What Happened This Year 2018

People Who Died in 2018

Glenn Branca

Guitarist and composer of avant-garde music
Born
October 6th, 1948 76 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 70 years old

An influential guitarist and composer made significant contributions to avant-garde music and minimalist composition. Branca's work focused on experimental guitar tunings and unconventional performance techniques. He established the iconic group The Glenn Branca Ensemble, which helped shape the sound of New York's experimental music scene. Branca’s most acclaimed composition, ‘The Ascension’, is noted for its innovative use of guitar orchestration and remains a key work in the contemporary classical landscape.

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Mathilde Krim

Medical researcher and health educator
Born
July 9th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent medical researcher and health educator focused on AIDS research and education. Founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research in 1985, which provided significant funding for AIDS research. Published numerous scientific papers and advocated for public health policies to combat the AIDS epidemic. Actively participated in efforts to reduce stigma and promote awareness of HIV/AIDS.

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Elizabeth Hawley

Journalist and historian of Nepal
Born
November 9th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 95 years old

Born in the United States and later relocating to Nepal, contributed extensively to the documentation of the history of mountaineering in the Himalayas. Served as a correspondent for various media outlets, covering significant events and developments in the region. Established a detailed archive of historical climbs and expeditions, playing a crucial role in the preservation of mountaineering history. Published works include 'Himalayan Climber' and 'The Himalayan Database,' which became essential references for climbers and historians alike.

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Daniel Akaka

American politician and senator
Born
September 11th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 94 years old

Served as a United States Senator from Hawaii from 1990 to 2013. Was the first Native Hawaiian elected to the U.S. Senate. Prior to his Senate career, held various positions in education and government, including serving as the director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Played a key role in advancing legislation related to veterans, education, and Native Hawaiian rights.

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Elfriede Rinkel

German SS officer during World War II
Born
July 14th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 96 years old

Served as an SS officer during World War II, participating in various military operations. Held a significant position within the SS, contributing to the administration and execution of policies aligned with the regime. Involved in activities that were part of the broader conflict of the war, facilitating the structures of the SS.

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Dick Slater

Professional wrestler and wrestling promoter
Born
May 19th, 1951 73 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 67 years old

A professional wrestler and promoter, achieved recognition in the 1970s and 1980s. Competed in major wrestling promotions including World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Also contributed as a trainer to upcoming wrestlers throughout a long career spanning multiple decades. Gained a reputation for his technical wrestling skills and charismatic persona, influencing a generation of wrestlers.

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Pandel Savic

American football player
Born
July 15th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 93 years old

An American football player played as a tackle for the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1950s. Prior to joining the Giants, played college football at the University of Virginia. Helped the team secure an NFL Championship title in 1956, contributing to the franchise's success. Later returned to the University of Virginia as a football coach, where influence extended to coaching future players.

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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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Mel Ramos

American painter and illustrator
Born
July 24th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent figure in the Pop Art movement, this American painter and illustrator gained recognition for combining imagery of female figures with commercial products. The work often incorporated bright colors and a sense of commercialism, reflecting contemporary culture. This artist's style was heavily influenced by advertising, leading to iconic pieces that explored themes of sexuality and consumerism. In addition to painting, involvement in academia enriched the artistic community, influencing future generations of artists.

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