What Happened This Year 2018

People Who Died in 2018

Dick Quax

New Zealand politician and runner
Born
January 1st, 1948 77 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 70 years old

Born in 1948, a prominent runner represented New Zealand in middle-distance events, particularly excelling in the 5000 meters. Competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics and won a silver medal at the 1974 Commonwealth Games. Transitioned into a political career, serving as a member of the Auckland City Council. He contributed to local governance and public policy for several years, advocating for urban development and infrastructure improvements.

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Yelena Shushunova

Russian Olympic gold medalist gymnast
Born
April 23rd, 1969 55 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 49 years old

A prominent gymnast, recognized for achievements at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, represented the Soviet Union. Secured the all-around gold medal and contributed to the team's gold in the team competition. Shushunova also excelled in other international competitions, showcasing exceptional technical skills and artistry.

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Whitey Bulger

Organized crime boss in Boston
Born
September 3rd, 1929 95 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 89 years old

Established a significant criminal enterprise in Boston during the late 20th century. Bulger led the Winter Hill Gang, involved in various illegal activities including racketeering, drug trafficking, and extortion. Betrayed by former associates and pursued by law enforcement for years, he evaded capture until his arrest in 2011 in Santa Monica, California. The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list included him for over a decade. Convicted in 2013, he was sentenced to life in prison.

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Morris Halle

Linguist; co-authored The Sound Pattern of English
Born
July 23rd, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 95 years old

Born in Latvia and later relocating to the United States, a prominent linguist focused on phonology and syntax. Contributed significantly to the generative grammar movement, collaborating with Noam Chomsky. Co-authored a key text, 'The Sound Pattern of English', which became influential in the study of phonetics and phonology. Led academic contributions as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where extensive research on the phonological structure of languages took place. Played a vital role in shaping modern linguistic theory and education.

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Morgana King

American singer and actress
Born
June 4th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 88 years old

An American singer and actress gained recognition for a successful career in music and acting. The career spanned several decades, earning accolades for performances in both fields. Gained prominence for appearing in the film "The Godfather" (1972) as well as for a string of jazz albums that showcased a unique vocal style. Worked extensively in the music industry, performing in various venues across the country and contributing to the jazz genre.

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John Perry Barlow

American poet and internet activist
Born
October 3rd, 1947 77 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1947, this individual contributed significantly to the digital landscape as a co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, advocating for civil liberties in the online world. A songwriter for the Grateful Dead, he also penned lyrics for several of the band's well-known songs. Additionally, this individual wrote extensively about the intersections of technology and society, influencing discussions on rights within cyberspace. With a career that spanned various fields, engagement with cultural movements marked their life, actively participating in debates about the evolving nature of privacy and freedom of expression.

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Reinier Kreijermaat

Dutch footballer with Ajax career
Born
April 25th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 83 years old

Played as a midfielder and forward, spent most of the career at Ajax. Achieved success in the Eredivisie, winning multiple national championships. Also represented the Netherlands national team.

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Charlotte Rae

Actress from 'The Facts of Life'
Born
April 22nd, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 92 years old

An American actress and singer, spent several decades in the entertainment industry. Gained widespread recognition for the role of Edna Garrett in the sitcoms 'Diff’rent Strokes' and its spin-off 'The Facts of Life'. Made debut in the 1950s and appeared in various television shows and films, showcasing a talent for both comedic and dramatic roles. Continued to act into her later years, earning acclaim for her performances. Also involved in theater, performing in numerous Broadway productions, contributing to the arts both on-screen and in live performances.

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Olivia Hooker

American sailor and naval officer
Born
February 12th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 103 years old

Pioneered as one of the first women to join the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Served as a Yeoman in the Coast Guard and contributed to the war efforts while breaking barriers for women in the military. Later became a prominent advocate for the inclusion of women in the maritime field and naval services.

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