François Jean Bollinger – 1931 to 2022 (Obituary)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of François Jean Bollinger.  Beloved husband of 68 years to Janet Marie Theriault, loving father of Brenda (Gary), Karen (Cameron), Craig (Michelle) and Graham (Nancy).  Beloved grandfather of Christopher (Liz), Spencer (Paloma), Fraser (Sita), Simon, Nicole, Steven, Ben, Céline, Stuart, Jordan, Nathan, Sam, and great grandfather to Dawson.

François was born in Montreal to François and Charlotte Bollinger (nee Mouze) who immigrated from Switzerland and England respectively. François was an only child and at a very young age he contracted tuberculosis, requiring him to live in isolation for many months at the Montreal Children's Hospital. No visitors were allowed but fortunately for François his room was on the ground floor at the back of the building enabling his father to sneak up to his window and bring him treats.

François attended Montreal High School where he excelled as part of Class 11B, an all-boys class in an academic stream focused on his favorite subjects, math and science. François flourished and met many who would become lifelong friends.

François turned his aptitude for math and science into a lifetime passion for engineering.  He graduated in 1954 with a degree in Civil Engineering from McGill University, and weeks later married Janet, his best friend, and the love of his life.  Shortly thereafter, he earned his Professional Engineering designation which became the foundation of his career. It wasn't long after, in 1957, that François tragically lost his father to injuries sustained in a fall, an event that impacted him greatly.

Over the next several years he and Janet moved frequently as François' career demanded. They lived in the United States for a short time, and then several small Canadian towns.  Brenda was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan and Karen in St. Catharines, Ontario.  Identical twins Craig and Graham joined the family shortly after they moved to Mississauga, Ontario.

In 1963, while they were busy raising four children under 4 years of age, François took the plunge and started his own business.  He set up shop in Oakville, which ironically was kitty corner to where the business thrives to this day. Within two years and with much excitement the whole family would settle down in Oakville and spend the next 57 years in the same loving home, raising their four children, building a successful group of businesses, and building a community - their life was full. They developed an enduring interest in photography together; François was fascinated with the technical aspects of course, and Janet focused on the artistic side.

François' passion for all things metal was legendary and his contributions to the Oakville community significant. He, along with his business partners, proudly employed many hundreds over the years through their metal manufacturing companies producing a diverse lineup of products ranging from custom pipe fabrication for oil refineries, hockey arena equipment, forklift truck attachments and his most recent pride and joy, aquatic weed harvesters.

Separated by distance and time, thanks to the persistence of Janet, in the early-seventies François reconnected with his Swiss family enjoying a meaningful 50 year, bicontinental relationship with his aunts, uncles and cousins whilst enjoying all that the beautiful Swiss countryside had to offer.

François loved everything family and took great pleasure engaging with his children and many grandchildren. Whether it be skiing with his young family, supporting his children's and grandchildren's interests, many local and overseas trips, New Year's Eve parties, or routine family get-togethers with his ever-growing brood, François cherished family and remained keenly interested in their pursuits until his final days.

Visitation will be held at Kopriva Taylor  Community Funeral Home 64 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville, October 6 ^th , 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul's United Church in Oakville at 11 am on October 7 ^th , 2022. Condolences can be left at koprivataylor.com