Born in Saskatchewan, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 and a Master of Science degree in 1960 both in Electrical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. He received a Doctorate.I.C. and Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering in 1965 from Imperial College London.
In 1965, he started his career as a research engineer, manager at Westinghouse Canada. In 1973, he co-founded Linear Technology Incorporated. and was President and chief operating officer. From 1987 to 2000, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Gennum Corporation. In 1968, he started teaching at McMaster University in the Department of Engineering Physics as a part-time Assistant Professor.
He was appointed a part-time Associate Professor in 1974 and a part-time Professor in 1981.
He retired in 1994. Other honours include Hamilton Engineer of the Year, 1996. Honorary Doctor of Engineering, University of Waterloo.
Honorary Doctor of Science, McMaster University. Ontario Entrepreneur of the Year-Technology, 1999.
He is a member of the Board of Governors of McMaster University and is a past Chairman.
