2022 is coming to an end, and so, it is important to remember those who have died this year. While there are many famous individuals who have passed away, only three will be mentioned in each of the five categories below. This does not discount any of the people not discussed, but the individuals mentioned are some of the most prevalent. The purpose of this article is to celebrate the lives of those who have passed, and I hope this remembrance article does them all justice, those mentioned and those not.

Heads of State: Queen Elizabeth Windsor (1926-2022) is arguably one of the most recognizable people to ever live. She shocked the world with her death, as she was the longest reigning monarch in English history. She ruled over the United Kingdom during the decolonization period and into the modern day. Her witty sense of humor and stability of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations are some of the many things the world knows her for. 

Mikhail Gorbachev (1931-2022) is known as the last leader of the Soviet Union, and oversaw its dissolution. His ideas of democratic reform and his end of the Cold War, for which he earned the Nobel Peace Prize, is how the world remembers him today. 

Shinzo Abe (1954-2022), who was killed in a political assassination, is known for being the longest-serving Japanese prime minister. He is recognizable for his patriotism and reshaping of Japan into the economic powerhouse it is today.

Actors: Robbie Coltrane (1950-2022) is often remembered for his performance as the beloved character Hagrid in the Harry Potter films and performances in the James Bond films. He is looked back on by colleagues and fans after his death for his contributions to film and his sense of humor and humility. 

Bob McGrath (1932-2022), who died of a stroke, is remembered for his appearances on Sesame Street. He is loved by children and adults alike for his contributions to children’s literature and education. 

Kevin Conroy (1955-2022) is known for his voice acting ability while playing Batman. He is revered for his contributions to the voice acting community and his book Finding Batman, which is about him being gay and the backlash he faced from within the film industry whilst he fought cancer, which was ultimately the cause of his death.

Singers/musicians: Artis “Coolio” Ivey, Jr.’s (1963-2022) death shocked the music world. He is one of the most recognizable voices in rap. His hit song “Gangster’s Paradise” is one of the many things that people recognize from him. 

Oliver Taylor Hawkins (1972-2022), the drummer in the band Foo Fighters, died of unknown reasons, which caught the music community off-guard. He is honored for his spectacular drumming abilities and inspiration to many modern musicians and singers. 

Olivia Newton John (1948-2022) is revered for her part in the musical Grease. She is respected for her activism and love for the music community. Her death from cancer has caused more and more activism from fans, hoping to pass on her legacy of love and hope.

Athletes: Bill Russell (1934-2022) is remembered as one of the most talented and successful athletes in North America. His fight against racism and his determination on and off the basketball court are some of the few things that define this all-star athlete. 

Dan Reeves (1944-2022) is known for his decorated football career as both a running back and a coach. The football world honored his death, acknowledging him for going to the Super Bowl nine times and his surprising absence from the pro football hall of fame. 

Gaylord Perry (1938-2022) is a member of the baseball hall of fame. His old age has allowed him to see the world of baseball change, including the pitching style he used to now be banned. He is known for being the first pitcher to receive the Cy Young Award and his pitching style that is now considered illegal in the major leagues.

Soldiers/Veterans: Charles McGee (1919-2022) was one of the first African American pilots in World War II, serving with the distinguished Tuskegee Airmen (all African American military pilots). His service to his country, as well as his fight against racism in the military, are some of the few things the veteran community honors him for, even after he died from old age. 

Hershel W. Williams (1923-2022) is remembered for receiving the Medal of Honor after serving at the battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. He was the last living recipient of the Medal of Honor from World War II, as he died of old age. His fight with PTSD and his service to the veteran community is remembered by many who know him. 

Bradford Freeman (1923-2022) is the last member to die of the original famed 101 paratroopers, having served in World War II. The 101 is documented in the show “Band of Brothers”, who served at D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. The patriotism he displayed and his willingness to serve his country are some of the few qualities that he is known for.