In Memoriam: Michèle Auger 1963-2018

Dear Colleagues,

It was with great sadness that I learned on Monday that our dear friend and colleague, Michèle Auger, had passed away after a long illness.

Michèle was both a talented researcher and an exceptional teacher, not to mention an exceptional person. She had an enormous impact on science in Quebec and Canada, and was a committed member of the Biophysical Society of Canada. Michèle sat on the executive of the BSC from 1994 to the present. She was treasurer from 1997 until 2014, and served as secretary from 2010 on. In the latter role, she was responsible for creating the BSC website, as well as many upgrades. To recognize her outstanding contributions, the BSC created the Michèle Auger Award for Exceptional Service in 2016, with Michèle being the inaugural winner of this award. Michèle has been integral to the tremendous growth of our society. Those in the BSC will remember Michèle as a dedicated, generous, and inspirational woman who touched the lives of many through her friendship, teaching and kindness.

On a personal note, I have known Michèle since the mid-1980s, when we were doctoral students together in the laboratory of Dr. Ian C.P. Smith – a founding member, Past-President and Fellow of the Biophysical Society of Canada. Subsequently, we both moved to Boston for our post-doctoral studies, which Michèle undertook with Dr. Robert Griffin at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Michèle then returned to Québec City, while I returned home to Ottawa. Michèle has been my closest confidant on the BSC executive. I consulted with her often on many issues. She always gave me sage advice, based on her sound judgement and her remarkable memory – I am sure that many of you can recall times where this impressive memory was on display! I will miss tremendously her courage, kindness, dedication, support and friendship.

The Biophysical Society of Canada offers its sincerest condolences to Michèle’s family, including her husband Jean and her daughter Frédérique Larose, as well as to the members past and present of her laboratory. Her presence in the BSC will be greatly missed.

More details can be found here: https://www.lepinecloutier.com/necrologie-avis-de-deces/52701-michele-auger

John Baenziger
President
Biophysical Society of Canada