From Noakes to Dalyell – looking back at those we have lost in 2017
Many well-known faces have left this world in the past 12 months. Anna Dove and Sarah Devine mark their passing
JANUARY JOHN BERGER Art critic and author 5 November, 1926 – 2 January, 2017, age 90
The art critic, intellectual and prodigious author had considerable influence as a late 20thcentury thinker. His novel G won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1972.
AKBAR HASHEMI RAFSANJANI Former president of Iran 23 August, 1934 – 8 January, 2017, age 82
The former president of Iran and founder of the Islamic Republic was portrayed as a Machiavellian and often ruthless player in the power struggles among Iran’s elite factions.
CLARE HOLLINGWORTH Reporter 10 October, 1911 – 10 January, 2017, age 105
Hollingworth was the reporter who, in the first few days of her journalistic career, broke the news that Germany had invaded Poland, triggering the Second World War.
GRAHAM TAYLOR Football manager 15 September, 1944 – 12 January, 2017, age 72
Widely regarded as Watford’s greatest manager. Despite a turbulent spell in charge of England, became one of football’s most respected figures.
ANTHONY ARMSTRONGJONES 1st Earl of Snowdon 7 March, 1930 – 13 January, 2017, age 86
Former husband of Princess Margaret, photographer and campaigner for disabled rights. The late earl set up a scheme to provide bursaries for disabled students.
NICOLA BARRY Journalist and author 27 April, 1950 – 20 January, 2017, age 66
One of the most widely read and influential Scottish women journalists of her generation. Barry won a vast number of awards for her work as a columnist, writer and social affairs commentator.
GORDEN KAYE Actor 7 April, 1941 – 23 January, 2017, age 75
Being cast as cafe owner Rene Artois in ‘Allo ‘Allo! in 1982 put Kaye on the showbiz map. He appeared in all 84 episodes of the series. A daring actress whose talents extended beyond comedy. Moore went on to win seven Emmy Awards.
SIR JOHN HURT Actor 22 January, 1940 – 25 January, 2017, age 77
As a self-described “old drunk”, the actor had a halfcentury career of memorable performances, two Oscar nominations, a Golden Globe and four British Bafta awards.
TAM DALYELL Labour MP 9 August, 1932 – 26 January, 2017, age 84
The former Labour MP, known for formulating the West Lothian Question and questioning Margaret Thatcher over the sinking of the General Belgrano during the Falklands War.
FEBRUARY MARY TYLER MOORE Actress 29 December, 1936 – 25 January, 2017, age 80 GORDON AIKMAN Political campaigner and motor neurone disease fundraiser 2 April, 1985 – 3 February, 2017, age 31
The shock diagnosis of motor neurone disease propelled the behind-the-scenes political aide to a new role which saw him become one of the country’s most formidable charity campaigners and fundraisers. His work saw him receive an honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh in 2015 among other plaudits.
TARA PALMER-TOMKINSON Socialite, fashion designer and TV celebrity 23 December, 1971 – 8 February, 2017, age 45
One of the ultimate “It” girls of the 1990s, she regularly generated headlines purely for being a queen of the social scene.
EBERHARD ‘PADDY’ BORT Academic and folk music activist 1 December,1954 – 17 February, 2017, age 62
After arriving in Scotland from Germany in 1995, Bort embraced the culture and current affairs of his adopted country with characteristic gusto, both as an activist and commentator within the traditional
music scene.
BILL PAXTON Actor 17 May, 1955 – 25 February, 2017, age 61
A prolific and charismatic actor who had memorable roles in blockbusters including Apollo 13 and Titanic.
MARCH TOMMY GEMMELL Footballer 16 October, 1938 –- 2 March,
2017, age 73
One of the true greats of Scottish football, Tommy Gemmell was famed as one of the Lisbon Lions, the Celtic team that won the European Cup in 1967. He was one of the big characters of the side and was twice rated the best fullback in the world by the international press.
MARTIN MCGUINNESS Former IRA commander turned statesman 23 May, 1950 – 21 March, 2017, age 66
The IRA commander who became friends with his most implacable enemy. Mcguinness was the extremist who once defended the slaughter of police and soldiers for a united Ireland but finally offered the hand of friendship to Britain.
COLIN DEXTER Author 29 September, 1930 – 21 March, 2017, age 86
Although he laid his famous character to rest almost 20 years ago, Dexter is most fondly remembered for bringing the stories of Inspector Morse to the literary and the television world.
APRIL BRIAN MATTHEW DJ and radio presenter 17 September, 1928 – 8 April, 2017, age 88
His broadcasting career spanned almost 70 years but to many Matthew’s name will always be synonymous with
the sounds of the 60s.
SIR ARNOLD CLARK Motoring entrepreneur 27 November, 1927 – 10 April, 2017, age 89
Britain’s first billionaire car dealer started from scratch, made a point of continually reinvesting into his business..
RT HON LORD KIRKWOOD Judge 8 June, 1932 – 22 April, 2017, age 84
The Scottish judge enjoyed a long and distinguished legal career. Perhaps most notably, he never had a verdict overturned.
MAY RHODRI MORGAN Former first minister of Wales 29 September, 1939 – 17 May, 2017, age 77
The former Welsh first minister had a skill for a whimsical wisecrack but was a passionate and combative campaigner as a politician.
CHRIS CORNELL Musician 20 July, 1964 – 18 May, 2017, age 52
Rocker who gained fame as the lead singer of the bands Soundgarden and later Audioslave. Cornell died suddenly while on tour in Detroit.
SIR ROGER MOORE Actor 14 October, 1927 – 23 May, 2017, age 89
The son of a poor London policeman who grew up to become James Bond and The Saint and was one of the most successful actors of his generation.
JOHN NOAKES Television presenter 6 March, 1934 – 28 May, 2017, age 83
The Yorkshire-born star was Blue Peter’s longest-serving presenter, making his debut on the show in 1965 and staying until 1978.
TOMORROW: JUNE TO DECEMBER