Builder of Solutions, Cultivator of Smiles
NB: This series of encounters highlights the diversity of the members of the IRCM community, the variety of their expertise and the depth of their commitment to their respective roles
François embodies the simple joy of helping others—and seeing the face of the colleague he’s assisting light up with a smile, somewhere down a hallway, between two impeccably and swiftly completed jobs.
It’s hard to imagine the IRCM without him, isn’t it? And yet, it’s an unavoidable reality: this dear colleague will soon be moving on to a new project (shh… he doesn’t like the word retirement).
It must be said, François has been brightening our days and rendering invaluable service for a long time. When François Bordeleau arrived at the IRCM, 24 years ago, he had no idea he would build his career here. At the time, he was working as a locksmith in Town of Mount Royal. The company he worked for was about to be sold and François even considered buying it himself. The project didn’t come to fruition. But chance and the right people stepped in.
’“The former Director of Technical Services at the IRCM, Mr. Gaudreau, knew I worked in locksmithing. There was no locksmith at the IRCM then, not even an official position. He offered me a job as a general labourer during a major expansion period. I accepted to give it a try… and here I am, 24 years later.”
Initially hired on contract, François spent nearly two years without permanent status. But it didn’t take long for his know-how and versatility to stand out. Beyond locksmithing, he helped out with carpentry, built walls, helped set up spaces, and learned extensively on the job.
“I’m very hands-on. I love building, fixing, improving things. I learned an incredible amount working here.”
Over the years, his role evolved alongside the Institute. François witnessed the growth of the IRCM and took part in the construction and outfitting of numerous laboratories. He developed a deep, practical understanding of how research spaces function. This expertise is invaluable when external firms carry out work inside the Institute.
“When you’ve built labs from the ground up, you understand what is needed. You know how they work, what to avoid, and how to improve certain things.”
But what truly sets François apart is his profoundly human, even humanistic, approach. His genuine care for others is palpable.
“If you want to communicate with me, we talk. I prefer meeting up with people to understand their needs. Communication and exchange are my strengths. Finding solutions together is what I enjoy most.”
For the past three years, François has officially served as Coordinator of Maintenance Services, managing a team he is immensely proud of.
“I have an amazing team. Everyone brings something to the table, and we work really well together. I’m very proud of them.”
Despite his coordination role, François remains very present on the floor, close to the action.
As he prepares to take a well deserved retirement, the depth of his attachment to the Institute becomes clear.
“I’m going to miss my colleagues, the students, the whole community. People here are so kind. There’s incredible diversity, lots of young people. Being around them keeps me young. Honestly, I feel like I still have the same energy I had in my first year.”
What will he miss the most? This intellectually stimulating environment, the constant curiosity, the ongoing learning. And if he had one piece of advice for the person who will eventually take over?
“Go meet people. Don’t just send emails. Go on the field, understand researchers’ needs, really listen to them.”
After 24 years of building, fixing, improving, and connecting people, François Bordeleau leaves behind much more than walls and keys. He leaves a way of doing things, and more importantly, a way of being, rooted in active kindness, one that deserves to be passed on and to feature in best practice professional manuals.
Thank you so much, dear François, for all these years of dedication and friendship.
