September 12

Sir Francis Baring established Barings Bank in 1762, growing it into one of Britain’s leading financial institutions. His expertise in trade financing and government loans helped fund the British war effort during the American Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Baring served as Member of Parliament and advised on economic policy, melding business acumen with public service. His leadership set the foundation for a banking dynasty that persisted for centuries. Baring died on September 12, 1810, remembered as a titan of finance.

Born in 1834 in Aberdeen, Scotland, Duncan Gillies emigrated to Australia during the gold rush. He made his fortune as a merchant before entering politics. Gillies was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly and held various ministerial posts. In 1886, he became the 14th Premier of Victoria, promoting infrastructure development and free trade. He championed railway expansion and improvements in public education. After leaving office in 1890, Gillies remained active in business and civic affairs. He died in 1903, remembered as a key figure in Victoria's economic growth and governance.

Born in 1888, Valentine Baker served as a pilot during World War I before partnering with James Martin to found the Martin-Baker Aircraft Company in 1934. The company initially focused on aircraft design and later became famous for developing one of the first reliable ejection seats. Baker’s experience as an aviator informed the company’s safety innovations, which have since saved thousands of lives. He flew numerous test flights and was directly involved in engineering challenges. Baker tragically died in 1942 during a demonstration flight. His contributions laid the groundwork for modern pilot safety systems and left a profound impact on aviation engineering.

Bruce Matthews was a Canadian Army general who later transitioned to a successful career in business leadership. He served with distinction during World War II, commanding units in the European theater. After retiring from the military, Matthews joined the corporate sector and held executive roles in technology and defense companies. He was known for his strategic vision and ability to navigate complex organizational challenges. Matthews received several military honors, including the Order of the British Empire. In business, he championed innovation and corporate responsibility, influencing industry standards. His dual legacy in defense and commerce reflects a commitment to leadership and service.

Tom Sims (1950–2012) was a trailblazer in board sports, excelling as both a skateboarder and snowboarder. He invented the first aluminum-backed snowboard with steel edges, revolutionizing the sport's design and performance. In 1976, Sims founded Sims Snowboards, one of the first companies dedicated to snowboarding equipment, helping to popularize the sport worldwide. He also won competitive championships in skateboarding and snowboarding, demonstrating his athletic versatility. Sims supported the growth of board sports through event sponsorships and youth programs, leaving a lasting legacy in action sports culture.

Ray Dolby (1933–2013) was an innovative engineer whose Dolby noise reduction technology transformed the audio industry. After earning his engineering degrees, he founded Dolby Laboratories in 1965, developing systems that significantly improved sound quality in music, film, and broadcasting. Dolby’s inventions became industry standards, earning him numerous awards, including an Academy Award for scientific and technical achievement. Under his leadership, Dolby Labs expanded globally, influencing how audiences experience sound in cinemas and homes. He was also recognized for his philanthropy in the arts and education.