August saw the death of Stella Rimington, the first female head of Britain’s MI5 intelligence agency.
Over the course of her time at MI5, Rimington overcame gender barriers and worked in each of the domestic security service’s operational branches. She was also the inspiration for for Judi Dench’s portrayal of MI6 chief M in seven James Bond films.
The world also said goodbye last month to James Dobson, founder of the conservative Christian ministry Focus on the Family. Known for his opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, he became a force for pushing conservative Christian ideals in American politics.
Other notable deaths in August included former FBI and CIA director William H. Webster, Apollo 13 commander James Lovell, actor Loni Anderson, musician Eddie Palmieri and Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte.
Here is a roll call of some influential figures who have died in the first eight months of this year (cause of death cited, if available):
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JANUARY
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Wayne Osmond, 73. A singer, guitarist and founding member of the million-album-selling family act The Osmonds, who were known for such 1970s teen hits as “One Bad Apple,” “Yo-Yo” and “Down By the Lazy River.” Jan. 1.
David Lodge, 89. A witty and prolific British novelist and critic who gently satirized academia, religion and even his own loss of hearing in such highly praised narratives as the Booker Prize finalists “Small World” and “Nice Work.” Jan. 1.
Rosita Missoni, 93. The matriarch of the iconic Italian fashion house that made colorful zigzag-patterned knitwear high fashion and helped launch Italian ready-to-wear. Jan. 1.
James Arthur Ray, 67. A self-help guru whose multimillion-dollar business toppled after he led a sweat lodge ceremony in Arizona that left three people dead. Jan. 3.
Costas Simitis, 88. A former prime minister of Greece and the architect of the country’s joining the common European currency, the euro. Jan. 5.
Jean-Marie Le Pen, 96. The founder of France’s far-right National Front was known for fiery rhetoric against immigration and multiculturalism that earned him staunch supporters and widespread condemnation. Jan. 7.
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