Guest Speakers:
From Country Boy to Tech Innovator: The Story of Dave Bour
Dave Bour’s journey began in rural Ontario, where he grew up as a self-proclaimed "country boy," passionate about hunting and fishing. From the age of 10 until he went off to university, you could find him at the river, fishing daily. Little did anyone know that his future would be less about reeling in fish and more about reeling in lines of code.
Dave’s fascination with technology started early. He proudly refers to himself as the "original hacker." His first computer was a TRS-80, followed by a VIC-20 and then a Commodore 64. It wasn't long before his curiosity led him into the world of hacking. One of his earliest exploits involved hacking into a CIBC branch – not for financial gain, but simply to prove that he could do it. His first program, an Erase Time tracking tool, foreshadowed his future in software development.
Bour went on to study Electrical Engineering at McMaster University, where his tinkering spirit blossomed. Early in his career, he programmed radio systems for buses and emergency medical services (EMS), laying the groundwork for his future innovations.
Not content with a conventional career path, Dave soon found himself starting his own company before a stint at Nortel. His time at Nortel was marked by a humorous cycle of being fired and re-hired multiple times, a testament to his unorthodox approach and undeniable skill.
After leaving Nortel, Dave founded several companies of his own, showcasing his entrepreneurial flair. Among his notable inventions was a waterproof computer for boats and specialized TV displays for restaurants. His creativity and problem-solving skills seemed limitless.
Outside of his tech ventures, Dave is a family man, with one son and one daughter. His wife had long encouraged him to adopt a more active lifestyle, though it wasn't until he suffered a stroke in 2015 that Dave took her advice to heart. In the years since, he’s embraced fitness wholeheartedly, playing tennis, running, and even participating in weightlifting competitions.
Today, Dave focuses on creating software for the construction industry, preferring the solitude of working behind a keyboard. While he may not consider himself a salesperson, his legacy as a tech innovator is undeniable. From his humble beginnings in rural Ontario to his many contributions to the tech world, Dave Bour’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and ingenuity and a very welcome addition to our club.
A Lifetime of Dedication and Family: The Story of Terry Janach
Terry Janach’s life is one rooted in family, community, and commitment to his work. Born in Fergus in 1970, Terry was adopted as an infant, yet the theme of family has continued to shape his journey. In adulthood, after marrying his high school sweetheart, Terry embarked on a search for his biological parents, ultimately finding them. The reunion was filled with surprise and joy, as he discovered that his biological parents were married to each other—and that he had a biological brother he hadn’t known about.
Terry met his wife in high school in 1988, and they’ve shared a lifetime of love and partnership ever since. This year, they’re celebrating 31 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring bond. Together, they raised their daughter, born in 1999, who now proudly follows in her parents' footsteps, having recently begun her career at the same school board where Terry has spent the last 31 years.
Terry’s professional career has been nothing short of remarkable. After completing high school, he got his start at Robertson Steel with the help of Norm Crumpton, a connection that proved invaluable as he built his career. Over the years, Terry earned several post-secondary diplomas, which propelled him into his current role as Manager of Plant Operations for the local school board. He notes that the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to his work, but his leadership and dedication helped the school board navigate these unprecedented times.
Outside of work, Terry finds joy in family time. He and his loved ones share a cottage, a beloved retreat where they can relax and make memories together. During the pandemic, he also picked up a new hobby—motorcycle riding—a pastime that has become a source of excitement and adventure. When he’s not on the road, you might find him cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, his favourite football team.
Terry’s story is one of perseverance, family, and commitment. From discovering his roots to building a fulfilling career and maintaining a loving family, his life is a reflection of the values he holds dear: loyalty, hard work, and love. As he continues to contribute to the school board, now with his daughter by his side, Terry Janach’s legacy of service and family is one that will make him a very valuable member of our club.
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