June 29

Marjorie Linklater (1909–1997) was a passionate advocate for the arts and environmental conservation in Orkney, Scotland. She campaigned tirelessly to protect historic sites, traditional music, and local crafts, helping to establish cultural institutions that celebrated Orkney's heritage. Linklater also led efforts to safeguard the islands' landscapes from overdevelopment, working with community groups to promote sustainable practices. Her leadership in founding art festivals and environmental organizations fostered community engagement and tourism. Linklater's dedication to cultural preservation and ecology made her a respected figure both locally and nationally. Through her advocacy, she ensured that future generations could enjoy Orkney's unique cultural and natural treasures.

Jane Birdwood, Baroness Birdwood (1913-2000) was a Canadian-born publisher and political activist known for her work in British conservative advocacy. After marrying into the Birdwood family, she inherited the Baroness title and used her position to publish pamphlets and tracts promoting nationalist and right-leaning ideas. Throughout her career, she founded publishing ventures that circulated political commentary to a broad audience. She was a controversial figure, often engaging in spirited debates on social and political reform. Birdwood's publications are remembered for their provocative style and her determination to shape public discourse. Her legacy remains a topic of study for those interested in the history of political publishing in the UK.

Joel Siegel rose to prominence as the film critic on ABC's Good Morning America, where his insightful commentary reached millions of viewers. Prior to his broadcasting career, he taught high school English and worked as a newspaper journalist. Known for his passionate support of the arts, he championed emerging filmmakers and socially conscious cinema. Siegel was also an outspoken advocate for disability rights and cancer awareness after his own battle with colon cancer. His warm personality and deep knowledge of film left a lasting impact on television journalism.

Joe Bowman gained fame as a master marksman, performing precision shooting exhibitions across the United States for over six decades. Known as “The Straight Shooter,” he entertained audiences by shooting objects out of hands and mouths at close range. In addition to his shooting prowess, Bowman founded a custom boot-making business, crafting durable leather boots for Western enthusiasts and celebrities. His unique combination of skill and showmanship made him a beloved figure in American entertainment. Even in his later years, he continued to perform and build boots, leaving a lasting legacy in both sport and craftsmanship.

Appointed in 2013, Hisham Barakat became Egypt's first Prosecutor General following the military coup, a role he filled with dedication to restoring legal order. His career spanned decades in the judiciary, overseeing high-profile trials against former regime figures and terrorism suspects. Known for his integrity and commitment to justice, Barakat worked tirelessly to uphold the rule of law during a period of intense national unrest. Tragically, his tenure ended when he was killed in a car bombing in Cairo in 2015, an attack that shocked the nation. Barakat's legacy endures in the legal community as a symbol of courage and professionalism in the face of adversity.

Born in 1946, Lalla Latifa married King Hassan II of Morocco in 1961 and became Princess Consort. She is the mother of King Mohammed VI and Prince Moulay Rachid. Throughout her life, she supported charitable causes focusing on education and health, often working behind the scenes. After a violent coup attempt in 1971, she maintained a dignified and private presence, rarely appearing at public events. Known for her elegance and commitment to family, she upheld the traditions of the Moroccan monarchy with grace. Her death in 2024 marked the end of an era in the Alaouite dynasty, and she is remembered for her quiet strength and dedication.