November 02

Madelyn Dunham began her banking career at the Bank of Hawaii in the 1960s and rose to the role of vice president, overseeing consumer lending. Known for her strong leadership and work ethic, she mentored many colleagues in the financial industry. Beyond her professional life, she played a pivotal role in raising her grandson, Barack Obama, after his early childhood. Dunham's guidance and support were cited as foundational to Obama's development. She maintained a reputation for humility and dedication throughout her life. Dunham passed away in 2008, remembered for both her career achievements and her family legacy.

Kjell Qvale (1919-2013) was a Norwegian-American businessman and influential figure in the automotive industry. He founded British Motor Corporation Nord in San Francisco, importing iconic brands such as Jaguar, MG, and Rolls-Royce to America. Qvale's vision helped popularize European sports cars in the U.S., shaping the country's car culture. He co-founded the legendary Kent and Qvale dealerships and later established Qvale Inc., producing the limited-edition Qvale Mangusta. His contributions extended beyond business; Qvale supported numerous philanthropic causes and community projects. He is remembered as a driving force behind America's appreciation for performance and luxury vehicles.

Herman Sarkowsky (1925-2014) was a German-American businessman and visionary sports entrepreneur. He co-founded the Seattle Seahawks in 1974 and played a pivotal role in establishing the franchise in the NFL. Sarkowsky also held ownership stakes in other sports teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, reflecting his passion for athletics. Beyond sports, he invested in real estate and technology startups, demonstrating diverse business acumen. He was known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting education, healthcare, and community development in the Pacific Northwest. Sarkowsky's legacy endures through the teams he helped build and the charitable initiatives he championed.

Mike Davies (1936-2015) was a Welsh-American tennis player, coach, and executive. He reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 1959 and was a key figure in modernizing the sport. After his playing career, Davies served as president of the Association of Tennis Professionals, helping launch the ATP World Tour. He advocated for player rights, equitable prize money, and improved tournament standards worldwide. Davies also founded tennis academies and invested in sports businesses, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. His reforms transformed tennis into a global professional tour, benefiting generations of players.

Raymond Chow Man-wai (1927-2018) was a trailblazing Hong Kong film producer. He co-founded Golden Harvest in 1970, revolutionizing the Asian film industry. Chow discovered and promoted martial arts icons like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. Under his leadership, Golden Harvest produced blockbuster hits that achieved international success. He expanded Hong Kong cinema's global reach, influencing action filmmaking worldwide. His entrepreneurial vision helped establish Hong Kong as a major center of film production.