Decades after taking mankind’s first moon walk, Neil Armstrong observed, “We all like to be recognized not for one piece of fireworks, but for the ledger of our daily lives.”

Armstrong’s life — as test pilot, Apollo astronaut, engineer, professor — was extraordinarily full. His death in August places him high on a list of notables who passed away in 2012. They are a collection of men, women, and children who will long be remembered for their contributions to science, medicine, politics, world affairs, business, sports, the arts, or simply for their enduring spirit.