Tributes are flowing in for André Bergeron and his wife, Blandine Daux, for their significant contributions to Quebec archaeology following their tragic passing in a funicular accident in Lisbon. The couple, who both worked at the archaeology and ethnology laboratory of the Centre de conservation du Québec in Quebec City, were highly respected in their field.
As a founding member of the lab, Bergeron dedicated his entire four-decade career to the conservation center, while Daux, a French citizen with permanent residency in Canada, had been part of the team since 2001. Eric Bergeron, their grieving brother, currently in Lisbon with their two daughters, shared that they had been married for over 20 years and that the trip to Portugal was a retirement gift for André.
The fatal accident claimed the lives of Bergeron and Daux, among 16 victims, with an additional 21 individuals sustaining injuries. The Association of Archeologists of Quebec honored the couple for their close ties to the community and their work on Quebec’s vade mecum, a comprehensive guide on archaeology and restoration that is well-known among professionals in the field.
Eric Bergeron praised the conservation center where his brother and sister-in-law worked, describing it as a hidden gem in the country. He highlighted Bergeron’s expertise in shipwrecks from the 1600s and his early career involvement with Roman galleys at the British Museum. In 2016, Bergeron was recognized with the prestigious Ruggles Award for his exceptional contributions to conservation in Canada.
Daux, on the other hand, was known for her expertise in restoring heritage objects, having previously worked at the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research before relocating to Canada. The Museum of Civilization in Quebec City expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the couple, emphasizing their unwavering dedication to heritage preservation.
The investigation into the cause of the funicular accident is currently ongoing under the jurisdiction of Portuguese authorities.