April 28

Born in 1795 in Dorset, England, John Russell gained fame as a master hunter and the eponymous creator of the Jack Russell Terrier. He devoted his life to field sports, particularly fox hunting, and developed a breed prized for its agility and tenacity. Russell carefully selected breeding stock to produce dogs that excelled in stamina and intelligence, ensuring they could keep pace with hounds in challenging terrain. His 'toy' size terriers revolutionized small-game hunting and became popular companions beyond the hunting fields. Although he published little in his lifetime, his legacy endures through the widespread recognition of the Jack Russell Terrier. Russell's name lives on in the sporting and canine communities as a symbol of dedication to the craft of dog breeding.

Born in 1860, May Jordan McConnel became a pioneering advocate for labor rights at a time when women's voices were often sidelined. She organized and led early trade unions in Australia, focusing on improving working conditions for female employees. As a suffragist, McConnel campaigned tirelessly for women's voting rights, attending rallies and lobbying policymakers. Her efforts contributed to advances in both labor legislation and the eventual extension of the franchise to women. McConnel's legacy endures in Australia's labor movement and the broader struggle for gender equality.

Born in Seattle in 1959, Ben Linder studied mechanical engineering at the University of Washington before traveling to Nicaragua in the early 1980s. Motivated by solidarity with the Sandinista revolution, he volunteered to help design and build hydroelectric plants and water systems for rural communities. Linder's technical expertise and commitment endeared him to villagers seeking development amid civil conflict. On April 28, 1987, he was ambushed and killed by Contra rebels while inspecting a project site. His death sparked international outrage and highlighted the dangers faced by aid workers. Remembered for his idealism and compassion, Linder's legacy continues to inspire humanitarian engineers worldwide.

Born in New York City in 1905, Steve Broidy began his entertainment career as a talent agent before moving into film production. In the 1930s he joined Monogram Pictures, rising to become vice president in charge of production. Broidy oversaw low-budget features that turned a profit during Hollywood's golden age, demonstrating a knack for efficient filmmaking. In 1946 he led Monogram's transition into Allied Artists, aiming for higher-quality productions. Under his leadership, the studio released acclaimed titles spanning genres from crime drama to musicals. Broidy's vision helped pave the way for independent production companies to compete with the major studios.

Taraki Sivaram was a veteran journalist known for his courageous reporting on Sri Lanka's civil war. He served as the editor of the Tamil Times, providing in-depth analysis of political events. His work often highlighted human rights abuses and gave voice to marginalized communities. Sivaram authored several books on the origins and dynamics of the conflict that ravaged his country. Despite threats to his life, he continued investigative journalism until his assassination in 2005. His legacy endures through the Sivaram Memorial Award given to journalists championing press freedom.

René Mailhot spent decades reporting on the evolving political landscape of Quebec. He held editorial roles at major outlets, shaping public discourse on language and identity. Mailhot interviewed key figures during constitutional debates and referendums. He authored books exploring cultural and social issues in Canada's francophone communities. Beloved for his balanced analysis, he received several journalism awards for excellence. Mailhot died in 2007, remembered as a voice of integrity in Canadian media.

Bertha Wilson was the first female justice appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1982. Born in Scotland in 1923, she moved to Canada with her family in 1927. She earned her law degree from the University of British Columbia and was called to the bar in 1952. Wilson co-founded Canada’s first all-female law firm and championed women’s legal rights. During her tenure on the bench, she authored landmark decisions on constitutional and Aboriginal law. She retired in 1991 but continued to serve as a mentor and lecturer in legal education.

Shea contributed to the entertainment industry by directing and producing a variety of projects behind the scenes. He wrote screenplays exploring human drama and social themes, demonstrating versatility in storytelling. His collaborative approach earned him respect among peers and shaped several notable productions of his era. Colleagues remembered Shea for his keen editorial vision and dedication to bringing stories to life. Though not widely known to mainstream audiences, his work influenced emerging filmmakers and writers. He remained active in creative circles until his death in 2013.

Frederic Schwartz (1951–2014) was an American architect celebrated for his socially conscious design projects. He co-designed the Empty Sky memorial in New Jersey, commemorating the victims of the September 11 attacks. Schwartz's work emphasized public spaces and memorials that foster community and healing. He was a professor of architecture and lectured extensively on design's role in social justice. His firm handled projects ranging from disaster recovery to urban planning before his untimely death.