Throughout history, May 29th has marked the end of an era for several notable figures. This article pays tribute to the lives and legacies of these distinguished individuals who passed away on this date. Each one of them left an indelible mark in their respective fields, from law and politics to music and sports. Here, we remember them and their contributions to the world.
1. Samuel Dash
Date of Death: May 29, 2004
Samuel Dash was an esteemed American lawyer, best known for his role as chief counsel for the Senate Watergate Committee in the early 1970s. Born on February 27, 1925, Dash’s career was distinguished by his commitment to justice and public service. He was instrumental in the investigation that ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Dash’s legal acumen and dedication to ethical standards in law made him a revered figure in American jurisprudence.
2. Frederick Page
Date of Death: May 29, 2002
Frederick Page, a British-born aeronautical engineer, made significant contributions to aviation during his lifetime. Born on February 20, 1917, Page was pivotal in the development of various military aircraft during World War II and the subsequent Cold War period. His work with the English Electric company, particularly on the Lightning fighter aircraft, cemented his legacy in aerospace engineering.
3. George Rochberg
Date of Death: May 29, 2005
George Rochberg, an influential American composer, was born on July 5, 1918. His compositions, known for their emotional depth and stylistic diversity, bridged the gap between modernism and traditionalism in classical music. Rochberg’s shift from serialism to a more eclectic style in the 1960s was groundbreaking, making him a key figure in 20th-century music.
4. María de los Ángeles Alvariño González
Date of Death: May 29, 2005
María de los Ángeles Alvariño González was a pioneering Spanish oceanographer and marine biologist, renowned for her discovery of over 20 new marine species. Born on October 3, 1916, her groundbreaking work in the mid-20th century paved the way for future generations of female scientists in a field dominated by men.
5. Oscar Brown
Date of Death: May 29, 2005
Oscar Brown Jr., born on October 10, 1926, was an American singer, songwriter, playwright, and civil rights activist. He is best remembered for his socially conscious lyrics and his efforts to address racial injustice through his art. Brown’s songs, like “The Snake” and “Work Song,” remain influential and continue to inspire new generations of musicians and activists.
6. Jacques Bouchard
Date of Death: May 29, 2006
Jacques Bouchard was a prominent Canadian advertising executive, born on October 29, 1930. He is often referred to as the “father of Quebec advertising” due to his innovative campaigns that resonated deeply with the Québécois identity. Bouchard’s work helped shape the cultural landscape of Quebec and left a lasting legacy in the advertising industry.
7. Steve Mizerak
Date of Death: May 29, 2006
Steve Mizerak, born on October 12, 1944, was an American professional pool player, famously known as “The Miz.” He dominated the sport in the 1970s and 1980s, winning numerous titles and popularizing pool through his appearances in commercials and on television. Mizerak’s skill and charisma made him a beloved figure in the world of billiards.
8. Dave Balon
Date of Death: May 29, 2007
Dave Balon was a Canadian professional ice hockey player, born on August 2, 1938. He played as a left winger in the NHL for teams such as the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens. Balon’s career was marked by his gritty play style and his contributions to his teams’ successes during the 1960s and early 1970s.
9. Lois Browne-Evans
Date of Death: May 29, 2007
Lois Browne-Evans, born on June 1, 1927, was a trailblazing Bermudian lawyer and politician. She was the first black woman to be called to the Bermuda Bar and the first woman to lead a political party in Bermuda. Browne-Evans’ work in championing civil rights and her significant contributions to Bermuda’s legal and political landscape are widely celebrated.
10. Posteal Laskey
Date of Death: May 29, 2007
Posteal Laskey was an American criminal, born on November 15, 1937. Known as the “Cincinnati Strangler,” he was convicted of multiple murders in the 1960s. His case remains a significant part of Cincinnati’s criminal history, highlighting issues of racial tension and judicial processes in mid-20th-century America.
11. Dianne Odell
Date of Death: May 29, 2008
Dianne Odell, born on February 13, 1947, was an American polio survivor who lived for nearly 60 years in an iron lung. Despite her condition, Odell remained an optimistic figure, inspiring many with her resilience and positive outlook on life. Her story brought attention to the challenges faced by polio survivors and the importance of medical advancements.
12. Harvey Korman
Date of Death: May 29, 2008
Harvey Korman, born on February 15, 1927, was a renowned American actor and comedian. Best known for his work on “The Carol Burnett Show,” Korman’s comedic timing and versatility made him a beloved figure in television comedy. His roles in Mel Brooks’ films, such as “Blazing Saddles” and “History of the World, Part I,” further showcased his talent and left an enduring legacy in comedy.
13. Karine Ruby
Date of Death: May 29, 2009
Karine Ruby, born on January 4, 1978, was a French snowboarder who won two Olympic medals, including a gold in the 1998 Winter Olympics. She was also a six-time world champion. Ruby’s achievements in snowboarding made her a pioneer in the sport, inspiring many young athletes around the world. Her untimely death in a climbing accident cut short a life full of promise and adventure.
See also: 19 Famous People Born on May 28th You May Not Know
14. Tamara Toumanova
Date of Death: May 29, 1996
Tamara Toumanova, born on March 2, 1919, was a Russian-born American prima ballerina and actress. Known as one of the “Baby Ballerinas,” she gained fame with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in the 1930s. Toumanova’s grace and skill on stage made her a prominent figure in the world of ballet, and she later transitioned into film, where she continued to captivate audiences.
15. George Fenneman
Date of Death: May 29, 1997
George Fenneman, born on November 10, 1919, was an American radio and television announcer, best known for his work on “You Bet Your Life” with Groucho Marx. His smooth voice and genial presence made him a beloved figure in broadcasting. Fenneman’s career spanned several decades, during which he became a trusted and familiar voice to many American households.
16. Jeff Buckley
Date of Death: May 29, 1997
Jeff Buckley, born on November 17, 1966, was an American singer-songwriter known for his hauntingly beautiful voice and the critically acclaimed album “Grace.” Buckley’s rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” remains one of the most revered covers in music history. His tragic death by accidental drowning at the age of 30 cut short a promising career that continues to influence musicians today.
17. John Sengstacke
Date of Death: May 29, 1997
John Sengstacke, born on November 25, 1912, was an influential African American newspaper publisher and civil rights activist. He was the longtime publisher of the Chicago Defender, one of the most prominent black newspapers in the United States. Sengstacke played a crucial role in advocating for civil rights and giving a voice to the African American community through journalism.
18. Barry Goldwater
Date of Death: May 29, 1998
Barry Goldwater, born on January 2, 1909, was a five-term U.S. Senator from Arizona and the Republican Party’s nominee for president in the 1964 election. Known as “Mr. Conservative,” Goldwater was a pivotal figure in the resurgence of American conservatism. His advocacy for limited government and individual liberties shaped the modern conservative movement.
19. Eric St Eval Atkinson
Date of Death: May 29, 1998
Eric St Eval Atkinson was a noted British physicist, born on October 21, 1909. His work in nuclear physics and contributions to the British nuclear energy program were instrumental during the mid-20th century. Atkinson’s scientific achievements and dedication to research made him a respected figure in the scientific community.
20. Richard Belmont Ray
Date of Death: May 29, 1999
Richard Belmont Ray, born on February 2, 1927, was an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Georgia. His tenure in Congress was marked by his
focus on issues such as agriculture, veterans’ affairs, and education. Ray’s commitment to public service and his constituents earned him respect and admiration.
See also: 16 Famous People Born in January 1990 You May Not Know
21. Mildred Benson
Date of Death: May 29, 2002
Mildred Benson, born on July 10, 1905, was an American author and journalist, best known for writing many of the early Nancy Drew mystery stories under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene. Benson’s work had a significant impact on children’s literature, inspiring generations of young readers with the adventures of the iconic teenage sleuth.
22. David Jefferies
Date of Death: May 29, 2003
David Jefferies, born on September 18, 1972, was a British motorcycle racer known for his successes in the Isle of Man TT races. Jefferies’ skill and daring on the track earned him numerous victories and accolades. His tragic death during practice for the 2003 Isle of Man TT was a great loss to the motorsport community.
23. Archibald Cox
Date of Death: May 29, 2004
Archibald Cox, born on May 17, 1912, was a distinguished American lawyer and law professor, best known for serving as the special prosecutor during the Watergate scandal. His tenacity and commitment to justice during this tumultuous period in American history earned him widespread respect and admiration. Cox’s work had a profound impact on the integrity of the U.S. legal system.
In conclusion, the lives of these remarkable individuals remind us of the diverse ways in which people can impact the world. Their contributions span across law, politics, music, sports, and many other fields, leaving lasting legacies that continue to inspire and influence. On May 29th, we remember their achievements and the indelible marks they left on history.