Pathetic Facts

Belgian music stars who deceased at age 78

Here are 24 famous musicians from Belgium died at 78:

Laurent-Guillaume de Koninck

Laurent-Guillaume de Koninck (May 3, 1809-July 16, 1887) was a Belgian scientist and chemist.

He is known for his extensive work in the field of paleontology, particularly for his research in the Devonian period. De Koninck was a professor at the University of Liège, where he taught mineralogy, geology, and paleontology. He also served as the director of the Royal Museum of Natural History of Belgium. De Koninck published numerous articles and books on his research, including a monumental seven-volume work on the fossils of the Devonian period in Belgium. In addition to his scientific work, de Koninck was a member of the Belgian Parliament and served as the mayor of Liège from 1865 to 1872.

Georges Vantongerloo

Georges Vantongerloo (November 24, 1886 Antwerp-October 5, 1965) was a Belgian personality.

He was a painter, sculptor, and one of the pioneers of abstract art. Vantongerloo was part of the De Stijl movement and his work focused on geometric abstraction. He believed that art should be based on pure form, color, and line, and he strove to create visual harmony through his work. Later in his career, he moved towards a more organic style, incorporating curved forms into his work. In addition to his art, Vantongerloo was also a writer and a theorist, and he published several essays on art and aesthetics. His work can be found in museums around the world, including the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

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Yvan Delporte

Yvan Delporte (June 24, 1928 Brussels-March 5, 2007 Brussels) was a Belgian cartoonist.

He was the editor-in-chief of the Belgian comic magazine Spirou from 1955 to 1968, during which time he recruited several famous artists such as Franquin, Morris, and Peyo. Delporte was also the creator of the comic strip "Gaston Lagaffe," which was published in Spirou in 1957 and went on to become a beloved character in Franco-Belgian comics. In addition to his work in comics, Delporte was a writer and screenwriter, and he contributed to the creation of several animated TV shows. He was honored with the Grand Prix Saint-Michel for his contribution to Belgian comics in 1978.

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Marcel Florkin

Marcel Florkin (August 15, 1900 Belgium-May 3, 1979) was a Belgian scientist.

He received his Ph.D. in chemistry from the Université Libre de Bruxelles in 1923 and went on to become a professor at the same university. Throughout his career, Florkin made numerous contributions to the fields of biochemistry and physiology, including research on the metabolism of urea, the interconversion of arginine and ornithine, and the biochemistry of marine animals. He was also known for his work on the history of science, particularly the life and work of Belgian physician and scientist Jan Baptiste van Helmont. In addition, Florkin was an accomplished author, publishing over 200 papers and several books during his lifetime. He was awarded numerous honors for his scientific work, including the Francqui Prize in 1946 and the Grand Prix de la Biologie of the French Academy of Sciences in 1959.

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Jacques Van Melkebeke

Jacques Van Melkebeke (December 12, 1904-June 8, 1983) was a Belgian writer, journalist and cartoonist.

Born in Brussels, Belgium, Van Melkebeke began his career as a journalist, writing for various newspapers and magazines. He is best known for his work as a cartoonist, creating humorous drawings and comics that were often political in nature. He also wrote several novels and short stories, many of which were adaptations of his cartoons. Van Melkebeke was a member of the Belgian Resistance during World War II, and his experiences during the war informed much of his later work. He received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Belgian literature and journalism, and his work continues to be celebrated and studied today.

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Étienne Lenoir

Étienne Lenoir (January 12, 1822 Luxembourg-August 4, 1900 France) also known as Jean-Joseph Etienne Lenoir was a Belgian engineer.

He is best known for inventing the internal combustion engine in 1858. His first engine ran on illuminating gas and was a two-stroke engine. Later on, he improved his design to run on petroleum. His engine design was a critical step in the development of the modern gasoline engine. During his career, Lenoir also invented machines for making paper rolls and printing wallpaper. He received several awards, including the French Legion of Honour and was widely recognized for his contributions to engineering and for revolutionizing the way we transport ourselves.

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Edmond Delathouwer

Edmond Delathouwer (May 26, 1916-August 26, 1994) was a Belgian personality.

He was a well-known figure in the world of archaeology, particularly in the study of prehistoric art. Delathouwer spent much of his career exploring the caves and rock shelters of the Ardennes region, where he made many important discoveries related to the Upper Paleolithic era. He was instrumental in expanding our understanding of the Magdalenian culture, which is known for its intricate and beautiful cave paintings. In addition to his work as an archaeologist, Delathouwer was also a respected historian and author, having published several books and papers on the subjects of prehistoric art and Magdalenian culture. He is remembered for his passion for the natural world and his tireless efforts to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural history of Belgium.

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Rik Van Steenbergen

Rik Van Steenbergen (September 9, 1924 Arendonk-May 15, 2003 Antwerp) was a Belgian professional road racing cyclist.

He was considered to be one of the most versatile and successful cyclists of his time, having won a total of 1,141 races over the course of his career. Among his many accomplishments, Van Steenbergen won the World Road Race Championship three times (in 1949, 1956, and 1957), as well as the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) three times (in 1944, 1946, and 1952) and Paris–Roubaix twice (in 1948 and 1952). He was also a six-time Belgian national champion. After retiring from racing, Van Steenbergen went on to coach several successful professional cyclists, including Belgian rider Eddy Merckx. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the Belgian National Sports Merit Award in 1963, and in 2000 he was named the Greatest Belgian Cyclist of the 20th century by a panel of experts.

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Fernand Nisot

Fernand Nisot (April 11, 1895-July 31, 1973) was a Belgian personality.

He was an accomplished track and field athlete, specializing in the hammer throw and shot put. Nisot represented Belgium at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he finished fifth in the hammer throw event.

After retiring from athletics, Nisot went on to become a successful businessman and philanthropist. He founded Nisot Industries, a manufacturing company that produced a range of products, including construction materials and kitchen appliances. Nisot also devoted a significant amount of his time and resources to charitable causes, particularly those related to healthcare and education.

In recognition of his achievements and contributions, Nisot was honored with several awards and distinctions throughout his life, including the Order of Leopold and the Cross of St. Gregory the Great. He passed away in 1973 at the age of 78.

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Bernard Van Rysselberghe

Bernard Van Rysselberghe (October 5, 1905 Laarne-September 25, 1984 Damme) was a Belgian personality.

He is best known for his political career, having served as a member of parliament for over 30 years. Van Rysselberghe began his career in politics in the early 1930s and quickly rose through the ranks of the Catholic Party. He was elected to parliament in 1939 and served in various capacities, including as Minister of National Education and Minister of Agriculture. During World War II, he played an active role in the Belgian resistance movement and was imprisoned by the Nazi occupiers for his activities. After the war, he returned to politics and was a key figure in the creation of the European Economic Community. Van Rysselberghe was also an accomplished businessman and served as chairman of the Belgian National Bank. He was widely respected for his commitment to public service and his efforts to promote peace and prosperity in Europe.

Jules Masselis

Jules Masselis (November 19, 1886 Ledegem-July 29, 1965 Roeselare) was a Belgian personality.

He was a successful entrepreneur who founded the company "Masselis & Co." in the early 1920s. The company specialized in the production of textiles and quickly became one of Belgium's leading textile manufacturers.

Masselis was also a philanthropist and regularly donated to charities and community projects. He funded the construction of several schools in his local area and also donated generously to hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

In addition to his business ventures and humanitarian work, Masselis was also an avid art collector. His collection focused on Flemish and Dutch painters of the 16th and 17th centuries, with works by artists such as Pieter Bruegel the Younger, Jan Brueghel the Elder, and Anthony van Dyck.

Despite his success, Masselis remained modest and was known for his down-to-earth personality. He passed away in 1965 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and art appreciation.

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Gérard Blitz

Gérard Blitz (February 28, 1912 Antwerp-March 3, 1990 Paris) also known as Gerard Blitz was a Belgian personality.

He was the founder of Club Med, a worldwide organization of vacation resorts. Blitz was born to a well-to-do Jewish family in Antwerp and was educated in England and then France. During World War II, Blitz was deported to Auschwitz concentration camp but managed to escape during a transfer to another camp. After the war, he became a successful entrepreneur and founded the Club Med in 1950. He believed that people needed relaxation and that going on holidays could help promote world peace. Blitz’s vision was to create a community of like-minded people who could enjoy outdoor activities and cultural experiences in beautiful landscapes around the world. Under his leadership, Club Med grew into a global phenomenon with resorts in over 40 countries, attracting millions of guests every year. Blitz retired in 1977, but his legacy carried on, and Club Med remains one of the most popular and successful vacation destinations in the world.

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Willem Elsschot

Willem Elsschot (May 7, 1882 Antwerp-May 31, 1960 Antwerp) also known as Alphonsus Josephus de Ridder was a Belgian writer and poet.

Elsschot is considered one of the most important authors in modern Flemish literature. His most famous works include "Kaas" (Cheese) and "Lijmen/Het been" (Adhesive / The Leg), which are regarded as classics of Dutch-language literature. Elsschot initially worked as a successful businessman and only began to write at the age of 39. His writing often centered around characters who are struggling with the reality of their mundane lives. His dry, humorous style and use of irony have made him a beloved author in the Netherlands and Belgium. Despite his acclaim, Elsschot remained modest and down-to-earth until his death.

He died as a result of skin cancer.

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Jean Stas

Jean Stas (August 21, 1813 Leuven-December 13, 1891 Brussels) also known as Dr. Jean Stas was a Belgian physician and chemist.

He is known for accurately determining the atomic weight of carbon, which was a significant contribution to the study of chemistry. Stas also served as a professor of chemistry at the Catholic University of Leuven, where he conducted research on the analysis of organic compounds. He was a member of several scientific organizations and received several honours throughout his career, including the Davy Medal from the Royal Society of London. Stas's work in chemistry laid the foundation for further development in the field and helped to establish Belgium as a major contributor to the scientific community.

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Romi Goldmuntz

Romi Goldmuntz (April 5, 1882-April 5, 1960) was a Belgian personality.

Born in Brussels, Goldmuntz was a successful banker who later became known as an art collector and philanthropist. He was one of the leading collectors of contemporary art during his time and owned works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.

Goldmuntz was also dedicated to promoting the arts in his community and beyond. He co-founded the Museum of Modern Art in Brussels and was instrumental in establishing the Belgian section of the International Association of Art Critics. Additionally, he was a supporter of various charitable organizations, especially those focused on education and social welfare.

As a Jewish Belgian citizen, Goldmuntz faced persecution during World War II and narrowly escaped being deported by fleeing to Switzerland with his family. After the war, he returned to Belgium and continued his philanthropic pursuits until his death on his 78th birthday. Today, he is remembered as an important figure in Belgian art and culture.

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Hugo Schiltz

Hugo Schiltz (October 27, 1927 Borsbeek-August 5, 2006 Antwerp) was a Belgian personality.

Hugo Schiltz was a prominent politician who served as a member of the Belgian parliament for more than two decades. He was a member of several political parties over the course of his career, including the Christian People's Party and the Flemish Liberals and Democrats. He was a vocal advocate for the Flemish community and played a key role in the development of the Belgian federal system. Schiltz was also known for his activism in support of the Flemish language, culture, and identity. He is remembered as a significant figure in Belgian politics and a champion for Flemish rights.

He died as a result of leukemia.

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Marc Rich

Marc Rich (December 18, 1934 Antwerp-June 26, 2013 Lucerne) also known as Marcell David Reich was a Belgian businessperson and trader. His children are Daniella Rich, Ilona Rich Schachter and Gabrielle Rich Aouad.

Marc Rich was best known for his work as a commodities trader and founder of Glencore, one of the world's largest commodity trading companies. He was also an investor and philanthropist who contributed to various causes such as education, healthcare, and Jewish causes. Rich was once married to songwriter Denise Rich, but they divorced in 1996. He gained notoriety in the 1980s when he fled to Switzerland to avoid prosecution in the United States for tax evasion, fraud, and illegal oil deals with Iran during the hostage crisis. President Bill Clinton pardoned Rich on his last day in office, which remains controversial to this day. Rich lived the rest of his life in Switzerland and continued to be active in business and charity until his death at the age of 78.

He died as a result of stroke.

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Arthur Devère

Arthur Devère (June 24, 1883 Brussels-September 23, 1961 Brussels) also known as Arthur Opdeweerdt, Arthur Devere, Devere or Devère was a Belgian actor.

Devère began his acting career in the early 1900s, appearing on stage in Brussels and Paris. He eventually transitioned to film acting and starred in several silent films during the 1910s and 1920s, including "Le Coup de Vent" (1914) and "La Romancière Normande" (1920).

Devère's career continued into the sound era, and he appeared in notable French and Belgian films such as "Le Grand Bidule" (1931) and "Le Comte de Monte-Cristo" (1943). He also appeared on stage in Brussels throughout his career.

In addition to his acting career, Devère was an avid painter and musician. He painted under the pseudonym "Opdeweerdt" and often exhibited his works in Brussels.

Devère continued to act until his death in 1961 at the age of 78. He is remembered as a talented and versatile performer who left a lasting mark on the Belgian and French entertainment industries.

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Hugo Claus

Hugo Claus (April 5, 1929 Bruges-March 19, 2008 Antwerp) otherwise known as Hugo Maurice Julien Claus, Dorothea van Male, Jan Hyoens or Thea Streiner was a Belgian poet, film director, playwright, author, screenwriter, painter and novelist. He had two children, Thomas Pieter Achilles Claus and Arthur Kristel.

Hugo Claus was one of the most prominent members of the Flemish literary scene, with a career spanning over five decades. His work is known for its experimental style and lyrical intensity, bridging the gap between postmodernism and more traditional writing. Throughout his career, he won several prestigious awards, such as the Belgian State Prize for Literature and the P.C. Hooft Award. Claus was also a passionate artist, with his paintings being exhibited in various European cities. He was known for his political activism, which he channeled into his work, often tackling themes of social injustice and the complexities of the human experience. Despite his versatility across different forms of art, Claus was best known for his writing, with several of his novels being translated into English and other languages. His legacy continues to live on in the Belgian literary scene, with his works remaining popular and influential to this day.

He died in euthanasia.

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Charles-Emmanuel Janssen

Charles-Emmanuel Janssen (March 19, 1907-June 11, 1985) was a Belgian personality. He had two children, Paul-Emmanuel Janssen and Daniel Janssen.

Charles-Emmanuel Janssen was a prominent chemist, businessman, and philanthropist in Belgium. He was the founder of the Janssen Pharmaceutica company, which played a significant role in the development of numerous important drugs, including the first antipsychotic medication, Haloperidol.

In addition to his work in the pharmaceutical industry, Janssen was also involved in the arts and humanities. He was a member of the Royal Academy of Science, Letters, and Fine Arts of Belgium, and supported various cultural institutions, including the Bozar museum in Brussels.

Janssen's legacy continues to be felt today. His company, Janssen Pharmaceutica, is now part of the multinational pharmaceutical corporation Johnson & Johnson, and his family has continued to play an important role in the fields of science, business, and philanthropy.

Rodolphe Seeldrayers

Rodolphe Seeldrayers (December 16, 1876 Düsseldorf-October 7, 1955 Brussels) was a Belgian personality.

He was a distinguished lawyer, football administrator and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 1920 to 1955. Seeldrayers played a crucial role in the early development of football in Belgium and also helped establish football's prominence on the international stage. He served as the president of the Belgian Football Association for 25 years and was instrumental in the organization of several major football events, including the World Cup of 1930. Seeldrayers was also a part of the organizing committee for the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, and was the chairman of the IOC from 1936 until 1952. Throughout his career, he helped to modernize and professionalize sports administration, and his contributions were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including being inducted into the FIFA Order of Merit.

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Pierre Ryckmans

Pierre Ryckmans (September 28, 1935 City of Brussels-August 11, 2014 Canberra) also known as Simon Leys was a Belgian writer and sinologist.

He was born in Brussels and grew up speaking both French and Flemish. Ryckmans studied literature, philosophy, and law at Catholic University of Leuven before moving to Taiwan in 1955, where he began studying Chinese language and culture.

During the Cultural Revolution, Ryckmans became known for his criticisms of Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party. He later published a collection of essays on the subject, titled "The Chairman's New Clothes: Mao and the Cultural Revolution."

Ryckmans taught Chinese literature at the Australian National University in Canberra for many years and eventually became an Australian citizen. He continued to write on a variety of topics, including art, literature, and politics, and his works were widely recognized for their insightful and often humorous takes on contemporary Chinese society.

In addition to his writing, Ryckmans was also an accomplished painter and his works were exhibited in galleries across Australia. He passed away in Canberra in 2014 at the age of 78.

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Jan Teichmann

Jan Teichmann (August 3, 1788 Venlo-June 4, 1867 Antwerp) was a Belgian personality.

Jan Teichmann was a prominent Belgian painter and lithographer. He was renowned for his genre paintings that portrayed the daily life of ordinary people, often depicting scenes of peasants, farmers, and fisherman working in their natural surroundings. He attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and later became a professor at the same academy. In addition, he was a designated court painter and received various awards and accolades throughout his career. His works can be found in the collections of many museums and galleries across Europe, including the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

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Albert Devèze

Albert Devèze (June 6, 1881 Ypres-November 28, 1959 Brussels) was a Belgian politician.

He was a lawyer by profession and was elected as a member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives in 1919. He served as Minister of Justice from 1925 to 1926 and again from 1927 to 1931. During his time in office, he implemented several important legal reforms, including modernizing the Belgian penal code and introducing the principle of the presumption of innocence.

In addition to his political career, Devèze was also a leading figure in the Belgian Freemasonry movement and served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Belgium from 1933 to 1949. He was also actively involved in the development of the Belgian Boy Scouts movement and served as president of the organization from 1933 to 1939.

Devèze retired from politics in 1932 but continued to be actively involved in public life, serving as president of several cultural and philanthropic organizations in Brussels. He also wrote several books on legal, political, and historical topics.

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