A list of well-known people who have died recently
- Don Binney, 1940-2012
New Zealand painter best known for his painting of birds - Helen Gurley Brown, 1922-2012
Editor who transformed women’s magazines by putting the sex into Cosmopolitan - Max Bygraves, 1922-2012
Singer and comedian who became famous for his stage performances, notably in 19 Royal Variety Performances - Hal David, 1921-2012
One of the greatest 20th century lyricists - Ross Ewing, 1944-2012
New Zealand author of aviation and aviation history - Pip Granger, 1947-2012
Novelist who mined the seedy world of her Soho childhood to unearth rich material for her work - Marvin Hamlisch, 1944-2012
Composer whose many memorable scores for screen and stage included The Sting and A Chorus Line 
Harry Harrison, 1925-2012
American science fiction author, best known for his character the Stainless Steel rat and the novel Make room! Make room!- Dominic Hibberd, 1941-2012
Biographer of Wilfrid Owen who shed controversial new light on the poet’s homosexuality - Heidi Holland, 1947-2012
Writer who argued that Zimbabwe’s tragedy arose from Robert Mugabe’s tortured relationship with Britain - Robert Hughes, 1938-2012
Irreverent art critic and cultural commentator who challenged the posturing and hyperbole of modernism - John Keegan, 1934-2012
Historian and Telegraph defence correspondent who peerlessly described the realities of battle - John Moffatt, 1922-2012
Actor who excelled in Restoration drama and starred on radio as Poirot. - Anna Piaggi, 1931-2012
Italian style icon and Vogue Italia fashion journalist - Gillian Polson, 1923-2012
NZ herb grower and author 
Ruggiero Ricci, 1918-2012
American virtuoso who combined technical mastery with exceptional skills as a musical communicator- Harold Shukman, 1928-2012
Historian of Russia who wrote about Leinin and Stalin - John Smith-Dodsworth, 1935-2012
Expert on New Zealand ferns - Thomas Szasz, 1920-2012
Psychiatrist who maintained mental illness was a ‘myth’ and questioned the concept of addiction - Andy Williams, 1927-2012
Singer who immortalised Moon River and became one of the richest men in show business
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