Through the Lens of a Seasoned Observer
In each issue of the newsletter, we spotlight a member of our organization. This month, we would like to introduce you to Romualdo “Ray” Barillaro, an Audiovisual Technician with the Information Resources and Biomedical Engineering Directorate. This man is something of a living legend within our organization as he has spent more than four decades in the health and social services network and is not yet ready to retire!
Mr. Barillaro, can you talk to us about your academic background and how you came to be an audiovisual technician?
“I graduated in 1980 with a DEC in photography from Dawson College in Montréal. At that time, the techniques used in photography were somewhat more hands-on than they are today. I have fond memories of countless hours spent in the darkroom developing prints and watching in amazement as images appeared. I have to admit that I sometimes miss that alone time.”
How did you end up working in the health and social services network?
“Shortly after graduating, a family member told me about a job opening for a photographer in the Audiovisual Department at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. I was hired after the interview for what was supposed to be a summer job.
I’ll never forget my first day on the job at the Douglas; it was June 21, 1981. That evening, Fête nationale du Québec celebrations were held on the grounds. My job was to take pictures of the patients gathered to watch the fireworks. Looking back, I will admit that I was somewhat nervous about being in a crowd of people with mental health problems. I grew up near this facility, and when I was in elementary school, rumour had it that anyone who ventured onto the grounds would disappear forever!
Fortunately, I was able to quickly establish close relationships with several patients. I came to understand that I could contribute, through my work and in my own way, to calming anxious patients.”
Is it safe to assume that the summer job was extended?
“Yes, it was. The job was supposed to end in late August, but I was offered a full-time position as an audiovisual technician. On June 21, I will be celebrating my 42nd anniversary.”
What was your job like when you started?
“Among my many tasks, I was in charge of taking pictures at press conferences, which I developed and sent to various newspapers. I was also tasked with putting together slide projector presentations. As you can see, the work environment back then was quite different.
At the Douglas, we also had a studio equipped with three cameras. I can still remember the heat generated by the 1000 watt spotlights. I can assure you that the heat could be challenging when filming interviews with researchers, for example! And, how could we forget the movie screenings for patients in the Douglas Pavilion. It was not uncommon for something to go awry with the reels!”
Your profession has evolved so much over the years. What would you say has been the biggest change?
“I can say without a moment’s hesitation that it was the introduction of digital technology. Photography and video editing have benefited greatly. Now, the sky’s the limit and the time savings are astounding. Also, the broadcasting and delivery of media is light years ahead of what it was when I first started.”
It’s not just your job that’s changed, but also your work environment. Isn’t that right?
“When I first started out, there were 1000 patients at the Douglas. Today, there are about 250. There was a real family atmosphere back then. The patients even ran a very popular snack bar as well as a local radio station.”
Mr. Barillaro kindly agreed to share some aspects of his personal life with us...
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your family?
“I’ve been married to Patricia since 1984. She’s an incredible partner. We met in high school back in 1973! My wife had a 28-year military career with the Royal Canadian Navy. She retired with the rank of Lieutenant-Commander. Today, she works with immigrants as an integration teacher.
We are the proud parents of two children, Christopher, 36, and Alicia, 32. Our son is an actor, music director and teacher. In fact, he won a Félix for his work in Michel Tremblay’s musical comedy “Demain matin, Montréal m’attend”. As for my daughter, she’s a singer, violinist and photographer, as well as a teacher at Champlain College.”
What do you do to relax?
“I practice meditation twice a day. I meditate 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night. Mindfulness is my preferred form of meditation.”
Do you have other hobbies?
“I really enjoy repairing violins. I think I would have been quite content working as a violin maker. I also make soapstone duck carvings and paint, on occasion.”
Do you have a hidden talent?
“I love to cook. I had a job in a restaurant by the time I was 11! I’m self-taught and can make just about anything. Not to be too boastful, but given my Italian roots, I’ve mastered the art of making a good meatball sauce.
Also, my mother was a gifted seamstress so I learned a great deal from her. When my kids were young, I made all their Halloween costumes.”
“Throughout the course of my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet several well-known personalities, including Dr. Camille Laurin, former provincial minister, Dr. Philippe Couillard, former Québec premier, Dr. Heinz Lehmann, a pioneer in medical research at the Douglas, and Dr. Lionel Carmant, current minister of social services. Since several movies have been shot at the Douglas, I’ve also met my fair share of actors, including Paul Newman, Sharon Stone and Naomi Watts,” recalls the AV technician.
“For Father’s Day one year, my daughter gave me a Hawaiian-style floral-print shirt. When I put it on, I instantly felt relaxed. That was 25 years ago, and it has since become my trademark,” chuckles the man who owns more than 40 of these shirts!
“Since 2016, I’ve had the great privilege of photographing Ste. Anne’s Hospital veterans as part of the annual Faces of Honour exhibit. This project allows me to be in close contact with my subjects, much like the interactions I had with the clientele in my early years,” says Mr. Barillaro proudly.