June 06

Born in 1878 in Switzerland, Chevrolet immigrated to the United States where he built a reputation as a daring race driver. His exploits on the track included winning speed trials that showcased his technical skill and courage. In 1911 he partnered with William C. Durant to establish the Chevrolet Motor Company, intending to produce reliable and affordable automobiles. Disagreements over company direction led him to found the Frontenac Motor Corporation in 1916, focusing on high-performance engines and racing vehicles. Although he left the original Chevrolet company by 1915, his name lived on as the brand grew into an automotive giant. Chevrolet died in 1941, leaving a lasting impact on both motorsport and the automotive industry.

Tom Phillis was born in 1934 in Sydney, Australia. He began his motorcycle racing career in the late 1950s and quickly made a name for himself on the international circuit. In 1961 he became the first Australian to win a motorcycle Grand Prix and secured the inaugural 125cc World Championship title. Phillis was known for his daring riding style and technical skill on the track. He lost his life in a crash during the Isle of Man TT race in June 1962.

Born in Murmansk, Vladimir Krutov rose through the Soviet hockey system to debut internationally in 1981. Alongside Igor Larionov and Sergei Makarov, he formed the legendary 'KLM' line that dominated 1980s Olympic and World Championship play. Krutov's speed, scoring touch, and chemistry with his linemates made him a fan favorite. He won Olympic gold in 1984 and multiple world titles with the USSR team. In the late 1980s, he joined the NHL's Vancouver Canucks, bringing Soviet finesse to North American ice. After retiring, Krutov coached youth teams in Europe, sharing his expertise with a new generation. He passed away suddenly on June 6, 2012, remembered as a Soviet hockey icon.

Born in Inglewood, California, Esther Williams set national swimming records as a teenager and was deemed Olympic-ready before the 1940 Games were canceled by World War II. Her athletic prowess caught MGM's attention, and she became the studio's most bankable female star in the 1940s and 1950s. Williams starred in a series of 'aquamusicals' such as 'Bathing Beauty' and 'Million Dollar Mermaid', showcasing synchronized swimming on film. Her blend of athleticism and glamour captivated audiences and defined a unique genre of entertainment. After retiring, she built a successful business empire with swimwear lines and swim schools. Williams authored memoirs sharing behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories and her passion for aquatic sports. She died on June 6, 2013, remembered as the original water ballet queen.

Viktor Korchnoi (1931-2016) was a Soviet-born chess grandmaster. He achieved international acclaim for his fierce competitiveness and deep strategic vision. Despite being one of the world's top players for decades, he never claimed the official world title. In 1976, he defected to the West and later represented Switzerland in international competitions. He competed in multiple World Championship matches, most notably against Anatoly Karpov. Korchnoi's longevity in the game saw him competing at the highest levels into his seventies. He authored numerous books on chess strategy and endgame theory, leaving a lasting legacy in the chess world.