What Happened This Year 2020

People Who Died in 2020

John Thompson

Basketball coach and sportscaster, Georgetown
Born
September 2nd, 1941 84 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent basketball player and coach, this individual played for the Boston Celtics in the early 1960s before gaining fame as the head coach at Georgetown University. Coached the Georgetown Hoyas from 1972 to 1999, leading the team to significant successes, including a National Championship in 1984. Transitioned to a career in sportscasting after retiring from coaching, contributing insights and analysis on basketball networks. Recognized for efforts to advocate for equity and access in sports, particularly for underprivileged youth.

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William H. Gates Sr.

American lawyer and philanthropist
Born
November 30th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 95 years old

A lawyer and philanthropist, served as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Advocated for global health initiatives and education reforms. Played a significant role in the establishment of the foundation alongside his son, contributing to various charitable projects worldwide.

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Brian Howe

English singer-songwriter with Bad Company
Born
July 22nd, 1953 72 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 67 years old

Started musical career in the late 1970s. Gained prominence as lead vocalist for the rock band Bad Company in the late 1980s. Contributed to the band's album 'Holy Water', which achieved commercial success. Collaborated with various artists throughout the years and released solo albums that showcased a blend of rock and pop influences. Worked in the music industry until the late 2010s, maintaining a presence in rock music circles.

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Pierre Nkurunziza

Burundian politician and president
Born
December 18th, 1963 62 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 57 years old

Born in 1963, this individual served as the 9th President of Burundi from 2005 to 2020. Initially a soldier, he participated in the civil war in Burundi and later became a prominent political figure. His presidency was marked by significant political turmoil and controversy, particularly related to his decision to run for a third term in 2015, which led to widespread protests and violence. After leaving office, the country continued to face challenges regarding governance and human rights. This individual played a crucial role in shaping contemporary Burundi's political landscape.

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John Edrich

English cricketer and coach
Born
June 21st, 1937 89 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent cricketer, contribution spanned from 1955 to 1975. Played as an opening batsman for Surrey and participated in 77 Test matches for England. Accumulated over 5,000 runs in Test cricket, showcasing batting skills and strategic play. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, influencing upcoming players in domestic cricket.

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Michael M. Richter

Mathematician and computer scientist
Born
June 21st, 1938 88 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 82 years old

Contributions included research in formal methods and computer-aided verification. Developed techniques for software reliability and contributed to automated reasoning. Worked at several institutions, influencing both academia and industry with advancements in formal specification and verification. Published numerous papers on semantics and logic in computer science.

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Peter Whittingham

English footballer and Cardiff City legend
Born
September 8th, 1984 41 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 36 years old

Played as a midfielder, primarily for Cardiff City from 2007 to 2017. Contributed significantly to the team's successes throughout his tenure, establishing himself as a key player. Earned a reputation for his skill and ability to score from long range, becoming a fan favorite. Played a crucial role in the team's run to the FA Cup Final in 2008, where Cardiff finished as runners-up. Was part of the squad that secured promotion to the Premier League in 2013, marking a significant achievement in the club's history.

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John Richard Reid

New Zealand cricketer and captain
Born
June 3rd, 1928 98 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 92 years old

Debuted in international cricket in 1949 and became a prominent figure in New Zealand cricket. Served as captain of the national team and was involved in several historic matches. Renowned for his batting skills and contributed to the team's development during the post-war era. Played first-class cricket primarily for Wellington and was instrumental in growing the game in New Zealand.

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Tony Lewis

English singer and songwriter of The Outfield
Born
December 21st, 1957 68 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 63 years old

An English singer and songwriter, contributed significantly to the music scene as the lead vocalist and bassist for the rock band The Outfield. The band achieved widespread popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly with the hit single 'Your Love.' This song garnered substantial radio play and remains a classic of the era. Additionally, Lewis pursued a solo career, releasing albums and singles that showcased his distinctive style. His work influenced a generation of musicians and fans alike.

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