16/02/2025
Norwich, GB 1 C
Researching and reporting on the lives of some really interesting people (RIP)

PATTI McGEE, aged 79

Originally a surfer, she became the first female professional skateboarder, holding demonstrations across the USA and appearing on TV – a legend of the sport.

VANILLA BEANE, aged 103

A self-taught seamstress and milliner, she worked past 100, making hats for all occasions. Her work is recognised in both museums and on a US postal stamp.

MAURICE KANBAR, aged 93

An inventor and philanthropist he created alcoholic drinks, toys, medical solutions, food and much more – and put his money into good deeds and public welfare.

ALFA ANDERSON, aged 78

A talented singer who became part of the disco group Chic, she gave it all up for a career in education, becoming a school principal, before returning to music.

GLORIA DEA, aged 100

The first magician ever to appear on the Las Vegas Strip, she was also an actor and dancer – but then she diasappeared. She was rediscovered when she was 99.

ELINOR OTTO, aged 104

Making her contribution to the war effort, she signed on as a riveter – and continued work until she was 95. The last of the Rosie the Riveters.

PRINCESS FAZILE, aged 83

From a rich royal lineage, she was just a teenager when she got engaged to a king – but an assassination and a military coup thwarted her plans.

ADELAIDE JOSEPH, aged 89

With her husband she fought apartheid in her native South Africa before being forced into exile. A friend of the Mandelas she continued the struggle in London.

MASAMITSU YOSHIOKA, aged 106

LAST OF THE PEARL HARBOUR ATTACKERS Masamitsu was born in Noromachi Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan in 1918. At the age of eighteen, he joined the Japanese Navy, working as ground crew on biplanes. Masamitsu was […]

PETE ROSE, aged 83

Possibly the greatest baseball player of all time, his career fell apart due to his behaviour on and off the field meaning he was denied recognition and glory.