Sir Edmund Hillary conquered Everest, Miriam 'Mama Afrika' Makeba became a voice for the anti-apartheid struggle, while the life of rising star Heath Ledger was cut short. All three died in 2008.
Here is a colourful tribute to them - and some of the other famous names - no longer with us.
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Featured Music: The Entertainer; Theme from Bagpuss; Truly Madly Deeply; Galley theme from Ben-Hur; Pata Pata; Bad Penny Blues; Theme from Last of the Summer Wine; Theme from Brokeback Mountain.
Slideshow production: Paul Kerley and Natasha Grüneberg.
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