January 13

Arne Næss Jr. (1937–2004) was a celebrated Norwegian entrepreneur and passionate mountaineer. He built and led shipping and investment companies that achieved international success. An avid climber, he led challenging expeditions to the Himalayas and European mountain ranges. He achieved several notable ascents and was admired for his adventurous spirit. His marriage to singer Diana Ross from 1986 to 2000 brought him global attention. After their divorce, he remained a prominent figure in international mountaineering circles. His legacy merges high-altitude adventure with business acumen.

Nancy Bird Walton was an Australian pilot who became one of the nation's first female commercial aviators. Born in 1915, she earned her pilot's license at just 19 and began flying medical supplies and mail to remote outback communities. In 1950, she co-founded the Australian Women Pilots' Association to support and inspire women in aviation. Walton received numerous honors, including an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and the Order of Australia, for her contributions to flight and community service. She championed aviation safety and women's empowerment throughout her career. She passed away on January 13, 2009, leaving a pioneering legacy in the skies.