Jiang Zemin led China from 1989 to 2002. When his death was announced last month, the flag in Tiananmen Square was put at half-mast. It was there that students gathered calling for ousting of leader Deng Xiaoping. Mr Jiang stifled further protest and oversaw country's economic growth.
From Pelé, the “king of football”, to Britain’s longest-reigning queen, our editors and correspondents reflected on the accomplishments of many notable figures who died this year. But our obituaries editor shone a light also on the lives and legacies of lesser-known figures.
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