What Happened This Year 2021

People Who Died in 2021

Vladimir Shatalov

Kazakhstani astronaut and pilot
Born
December 8th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 94 years old

Born in 1927, contributions to space exploration involved piloting Soyuz missions. Flew on three space missions, including Soyuz 10, Soyuz 12, and Soyuz 20. Achievements included participation in significant scientific experiments conducted in orbit. Involved in Soviet Air Force and played key roles in aerospace operations.

Continue Reading

Antony Hewish

Astronomer, Nobel Prize Winner for Pulsars
Born
May 11th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 97 years old

An English astronomer and academic, contributed to the discovery of pulsars in 1967. Conducted significant research in radio astronomy, leading to important advancements in the understanding of celestial objects. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1974, sharing the honor for pioneering contributions to astrophysics. Served as a professor at the University of Cambridge, influencing future generations of astronomers through education and mentorship.

Continue Reading

Ted Dexter

Cricketer and former England captain
Born
May 15th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent figure in cricket, this individual played for Sussex and the England national team during the 1960s. As a talented batsman, he achieved significant success on the field and captained the England team. His career spanned from 1958 to 1968, and he was recognized for his aggressive playing style and exceptional scoring abilities. After retiring from international cricket, he contributed to the sport as a commentator and writer.

Continue Reading

Willy van der Kuijlen

Dutch footballer and manager, PSV Eindhoven
Born
December 6th, 1946 78 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 75 years old

An accomplished footballer and manager, played majority of career at PSV Eindhoven. Contributed to numerous domestic league titles and European competitions. Transitioned to a managerial role post-playing career. His expertise in the sport led to multiple coaching positions, providing guidance at various clubs in the Netherlands.

Continue Reading

Jerzy Prokopiuk

Polish anthropologist and philosopher
Born
June 5th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 90 years old

Born in Poland in 1931, an anthropologist and philosopher contributed to the understanding of human culture and social behavior through rigorous research. Focused on the intersection of anthropology and philosophy, he analyzed cultural phenomena and their implications on global society. His work included studies on the cultural significance of emotions and the role of philosophy in understanding human existence. Engaged in academic discourse, published extensively and participated in international conferences. The influence of philosophical thought on anthropology remained a central theme throughout his career.

Continue Reading

Chun Doo-hwan

South Korean general and politician
Born
January 18th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 90 years old

A military general and politician, served as the 5th President of South Korea from 1980 to 1988. Initially gained power through a coup in 1979, becoming the de facto leader followed by an official presidency. Emphasized economic development during the presidency, leading to significant growth despite enduring criticism for human rights abuses and suppression of dissent. Oversaw the June Democracy Movement which called for democratic reforms and political freedoms.

Continue Reading

Alice Gibson

Belizean chief librarian and educator
Born
September 3rd, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 98 years old

Served as a chief librarian and educator in Belize, contributing significantly to educational development and library services in the country. Played a pivotal role in promoting literacy and access to information through various initiatives. Worked with the Ministry of Education to enhance learning opportunities and resource availability for students and educators. Engaged in numerous community programs aimed at fostering reading habits and educational advancement.

Continue Reading

André Ribeiro

Race car driver, Formula 1 participant
Born
January 18th, 1966 59 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 55 years old

Born in Brazil in 1966, this race car driver participated in the Formula One World Championship during the early 1990s. He drove for the teams Minardi and Brabham, competing in numerous Grand Prix events primarily between 1993 and 1994. In addition to a career in Formula 1, he also achieved success in other racing series, including the IndyCar Series. His time in motorsport's high-stakes environment highlighted his skills in speed and precision on diverse tracks around the world.

Continue Reading

Rodney Jory

Australian physicist and academic
Born
November 26th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1938, a physicist and academic contributed to various fields of Physics. Established a career in academia with significant teaching and research roles. Engaged in extensive studies and published research articles, particularly in areas related to electrodynamics and spectroscopy. Served in multiple educational institutions and guided many students in their scientific pursuits.

Continue Reading