What Happened This Year 2019

People Who Died in 2019

Billy McNeill

Scottish footballer and Celtic captain
Born
March 2nd, 1940 85 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 79 years old

Considered one of the greatest Scottish footballers, played primarily as a central defender. Captained Celtic FC to their historic victory in the 1967 European Cup, leading the team to become the first British club to win the title. Made significant contributions to Celtic's success during the 1960s and 1970s, earning a reputation for leadership and defensive skills. Following retirement, transitioned into management and coached several clubs, including successful stints at Aberdeen and Manchester City.

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Howard Cassady

American football player, Heisman Trophy winner
Born
March 2nd, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 85 years old

An accomplished American football player played collegiate football at Ohio State University. Achieved notable success as a running back and earned the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1955. Helped lead Ohio State to a Big Ten Championship while setting several school records. Transitioned to professional football with the Detroit Lions in the NFL, contributing significantly to the team during his career. Cassady's legacy includes being recognized as one of the standout players of his era.

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Alice Rivlin

Economist and politician, 1993 CBO director
Born
March 4th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 88 years old

An economist and politician contributed to economic policy and budget management. Served as the founding director of the Congressional Budget Office from 1975 to 1983, helping to establish the principles of federal budget analysis. Held various roles in government, including Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Bill Clinton. Worked as a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, focusing on fiscal policy and economic issues. Rivlin's expertise in economic forecasting and analysis shaped fiscal policy discussions throughout her career.

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Henri de Contenson

French archaeologist and academic
Born
March 4th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 93 years old

Specialized in archaeology and contributed significantly to the understanding of South Asian history. Played a pivotal role in excavations and research in India, particularly in sites related to the Indus Valley Civilization. Engaged in numerous academic endeavors, including teaching and publishing important findings regarding ancient societies. Worked on developing preservation methods for archaeological sites and artifacts, influencing future archaeological practices in the region.

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Norman Stone

British historian and author of 'Europe'
Born
March 8th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent British historian and author, contributed significantly to the study of European history. In 1989, published the influential book 'Europe: A History', which provided a wide-ranging account of European events, culture, and politics. Held academic positions at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Oxford and the University of Edinburgh. Served as a director of the Turkish Studies Programme at the University of Edinburgh and contributed to discussions on East-West relations.

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Marcia Falkender

English politician and Baroness
Born
March 10th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent English politician, held various significant positions within the Labour Party. Served as the private secretary to Harold Wilson during his tenure as Prime Minister, influencing key political decisions. Elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness Falkender, contributed to political discourse and policy development. Engaged in public service, promoting various causes aligned with the Labour Party's ideals.

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Michael Gielen

Austrian conductor and composer
Born
July 20th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 92 years old

Born in 1927, a prominent conductor and composer, significant contributions to both contemporary and classical music. Held conducting positions with the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Southwest German Radio Symphony Orchestra. Played a vital role in the musical direction of multiple renowned orchestras. Engaged with various opera houses and festivals, promoting innovative repertoire and contemporary composers. Composed a number of significant works during a prolific career.

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Frank Dobson

British politician, Secretary of State for Health
Born
March 15th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 79 years old

Served as a politician in the United Kingdom for several decades. Held the position of Secretary of State for Health from 1997 to 1999 in the Labour government led by Tony Blair. Focused on health policy reform and was instrumental in approaching issues related to the National Health Service. Represented the Holborn and St Pancras constituency in Parliament for a significant period.

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Zhores Alferov

Physicist, Nobel Prize winner in Physics
Born
March 15th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 89 years old

Belarusian-Russian physicist and academic made significant contributions to semiconductor physics. Alferov developed heterostructure lasers, which became fundamental in optoelectronics. Academic roles included serving as a head at the Department of Optoelectronics and holding the position of rector at the Ioffe Institute in St. Petersburg. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000 for innovative work in semiconductor physics that led to advancements in telecommunications and electronics.

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