Tributes are being paid to André Bergeron and his wife Blandine Daux for their significant contributions to Quebec archaeology following the tragic funicular accident in Lisbon this week. The couple, who tragically lost their lives in the crash, were highly respected professionals working at the archaeology and ethnology laboratory of the Centre de conservation du Québec in Quebec City.
André Bergeron, a founding member of the lab, dedicated his entire career, spanning over four decades, to the conservation center, while Blandine Daux, a French citizen with permanent residency in Canada since 2001, also made valuable contributions to the field. Eric Bergeron, their relative, revealed that the couple had been married for over 20 years, and the trip to Portugal was a retirement and birthday gift for Bergeron.
The devastating incident claimed the lives of 16 individuals, including Bergeron and Daux, while 21 others sustained injuries. The Association of Archeologists of Quebec acknowledged the couple’s impact on the community, particularly praising their work on Quebec’s vade mecum, a key reference guide on archaeology and restoration.
Describing the conservation center as a hidden gem in the country, Eric Bergeron highlighted his brother’s expertise in maritime archaeology, including his work on shipwrecks from the 1600s and Roman galleys at the British Museum. In 2016, Bergeron received the prestigious Ruggles Award for his exceptional contributions to conservation in Canada, while Daux was noted for her expertise in restoring heritage objects.
The Quebec Museum of Civilization, which collaborated frequently with the couple, commended their unwavering dedication to heritage preservation. The investigation into the cause of the tragic accident is currently underway, led by authorities in Portugal.