What Happened This Year 2017

People Who Died in 2017

Luis Olmo

Baseball player and manager, Brooklyn Dodgers
Born
August 11th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 98 years old

Born in Puerto Rico, a significant player in Major League Baseball primarily during the 1940s. Played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. Transitioned into managing after retiring as a player, guiding several teams including the San Juan Senators. Contributed to the development of baseball in Puerto Rico.

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Johnny Bower

Ice hockey goaltender, four-time champion
Born
November 8th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 93 years old

Played as a goaltender in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1958 to 1969. Won four Stanley Cup championships with the team in 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1967. Known for outstanding performances during the playoffs and a reputation for sportsmanship. Served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, contributing to military efforts.

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Tatiana Zatulovskaya

Chess player and women's world champion
Born
December 8th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 82 years old

A highly regarded chess player, participated in international tournaments and the Women's World Championships. Achieved the title of Woman International Master in 1976. Contributed to chess through various articles and annotations, promoting the game in both Russia and Israel. Involved in organizing chess events, fostering the growth of the sport.

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Yisrael Friedman

Rabbi and Jewish leader
Born
November 8th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 94 years old

Born in Romania and later moving to Israel, a prominent rabbi contributed significantly to Jewish education and community leadership. Played a key role in the establishment of various yeshivas and religious institutions in Israel. Focused on fostering Jewish identity and continuity among the younger generations. Engaged in interfaith dialogue and community outreach efforts.

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Babette Cole

Author and illustrator of children's books
Born
September 10th, 1949 75 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 68 years old

An English author and illustrator specialized in children's literature. Created over 40 books during a prolific career, often focusing on themes of family, friendship, and humor. The works included popular titles such as "Princess Smartypants" and "Silly Billy," which garnered attention for their engaging illustrations and storytelling. Her style combined whimsical art with relatable narratives for children and parents alike, contributing significantly to the genre of children's books.

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Tim Pigott-Smith

English actor and author with notable roles
Born
May 13th, 1946 78 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 71 years old

An accomplished actor and author, contributions included notable performances in theater and television. Featured prominently in the British television series 'The Crown' as Sir Anthony Blunt. In the stage realm, garnered acclaim for performances in the productions of 'The Homecoming' and 'King Lear'. Authored several works, showcasing versatility and depth of knowledge in both acting and writing fields.

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Pierre Pilote

Ice Hockey Player, 3-time Stanley Cup Champion
Born
December 11th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 86 years old

Played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily for the Chicago Blackhawks. Had a prominent career from 1955 to 1968 and earned three Stanley Cup championships in 1961. Recognized for exceptional skating ability and offensive skills, which contributed to the team's success. Also represented Canada in international competitions.

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John Wetton

English singer-songwriter and bassist
Born
June 12th, 1949 75 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent English singer-songwriter and bassist, made significant contributions to rock music through various bands. Achieved fame with the progressive rock band Asia, where the album 'Asia' topped the charts in 1982. Collaborated with King Crimson and Uriah Heep, showcasing musical versatility and complex compositions. Wetton's work often integrated elements of rock, jazz, and classical styles. In addition to singing, Wetton played bass and contributed to songwriting, influencing a generation of musicians.

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Len Wein

Comic book writer and co-creator of Wolverine
Born
June 12th, 1948 76 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent comic book writer and editor, this individual contributed significantly to the comic industry. Best recognized for co-creating popular characters such as Wolverine, Swamp Thing, and Storm, this writer had a substantial influence on the medium. Additionally, this individual served as editor for various comic lines and worked on renowned series published by major publishers. Contributions to the comic community were acknowledged with multiple awards throughout his career.

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