July 11

Laurance Spelman Rockefeller was an American financier and philanthropist known for his environmental conservation efforts. Born into the prominent Rockefeller dynasty, he leveraged his wealth to support national parks and wildlife preservation. He played a key role in the expansion and protection of several United States national parks. He served on the boards of various cultural and scientific institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art. Rockefeller was also an early advocate for sustainable tourism and eco-friendly developments. He helped establish the Aspen Institute and contributed to numerous philanthropic foundations. He died in 2004 at the age of 94, leaving a lasting legacy in both finance and conservation.

Ed Mirvish (1914–2007) was born in Philadelphia and moved to Toronto, where he opened Honest Ed's in 1948. His eclectic bargain emporium, famous for its bold signage and discount prices, became a beloved city landmark. Mirvish passionately supported the arts, acquiring and restoring the Royal Alexandra Theatre and other venues. He established Mirvish Productions, bringing acclaimed Broadway shows to Canadian audiences. Known for his generosity, he donated to numerous charities and gave away free turkeys during the holiday season. His business acumen and cultural contributions earned him the Order of Canada and a lasting legacy in Toronto.

Satoru Iwata was born in Sapporo in 1959 and studied computer science at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. He joined HAL Laboratory in 1980, co-creating iconic games like Kirby and EarthBound. In 2000, he moved to Nintendo as head of corporate planning and became President in 2002. Under his leadership, Nintendo launched the DS and Wii, revolutionizing handheld and home console gaming. Iwata championed digital distribution and community features, including the Nintendo eShop and Miiverse. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Game Developers Choice Awards in 2013. He died on July 11, 2015, and is celebrated for his innovation and warmth in the gaming industry.

André Leysen was born in 1927 in Belgium and began his career in the family mining business. He became CEO of Vieille Montagne and later served on the boards of Janssen Pharmaceutica and other multinationals. As a founder of the Flemish Economic Union, he promoted economic development in Flanders. Leysen was also active in philanthropy, supporting education, the arts, and human rights causes. He chaired the King Baudouin Foundation, directing grants to cultural and social projects. He passed away on July 11, 2015, leaving a legacy of strategic leadership and civic engagement.