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Notable Achievements at Age 87
Died in Atlanta, Georgia
Died in hospice in Atlanta after a period of ill health; buried at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA. Epitaph: 'The defense never rests.'
Died in Claremont, California
Died of cardiac arrest at home in Claremont, California on 20 October 2021, aged 87; survived by wife Isabella and two sons.
Dies from complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer
Died at her home in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18, 2020; served on the Supreme Court from Aug. 10, 1993 until her death.
Died
Herb Kelleher died on January 3, 2019; he was chairman emeritus of Southwest Airlines at his death.
Died in automobile collision
Died from injuries sustained in a car collision while driving friends to vote in a local election; donated her body to Johns Hopkins.
Family and survivors noted; suggested donations
At time of death family requested contributions to charities (Center for Biological Diversity and Habitat for Humanity); survivors include wife Isabella and sons Christopher and Mark.
Vacancy filled by Amy Coney Barrett
The Supreme Court vacancy created by Ginsburg's death was filled 39 days later when Amy Coney Barrett was sworn in (Oct. 27, 2020), producing a significant ideological shift on the Court.
Lies in repose, U.S. Supreme Court; later lies in state at U.S. Capitol
Public ceremonies honoring her included lying in repose at the Supreme Court and lying in state at the U.S. Capitol (Sept. 25, first woman/Jew to lie in state).
Awarded the National Medal of Arts
Received the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama for contributions to American music and culture.
Donated $20M to Michigan Law School (Lawyers Club renovation)
Contributed $20 million toward a $39 million renovation to the Lawyers Club housing complex; renovated portion renamed Charles T. Munger Residences in the Lawyers Club.
Moved back to Småland, Sweden
After nearly 40 years in Switzerland, Kamprad returned to Småland in March 2014.
Death (natural causes)
Died on February 3, 2022 at age 87; a press release by the Proctor Gallagher Institute stated cause as 'natural causes'.
Died of sepsis at Cedars-Sinai
Died January 23, 2021, aged 87; he had recovered from COVID-19 but died from sepsis due to prior health issues.
Hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai with COVID-19
Admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with severe COVID-19 but reportedly moved out of the ICU.
Photo/performance on NPR and profile pieces
Featured in national profiles (e.g., NPR Morning Edition Nov 4, 2021) and public readings; continued active public presence.
Motown: The Musical opens in London's West End; Gordy attends
UK version of Motown: The Musical opened in London's West End in January 2016; Berry Gordy was present at opening night.
Donated 10 shares of Berkshire Class A to University of Michigan (~$1.2M)
Gave 10 shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock (then valued at ~ $1.2 million total) to the University of Michigan.
Public reconciliation with Michael E. DeBakey
After a decades-long feud the two legendary surgeons publicly reconciled at an event where DeBakey accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society.
Eldest living son Makgatho dies of AIDS
Announces the death of his eldest living son Makgatho Mandela, raising public awareness of HIV/AIDS stigma and issues.
Inducted into Junior Achievement US Business Hall of Fame
Recognition for lifetime contributions to business and management education.
💡 What this means for you
At age 87, you're at a pivotal point where many successful entrepreneurs made their breakthrough. Whether you're building your first company or scaling an existing one, these examples show what's possible with focus and execution.
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