December 11

John Labatt was a Canadian brewer and businessman who transformed a small family brewery into a major national brand. Born in Hespeler, Ontario, he took over his father's brewery and expanded production and distribution across Canada. Labatt introduced innovative marketing strategies and invested in modern brewing technology. Under his leadership, the company gained a reputation for quality and consistency. He also engaged in civic activities and contributed to his community. Labatt's entrepreneurship laid the groundwork for a dynasty that continues to influence the brewing industry today.

Walter Knott was an American farmer and entrepreneur best known for founding Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. Born in 1889, he and his wife Cordelia started with a small berry stand during the Great Depression and developed a thriving business selling jams and preserves. Knott's creative vision led to the addition of a Ghost Town attraction that grew into a full-scale amusement park. Over the years, Knott's Berry Farm expanded with rides, shows, and themed entertainment, becoming a beloved destination for families. Knott remained active in the park's operations until his death in 1981, leaving a lasting legacy in the theme park industry.

Lillian Cahn (1923–2013) was a Hungarian-born entrepreneur and co-founder of Coach, Inc., the iconic leather goods company. After emigrating to the United States following World War II, she and her husband launched Coach in 1941. Cahn was instrumental in developing the brand's signature glove-tanned leather handbags and accessories. Her vision and leadership helped transform Coach into a global luxury retailer. She was also a philanthropist, supporting arts, education, and Jewish causes throughout her life.

Aaron Feuerstein was the third-generation owner of Malden Mills, makers of Polartec fabric. After a disastrous factory fire in 1995, he chose to rebuild and continue paying his employees' salaries. His decision garnered national acclaim for corporate responsibility and humanitarian leadership. Feuerstein's philanthropy extended to community development and interfaith initiatives. Despite significant financial loss, he remained committed to ethical business practices. He passed away in 2021, remembered for compassionate leadership in industry.

Michael Lang was an American music impresario celebrated for co-creating the iconic Woodstock Music & Art Fair in 1969. He managed the complex logistics of the festival, which became a defining moment in countercultural history. Lang continued to produce large-scale music events, blending artistic vision with organizational skill. He served as a producer on Woodstock reunions and commemorative projects, sustaining the festival’s legacy. Throughout his career, Lang championed emerging musical talent and fostered community through live performance. His pioneering work reshaped the landscape of modern music festivals until his passing in 2022.

Christina Onassis was born in 1949 to shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and Athina Livanos. After her father's death, she inherited a vast fortune and became one of the world's wealthiest women. Known for her glamorous lifestyle and philanthropic endeavors, she was a fixture in international high society. Despite her wealth, she faced personal struggles and multiple high-profile marriages. Christina's early death in 1988 at age 37 ended a life marked by both privilege and tragedy.