August 27

In 1904, Rolls partnered with Henry Royce to establish Rolls-Royce Limited, setting new standards for automotive engineering. A passionate aviator, he completed the first non-stop double crossing of the English Channel by airplane. He set early aviation records and championed flight competitions to advance aircraft design. His engineering expertise guided the development of high-performance cars and reliable aircraft engines. Although he died in a plane accident in 1910, his legacy endures in luxury motoring and aviation. Rolls-Royce remains synonymous with craftsmanship and innovation.

Born in Montreal on August 27, 1898, Fauteux began his career in the family business before entering politics. He served as a Liberal Member of Parliament and as Speaker of the House of Commons in the 1930s. In 1950, he was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, representing the Crown until 1958. During his tenure, he supported cultural initiatives and community development across the province. Beyond politics, Fauteux was active in banking and commercial enterprises, shaping Quebec's economic landscape. His leadership bridged business and governance during a period of postwar transformation. He died in 1963, remembered for his dignified public service and civic dedication.

Born into a prominent family on August 27, 1904, Whitney co-founded J.H. Whitney & Company, one of the first U.S. venture capital firms. He served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1957 to 1961, strengthening transatlantic relations. As publisher of the New York Herald Tribune, he championed innovative journalism and photography. Whitney was a passionate philanthropist, supporting education, the arts, and racehorse breeding. An early backer of technology startups, he laid groundwork for later private equity movements. He maintained close ties to Hollywood and high society, embodying the mid-century American elite. Whitney died in 1982, remembered for his diverse impact on business, diplomacy, and culture.

Joan Kroc was born in 1928 in West St. Paul, Minnesota. She married Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, and inherited his fortune upon his death. Over the course of her life, she donated more than $1.5 billion to charitable causes. Her gifts supported educational institutions, public broadcasting, and peace initiatives. She established the Joan B. Kroc Institute at the University of San Diego and funded numerous community centers. Kroc’s legacy continues through her transformative philanthropy.

Frank Yablans was a prominent figure in Hollywood, serving as President of Paramount Pictures in the 1970s. Under his leadership, the studio released iconic films including The Godfather and Chinatown. He began his career as a screenwriter before moving into studio management. Yablans was known for his keen eye for commercially successful projects and talent development. After leaving Paramount, he produced and financed numerous independent films. He passed away in 2014, remembered for shaping modern Hollywood blockbusters.

Tom Berryhill was an American businessman and politician who represented California’s 25th Senate District from 2010 to 2018. He previously served in the California State Assembly, focusing on agriculture and water resource issues. A member of a prominent Central Valley farming family, he brought practical industry experience to his legislative work. Berryhill championed rural economic development, infrastructure improvements, and agricultural policy. He passed away in 2020, remembered for his dedication to his community and public service.