Eric Mongérand: A Life of Daring and Determination
It’s always a downer when we learn of a passing, especially someone who was evidently a force of nature like
Eric Mongérand. He left this world on Monday, October 14, after battling a lengthy illness. Now, I don’t
want to sound too somber—after all, Eric wouldn’t want to be remembered just as a long list of dates and
ailments. No, he was much more than that! His partner, the ever-gracious Catherine Conconne, broke the news
with a heavy heart, and it’s evident that her profound loss resonates far beyond just their household.
“It is with immense sadness that I announce the death of my partner, following a long illness. Her children, her family, her friends join me in this painful moment,” she says.
From the Classroom to the Coastline
Eric didn’t just bubble to the surface like a cork on a glass of rum punch. His journey began at the
Séminaire Collège de Sainte-Marie in Fort-de-France, where one hopes he learned to deal with the
unfiltered nature of life. He wasn’t just any student—oh no!—he continued to study social sciences
at Sciences Politique Grenoble. Imagine the debates: “Why are we here? What is the meaning of life?”
Answers likely ranged from “to argue politics” to “to avoid annoying exams.”
Cultivating Culture with a Maritime Twist
Eric had a knack for turning dreams into enterprise. After over 20 years leading the
SAGETM (formerly known as Vedettes Madinina), he took the maritime landscape by storm.
Maritime transport in Fort-de-France? Oh yes! He successfully pointed out that they provided “public
transport with private means.” Honestly, if I had a dime for every time I heard that phrase, I’d probably
be out buying a yacht myself—or more realistically, a set of really bad beach towels.
Tugging the Tides of Change
However, every captain of industry faces a storm. Eric certainly didn’t shy away from challenges,
bravely handing over the reins of his company to Charles Conconne during tumultuous financial times.
Sometimes it’s not just about sailing through the clear waters; it’s about knowing when to let
someone else steer the ship. He was a true observer of political life, not just a passive spectator—more
like the guy cheering with a megaphone in the back!
A Discreet Departure
After stepping back from the limelight of entrepreneurship and media, Eric faced his health battles
with the same spirit he navigated life’s waters. After a grueling few months, he passed away at the
age of 68. What remains are the ripples of his impact—a legacy marked by passion, ambition, and sheer grit.
One can only hope that in those final moments, he looked back on a life well-lived, and maybe laughed a
little at the absurdity of it all.
In Closing
So here’s to Eric Mongérand: the sailor, the entrepreneur, and the man who wasn’t afraid to speak his
mind. To his partner Catherine, and to everyone who knew him, may you find solace in cherished memories
and shared laughter. Always remember, even in death, it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s
the moments that take your breath away—like a particularly gnarly wave crashing on the shore.
Eric Mongérand died this Monday, October 14 following a long illness. It was his partner, Catherine Conconne, who made the sad announcement on social networks.
It is with immense sadness that I announce the death of my partner, following a long illness. Her children, her family, her friends join me in this painful moment,” she says.
After starting school at the Séminaire Collège de Sainte-Marie in Fort-de-France, Eric Mongérand continued his higher education in France, studying social sciences at Sciences Politique Grenoble.
Passionate about culture, he chose to pursue a career in the business world. For more than 20 years, he led the SAGETM (formerly Vedettes Madinina) and contributed to developing maritime transport in the Bay of Fort-de-France.
A strong personality
The entrepreneur, who did not have his tongue in his pocket, did not hesitate to point out that the private maritime transport company provided “public transport with private means”.
While the company was experiencing financial difficulties, he handed over management to Charles Conconne.
Retired from entrepreneurial life and the media world, he had been fighting illness for several months. A discreet observer of political life, he closely followed and supported the career of his partner, Catherine Conconne.
Born January 16, 1956, he died at the age of 68.
