From political giants to celebrated authors, Australia and the world have said a final farewell to many famous figures this year.
Let's take a moment now to remember them -- in their own words and in the words of those who knew them.
Hannah Sinclair reports.
Malcolm Fraser was a Liberal leader who came to power in Australia under the most controversial of circumstances.
In 1975, Mr Fraser was appointed caretaker prime minister after Governor-General John Kerr dismissed Gough Whitlam from the position.
It prompted an infamous attack on Mr Fraser from the then Labor leader.
"The proclamation which you have just heard read by the Governor-General's official secretary was countersigned, 'Malcolm Fraser,' who will undoubtedly go down in Australian history from Remembrance Day 1975 as Kerr's Cur."
As Australia's 22nd prime minister, Mr Fraser embraced multiculturalism and Aboriginal land rights.
And his death in March this year at age 84 triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from politicians across the political spectrum, including then prime minister Tony Abbott.
"Although his politics had changed over the years, he had led us triumphantly into government and deserved the continuing respect of all Australian Liberals. I had quite a number of long talks with him since then. I often disagreed with his positions, but I always appreciated his insights and the wisdom born of long experience."
Overseas, another political giant who passed away this year was the first prime minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew.
Mr Lee is credited with catapulting Singapore from a developing country into a global force.
The leader was unapologetic about his authoritarian version of democracy.
"Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him or give it up. This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine. I've spent a whole lifetime building this. And as long as I'm in charge, nobody's going to knock it down."
Actor Leonard Nimoy was best known for playing the pointy-eared, half human, half Vulcan Mr Spock in the Star Trek franchise.
He also played Paris, the master of disguise, in the Mission Impossible films.
Leonard Nimoy died this year at age 83.
As summer cricket test matches get underway, there will be a notable absence on the airwaves.
The voice of Australian cricket, Richie Benaud, died in April.
Richie Benaud was relied on for his frank and fearless view of the condition of the game.
"Let me just tell you what I think about it. I think it was a disgraceful performance from a captain who got his sums wrong today. And I think it should never be permitted to happen again. We keep reading and hearing that the players are under a lot of pressure and that they're tired and jaded and perhaps their judgment and skill is blunted. Well, perhaps they might advance that as an excuse for what happened out there today. Not with me, they don't. I think it was a very poor performance, one of the worst things I have ever seen done on a cricket field. Goodnight."
The rugby world has also mourned the death of New Zealand great Jonah Lomu.
Jonah Lomu died at the age of 40 after being diagnosed with a rare kidney disease.
The star winger, of Tongan descent, made 63 appearances for the All Blacks, scoring 37 tries.
Former Wallaby Peter Fitzsimons told the ABC he was the greatest player he had ever seen.
"I saw every match he played in, and I, like everybody, had never seen anything like him. He was a freight train in ballet shoes. Other players could go through players. Other players could go around players. Lomu could do it all. One of the great entertainers and, extraordinarily for such a big man, so very, very gentle."
It is known as the race that stops a nation, but, over the years, one horse trainer kept returning with repeated success.
When he died this year, Bart Cummings was remembered as King of the Melbourne Cup and a legend of the track.
His horses won 12 Melbourne Cups during his career.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten paid him tribute.
"Bart Cummings was a gentlemen of the track. He was highly respected. He had a string of remarkable victories. He trained some of the best horses in Australian history. There won't be another Bart Cummings. And my condolences go to his family and all his friends and, indeed, all race goers, for whom Bart Cummings has provided such pleasure over the decades."
And legendary American guitarist B.B. King also died this year, at age 89.
With his velvet voice and expressive style, the "King of the Blues" was credited with bringing blues music into the mainstream.
He is also thought to have influenced a generation of musicians, including guitarists such as Eric Clapton.
