I was born in Killyleagh, a small town six miles from the county town of Downpatrick in County Down, Northern Ireland.  The only place in the world where you can go up the Down road.  I was raised in the backstreets of the town and destined to work in either the local linen mill or as a farm labourer except for the influence of the headmaster of the local elementary school, a Mr James Smith, to whom I am eternally indebted.  He recognised in me an aptitude, and through his influence I obtained a scholarship to the high school in Downpatrick.  After graduating high school I moved to Birmingham, England for 10 years before emigrating to Toronto, Canada where I graduated as a Certified Management Accountant.  I have worked in that field  for a few companies and have travelled extensively.  I am still living in the Toronto Area with my family, but also have a home in Seminole, Florida where I spend most of the winter.

I graduated from the University of Toronto with a diploma in Business Administration, and at the same time studied and graduated as a Management Accountant while holding down a full time job. I have also taken several seminars and coarses in various subjects inproving my knowledge and outlook on life.