May 11: Birthdays and Deaths

Birthdays are a wonderful daily occurrence in our lives. It is rare to weave through one's day without becoming privy to an announcement or celebration of a birthday or two, whether they belong to family, friends or other eminent figures. Remembering those who have passed each day is, perhaps, just as noteworthy an endeavor, for if their memories are kept alive, one might argue, so too are their spirits.

Here is a sampling of May 11 honorees:

Birthdays

Louis Farrakhan - Many know Mr. Farrakhan today as the organizer of the Million Man March in1995 in which hundreds of thousands of black men converged on Washington, D.C. for a day of speeches and unity. Louis Farrakhan, born on this day in 1993 in the Bronx, New York, is the longtime head of the African-American religious organization the Nation of Islam. Some believe he was either directly or indirectly responsible for the murder of Malcolm X.

Holly Valance - Born in Melbourne, Australia on this day in 1983, Ms. Valance is a model, actress and singer. While modeling as a teen, she was discovered and performed in the Australian soap opera "Neighbours." She held high hopes for a music career, though, which she left the program to pursue, but has returned to acting with appearances on episodes of "CSI: Miami," "Entourage," "CSI: NY," and "Prison Break."

Deaths

Bob Marley - He passed away on this day in 1984 at the age of 36, and as a testament to the musical legacy he left behind with Bob Marley & the Wailers, the compilation album, Legend, released three years after his death, is still the best-selling reggae album ever. Most will fondly remember hits such as "I Shot the Sheriff," and "One Love," Marley, who died as a result of malignant melanoma, is credited for helping spread Jamaican music to a worldwide audience.

Floyd Patterson - He was nicknamed "The Gentleman of Boxing," but there are some opponents who would probably beg to differ. Mr. Patterson, who passed away on this day in 2006 at the age of 71, was a two-time world heavyweight boxing champion, and in 1956, was then the youngest man to win the world heavyweight championship at the age of 21. He was also the first to regain it after losing the belt. He had a record of 55 wins 8 losses and 1 draw, with 40 wins by knockout. He suffered from Alzheimer's disease and prostate cancer leading to his death.

John Rutsey - A fairly anonymous name today, Mr. Rutsey was instrumental, with Alex Lifeson and Jeff Jones, in co-founding Rush, one of the most popular rock bands of all time. He played drums with Rush from 1968 until 1974, after which he left the band due to health concerns related to diabetes, which eventually played a role in his death on this day in 2008. Sadly, he was only 55 years old.