. Played a crucial role in the development of quantum field theory and mathematical physics. Worked on the mathematical formalism of general relativity and contributed significantly to the understanding of quantum mechanics. Served as a professor and influenced numerous students through teaching and mentorship. Played an important role in various scientific committees and organizations.

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Angry Grandpa

Internet personality and YouTuber
Born
October 16th, 1950 74 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 67 years old

An internet personality gained popularity through viral videos featuring rants and pranks. Established a significant online presence on YouTube with a channel that showcased family dynamics and humorous confrontations. Engaged a large audience with relatable content and unfiltered expressions. Collaborated with family to create entertaining videos that resonated with fans, resulting in a loyal following.

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Dick Bruna

Dutch author and illustrator of Miffy
Born
August 23rd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 90 years old

An author and illustrator, contributions primarily focused on children's literature. Created the beloved character Miffy, a small rabbit depicted in a minimalistic style. Published numerous picture books featuring Miffy, which have been translated into multiple languages. Developed a distinctive art style characterized by simple lines and bright colors.

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Tom Raworth

English poet and academic known for poetry
Born
July 19th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 79 years old

A poet and academic, this individual contributed significantly to the post-war British poetry scene. Active from the 1960s onward, work included collections such as 'Stet' and 'The Burned Children of America'. Writing explored themes of language and its relationship to experience, often utilizing innovative forms and structures. In addition to poetry, held teaching positions at various institutions, including the University of Essex. Also engaged in translation work, particularly translating poetry from other languages into English, enriching the literary landscape.

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Josephine Webb

American engineer with significant contributions
Born
June 21st, 1918 107 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 99 years old

Born in 1918, an American engineer contributed to advancements in telecommunications and computing. Webb developed innovative technologies that improved communication systems. Education included a degree in electrical engineering. A prominent role was at an organization focused on developing groundbreaking electronic systems for military and commercial applications. Webb's career spanned several decades, during which numerous patents were obtained, showcasing leadership in engineering practices and fostering collaboration among teams to solve complex technical challenges.

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