MONTREAL— André Riendeau, the co-founder of Solotech, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2023, surrounded by his family, after a 17-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 81.
Following his studies in business administration at HEC Montréal — the graduate business school of the Université de Montréal — Riendeau, with his partner Denis Lefrançois launched Solotech in 1977. Thanks to Lefrançois’ and Riendeau’s expertise, connections and business saavy, Solotech tripled its revenues after its first year and eventually went from audio-only and added state of the art lighting, video, audiovisual and integration services.
Over the years, following a series of acquisitions, expansions and establishing important long-term relationships, Solotech continued to prosper and expanded into a world-leading provider. Today, the company has 18 locations worldwide with more than 1,300 employees and an overflowing project portfolio.
In addition to Solotech, Riendeau was also behind the success of Plurison, Son-Or and Filtronique. Throughout his life, Riendeau was a bon vivant, and enjoyed time with his family, wine, grappa, music and beautiful cars. In his retirement, this tireless worker enjoyed a peaceful life in the countryside, in a serene environment offering magnificent river views.
André Riendeau is survived by Lise Bouchard — his wife of the last 56 years, along with his daughters Claudie (Dany Langevin), Marie-Josée, Pascale (Éric Doucet), his grandchildren Sacha, Guillaume, Vincent, Viviane, his brothers, his beautiful-sisters and many friends, both inside and outside of the industry. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest well, old friend.
Memorial Services are planned for November 4, 2023 at Les Espaces Memoria in Laval (Quebec). In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of André Riendeau can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at https://alzfdn.org/
