What Happened This Year 2023

People Who Died in 2023

Tom Pendry

English politician and life peer
Born
June 10th, 1934 90 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent figure in British politics, served as a Member of Parliament for Stalybridge and Hyde from 1970 to 1997. Elevated to the House of Lords as a life peer in 1997, contributing to various committees and campaigns. Involved in sports advocacy, particularly in football. Served as the chairman of the Football Trust. Played a significant role in promoting sports policies within the Labour Party, engaging in discussions about sports funding and development.

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Keith Waldrop

American author and poet, a tactile poet
Born
December 11th, 1932 92 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 91 years old

An American author and poet, significant contributions to contemporary poetry, particularly in the realm of avant-garde literature. Published numerous collections of poetry, including the acclaimed works 'Transcendental Studies' and 'The Opposite of Glass'. Involved in the translation of works from French to English, introducing many readers to important literary figures. Active in the small press movement, co-founded the press Burning Deck and edited various anthologies. Extended influence beyond poetry into prose, encompassing essays and criticism throughout a prolific career.

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Anna Czerwińska

Polish mountaineer and author
Born
July 10th, 1949 75 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1949, an accomplished mountaineer from Poland engaged in numerous significant climbing expeditions. Achieved remarkable feats in the Himalayas and other challenging mountain ranges, becoming the first Polish woman to ascend several high peaks. Also authored books on climbing experiences and mountain culture, contributing to literature on mountaineering. Active in promoting the sport and inspiring future generations of climbers.

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Jim Hines

American sprinter and Olympic gold medalist
Born
September 10th, 1946 78 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1946, excelled as a sprinter and gained fame for remarkable speed. Competed in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where set a world record in the 200 meters, clocking in at 19.83 seconds, a record that stood for 36 years. In addition to sprinting, played college football at San Francisco State University. Hines' achievements in athletics contributed to the visibility of track and field during a transformative era in sports.

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Walter Cunningham

American astronaut and Apollo 7 pilot
Born
March 16th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 91 years old

An American astronaut participated in the Apollo 7 mission, which was the first crewed flight of the Apollo program. This mission, launched in October 1968, tested the command and service module in Earth orbit for 11 days. Prior to becoming an astronaut, served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy and contributed to aerospace research. After retiring from NASA, worked in private industry and made noteworthy contributions to the field of space exploration.

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Sixto Rodriguez

Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
July 10th, 1942 82 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 81 years old

Originated from Detroit, a musician gained recognition in the 1970s. Released albums including 'Cold Fact' and 'Coming from Reality'. Achieved cult status in South Africa, where music resonated with the anti-apartheid movement. Later rediscovered and celebrated in the documentary 'Searching for Sugar Man', which highlighted the journey and struggles faced in the music industry.

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Joe Pepitone

Baseball player and coach, All-Star
Born
October 9th, 1940 84 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 83 years old

Played as a first baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball. Spent significant time with the New York Yankees and was a member of the team during their championship years. Achieved three All-Star selections in the early 1960s. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, contributing to various teams in different capacities.

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John Pilger

Journalist and documentary filmmaker
Born
October 9th, 1939 85 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 84 years old

A significant figure in journalism, this individual gained recognition for investigative reporting and documentary filmmaking. Work includes highlighting issues related to war, human rights, and global politics. Documentaries such as 'The War on Democracy' and 'Utopia' address major social injustices and historical narratives. Engaged in extensive commentary on Western foreign policies and their effects on various countries, this individual traveled extensively to cover geopolitical events and contributory narratives.

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Bobby Osborne

American bluegrass musician and singer
Born
December 7th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent figure in bluegrass music, this musician formed the Osborne Brothers alongside his sibling in the late 1950s. The duo gained recognition for their harmonies and innovative arrangements, influencing the genre. They released numerous albums, with hits like 'Ruby Are You Mad at Your Man' and 'Rocky Top' becoming bluegrass standards. This artist also performed with the Grand Ole Opry, bringing bluegrass to a wider audience. In the 1990s, collaborations with other renowned musicians further solidified popularity in the bluegrass community.

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