Death Anniversary Thread

[Drewsky1211 4,721]

Benjamin Harrison died on this day 122 years ago, aged 67.

- During the Civil War, Harrison led the 70th Indiana regiment; by the war's end he had been promoted to a brigadier general.

- Harrison was elected to the US Senate in 1880. President-elect James Garfield offered him a position in his cabinet, to which he declined.

- Harrison defeated Grover Cleveland in the 1888 election, albeit losing the popular vote by 90,000.

- Harrison admitted the most states to the US during any presidential administration, at six: North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming. The Dakotas were admitted on the same day, and Harrison shuffled the papers to decide which became a state first (it is unknown which was actually signed first, but North Dakota is often considered first on the basis of alphabetical order).

- Harrison was the first US president to have their voice recorded, in 1889:

(while Grover Cleveland served earlier, the first recording of his voice was done in 1892)

- Electric lighting was installed in the White House during Harrison's presidency- he would sleep with the lights on out of fear of being electrocuted.

- On the night of March 21, 1891, a drunk man broke into the White House, and Harrison was the one to subdue him- the man was given a $25 fine (about $800 today).

- After two US Navy sailors were killed in a bar fight in Chile in October 1891, Harrison threatened to cut diplomatic ties with the country, having believed that Chilean police killed them.

- Harrison's son Russell reportedly kept two pet alligators in the White House conservatory.

[Summer in Transylvania 2,157]

On this day two years ago the legendary commentator known as "The Voice of F1" Murray Walker passed away aged 97. He was the fifth DeathList hit of that year, and the sixth for my own Shadow List. 

 

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On this day 67 years ago in 1956, American Olympic gold medallist and diver David Browning, often known by his nickname  Skippy Browning, died aged 24 in a military plane crash  in Kansas. He was on a test flight on a North American FJ Fury aircraft carrier.

After winning a gold medal in  the mens springboard diving at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki,  David was set to compete again at the 1956 Olympics.  But alas sadly it wasn't to be.

[Drewsky1211 4,721]

Stephen Hawking died on this day 5 years ago, aged 76.

- Hawking was diagnosed with ALS/MND at the age of 21 and lived with it for 55 years- this is the record survival time for the disease.

- Hawking's computerized voice is copyrighted.

- Hawking's specialty was black holes- he devised the idea of radiation leading to the evaporation of black holes over an incalculable amount of time.

- While Hawking is viewed as one of the most intelligent people to have ever lived, he did make mistakes- he believed (and bet) that the Higgs boson would never be found, which it was in 2012. Following its discovery, he suggested Peter Higgs receive the Nobel Prize in Physics, which he did.

- Hawking believed the existence of aliens to be likely, but they should not be contacted out of fear of the colonization of Earth.

- Among his television appearances include Star Trek: The Next Generation (in a card game with Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton), The Big Bang Theory, and multiple episodes of The Simpsons and Futurama.

- Hawking was a fan of Monty Python, and appeared in their 2014 show Monty Python Live (Mostly), singing the Galaxy Song from The Meaning of Life:

 

- Hawking appeared on the DeathList four times- 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018, being the third hit of that year.

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On this day 48 years ago, Oscar winning american actress Susan Hayward  died of cancer aged 57.

A stalwart of the golden age of Hollywood,  her film credits include, Valley of the dolls, House of strangers, Garden of evil, I want to live and I'll cry tommorrow. 

 

[Drewsky1211 4,721]

Odoacer died on this day 1530 years ago, aged 60.

- It is unknown which Germanic tribe Odoacer was born into- some possibilities include the Rhutenes, Scirians, or Turcilingi.

- Odoacer's name is believed to mean "watcher of the wealth".

- Contrary to popular belief, Odoacer did not besiege the Western Roman Empire at first- he was a soldier in Rome's army, fighting against the Byzantine emperor Anthemius in 472.

- Odoacer eventually turned against the commander-in-chief Orestes as he did not allow the foederati (Germanic Roman troops) to own land.

- Odoacer's troops named him as king, and after capturing the city of Ravenna, emperor Romulus Augustulus (Orestes' son) abdicated, giving the crown to him. Odoacer spared Romulus due to his young age, and even rewarded him a pension before exiling him to Campania.

- Zeno, the Byzantine emperor, saw Odoacer as a threat, and promised the Ostrogoths control of Italy if they removed him from power. In 489, their king Theodoric began the invasion, chasing him back to Ravenna.

- Odoacer and Theodoric met on the Ides of March in 493 after the bishop of the city (Giovanni) arranged a treaty where they could rule together. While eating together, Theodoric murdered Odoacer and proclaimed himself king. Odoacer died on the 537th death anniversary of Julius Caesar- who also brought a new kind of reign to Italy.

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On this day 11 years ago in 2012, Welsh Rugby Union player  Mervyn Davies died aged 65 from lung cancer. 

He was affectionately nicknamed  'Merv the swerve' for his sporting skills and won 38 caps for Wales during his rugby career. Regarded as one of Wales National rugby teams historically best players.

 

 

 

On this day 12 years ago in 2011, British  reggae  singer and DJ Smiley Culture  died aged 48 as a result of a self inflicted stab wound during a police raid at his Surrey home,  as a result of an investigation into the import of class A drugs.

Smiley was known for and popularised the 'fast chat ' style of deejaying. 

He was behind two of the most critically acclaimed reggae songs of the 1980s,  Police Officer (1984) and Cockney translation (1985). 

His Smiley nickname came about as a result of his technique when chatting up women were he always asked them to smile when he was turning on his charm.

 

 

[Hell 1,334]

Greek shipping magnate who amassed the world’s largest privately owned shipping fleet and was one of the world’s richest and most famous men Aristotle Onassis died on this day 48 years ago, aged 69.

 

 

American singer and rapper Nate Dogg died on this day 12 years ago, aged 41.

 

[John "요한" Sulu 419]

On this day 1 year ago, American astrophysicist Eugene Parker passed away at the age of 94.

[John "요한" Sulu 419]

On this day 1 year ago American government official Lauro Cavazos, who was the Secretary of Education from 1988 to 1990, passed away at the age of 95.

[Drewsky1211 4,721]

Thomas E. Dewey died on this day 52 years ago, aged 70.

- Dewey was born and raised in Michigan, only moving to New York to attend Columbia University, where he earned his law degree.

- Dewey served as a special prosecutor for the state beginning in 1935, and convicted the mobster Lucky Luciano.

- Dewey first ran to become governor of New York in 1938, losing the vote to the incumbent Herbert Lehman by 65,000 votes. He would run again in 1942 and won with a majority of the vote. He would serve until 1954.

- Dewey ran for president three times, in 1940, 1944, and 1948- the latter two of which he was the Republican nominee. He lost to FDR in a landslide, and had a much closer race with Truman- which led to this iconic image:

- Dewey was one of the leaders of the "Draft Eisenhower" movement which led to Dwight D. Eisenhower's nomination and subsequent presidential win in 1952.

- Dewey would be offered the appointment to be the Chief Justice of the United States after the death of Fred Vinson and retirement of Earl Warren, but declined both times.

- Dewey dated the actress Kitty Carlisle following the death of his wife Frances in 1970.

- Dewey died of a heart attack during a golfing excursion with friends (in his hotel room, fortunately).

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On this day 32 years ago in 1991, american country and western singer songwriter Chris Austin died aged just 27, along with 7 others , in a plane crash. 

The flight contained the touring band  and  managers  of a group who were supporting singer Reba McEntire.

During his brief musical career  as well as working regular with Reba Chris also supported  singer Ricky Skaggs.

[Hell 1,334]

American singer, songwriter, and conductor Frank Sinatra Jr. died on this day 7 years ago, aged 72.

 

[Drewsky1211 4,721]

Saint Patrick died on this day 1562 years ago, aged ~73.

- Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, but is believed to have been born in Scotland.

- Patrick's birth name was Maewyn Succat. "Patrick" came from his title "patricius", meaning "father of the citizens".

- At the age of 16, Patrick was captured by Irish pirates and sold into slavery. He would escape six years later.

- Patrick would return to Ireland in 433 as a missionary.

- The story of Patrick banishing snakes from Ireland is false- snakes were never there to begin with due to it being an island, and the surrounding sea temperatures being too cold for snakes to endure. Some Irish also now own snakes as pets, although there have been no reports of escaped or released pets sustaining a wild population.

- The earliest surviving mention of the idea of Patrick using a clover to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish was recorded in 1726.

- Patrick has never formally been canonized by a pope.

 

[Toast 16,119]

6 hours ago, Drewsky1211 said:

Saint Patrick died on this day 1562 years ago, aged ~73.

- Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, but is believed to have been born in Scotland.

- Patrick's birth name was Maewyn Succat. "Patrick" came from his title "patricius", meaning "father of the citizens".

- At the age of 16, Patrick was captured by Irish pirates and sold into slavery. He would escape six years later.

- Patrick would return to Ireland in 433 as a missionary.

- The story of Patrick banishing snakes from Ireland is false- snakes were never there to begin with due to it being an island, and the surrounding sea temperatures being too cold for snakes to endure. Some Irish also now own snakes as pets, although there have been no reports of escaped or released pets sustaining a wild population.

- The earliest surviving mention of the idea of Patrick using a clover to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish was recorded in 1726.

- Patrick has never formally been canonized by a pope.

 

 

That's a four-leaved clover, so who/what's represented by the fourth bit ?

[time 8,581]

Its 33 years since the death of Ric Grech.

Grech found fame with UK rock group Family, joining in 1965, playing bass guitar and violin; he also had songwriting and vocal credits on their second album. HE left in acrimonious circumstances, having agreed to join Blind Faith, but not telling the rest of the band until they were on tour in the US; following Blind Faith, Grech and Steve Winwood joined  Ginger Baker in his eponymous Air Force. After two albums, Grech joined Winwood in a re-formed Traffic (also featuring the recently deceased Jim Gordon, with whom Grech co-wrote Rock N Roll Stew).

 

He was sacked from Traffic owing to his use of alcohol and drugs, but continued in session work, attempted to form groups of his own, and released a solo album. He retired from music in 1977.

 

He died of liver failure brought on by alcoholism, aged 44.

[Drewsky1211 4,721]

1 hour ago, Toast said:

 

That's a four-leaved clover, so who/what's represented by the fourth bit ?

The four-leaved clover represents virtues:

- Faith

- Hope

- Love

- Grace (or divine luck)

[Summer in Transylvania 2,157]

11 hours ago, Drewsky1211 said:

- Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, but is believed to have been born in Scotland.

- Patrick's birth name was Maewyn Succat. "Patrick" came from his title "patricius", meaning "father of the citizens".

- Patrick has never formally been canonized by a pope.

So, what you're saying is that Saint Patrick of Ireland isn't a Saint, isn't called Patrick, and isn't Irish? Brilliant. 

[Hell 1,334]

Britsh character actor who made more than 150 film and television appearances Michael Gough died on this day 12 years ago, aged 94.

 

 

American actress whose career spanned nearly 90 years Helen Hayes died on this day 30 years ago, aged 92.

 

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Exactly 30 years ago today in 1993,  Oscar winning American actress Helen Hayes died aged 92.

She was part of Hollywoods golden era but worked decades beyond it. Helen was among the earliest winners of the Best Actress Oscar.  The Oscars started in the late 1920s and she won for her role in the 1931 film The Sin of Madelon Claudet.

 

Her other film credits  are vast and varied including playing Agatha Christies Mrs Marple in  Murder with mirrors, Anastasia (1956) co-starring with Yul Brynner and legendary actress Ingrid Bergman,  Arsenic and old lace (1969), Hobsons Choice(1954), Crime without passion,This side of Heaven (1934), The Love Bug, Airport (1970),  and Herbie rides again.

 

 

[Drewsky1211 4,721]

Robert Walpole died on this day 278 years ago, aged 68.

- Walpole was the fifth of nineteen children born to Robert Walpole Sr. and Mary Burwell. He was one of nine to survive infancy.

- Walpole was first elected to Parliament in 1701, and his colleagues gave him the nickname "Robin".

- In 1712, Walpole was impeached for bribery, and would be considered a political martyr by the Whigs. Walpole was found guily, expelled from Parliament, and spent six months in the Tower of London. Despite his expulsion, he was still well-liked enough to be voted back into office in 1713.

- In 1721, Walpole became the first Prime Minister of Great Britain after showing his ability to get the nation out of the South Sea Company crash in 1720.

- Walpole's main impact in politics was debt reduction- he introduced sinking funds, and avoided increased taxes by not getting King George II involved in the War of Polish Succession.

- Walpole's popularity waned during the War of Jenkins' Ear, as he was seen as incapable of leading the conflict. 

- Walpole died from an untreated bladder stone that likely led to renal failure.

[time 8,581]

Its 31 years since the death of Arnold Diamond, English actor with more than 200 film & TV appearances, in a career spanning from 1947 to 1992.

In TV, he had a few recurring roles, such as Colonel Latignant in The Saint, and as Alf Garnett's neighbour Mr. Rabinsky in In Sickness and In Health, but was mostly cast in small roles for single episodes - becoming one of those actors whose face is instantly recognisable, even if you couldn't put a name to it - in virtually every poular TV programme of the 60s, 70s and 80s, ranging from comedy (Steptoe & Son, Dads Army, The Two Ronnies, and many more), drama (The Sweeney, The Avengers, Special Branch, Van Der Valk, and more), soaps, (Crossroads) and children's TV (The Tomorrow People).

 

He also had a film career, (with small parts in The Italian Job, Fiddler on The Roof, Carry on Constable & Carry on Sergeant...) and a stage career, with a three-year run in The Mousetrap, and appearances with the RSC.

 

He died aged 76, in Bourrnemouth.*

*possibly Poole, possibly on the 17th, and possibly as a result of a road accident.

[Sir Creep 7,070]

Jean-Baptiste Sebastien Bréval, the French cellist/composer, died exactly 200 years ago today (69).

 

 

 

[Hell 1,334]

American singer, songwriter and guitarist who pioneered rock and roll Chuck Berry died on this day 6 years ago, aged 90.

 

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On this day 14 years ago in 2009, British actress  Natasha Richardson  died aged 45 after an accident  sking on holiday.

She was the wife of actor Liam Neeson and the daughter of Vanessa Redgrave. 

 

Her films include Maid in Manhattan , The comfort of strangers, Haven, Zelda, Suddenly last summer and  The Parent trap.