Edward Heath: Former British Prime Minister Dies at 89

Sir Edward Heath was the British prime minister from 1970 to 1974. Born on July 9, 1916, in Broadstairs, Kent, he served in the Royal Artillery in World War II and was elected to Parliament in 1950.

Heath led the Conservative Party from 1965 and took Britain into the European Economic Community in 1973. His government faced miners' strikes, the three-day week, and violence in Northern Ireland, and he lost two elections in 1974. Margaret Thatcher succeeded him as party leader.

Heath never married. He captained the British team that won the 1971 Admiral's Cup in yachting, and was an accomplished organist and conductor. He was made a Knight of the Garter in 1992. He died of pneumonia in Salisbury on July 17, 2005, at age 89.

Achievements: Prime Minister (1970-1974), Knight of the Garter (1992), Charlemagne Prize (1963).

Birth: July 9, 1916 - Broadstairs, England.

Profession: Politician.

Interesting Facts: He was an accomplished amateur organist and conductor.