Jack M. Fine

Born in 1925, Jack is the oldest son of Natalie and Sam Fine. He has been active in the bowling industry for more than 40 years.

After graduating in 1947 from the University of Toronto with a degree in Political Science and Economics, Jack joined his family’s theatre business. He opened his first bowling centre, Bowlerama Lanes on Jane Street in 1959. (The Fine family had already become involved in the bowling industry in 1947 when they built a five pin centre called Bowlaway). Bowlerama grew to become an 18 centre chain operating in several cities in Ontario.

A tireless promoter of the game and sport and a recognized industry leader, Jack helped found the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of Ontario in 1954 serving in various positions including President of both the provincial and national associations, and as a director of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America. He has been an avid supporter of league bowling making every effort to convert his recreational bowlers to league bowlers by offering free instruction and other innovative programs. Jack has directed his managers to insist that house leagues belong to ABC and WIBC and memberships are always part of the league bowler’s package.

A supporter of youth bowling, Jack was the creator of such programs as bumper bowling, and bowling birthday parties. Jack introduced 24 hour bowling, moonlight bowling and company bowling functions to the industry. Bowlerama was the originating host for the Big Brothers Bowl for Millions Campaign started more than 20 years ago and continues to play an active part as its benefactor for the largest fund-raising program on the Big Brothers Calendar. At his League Executive Evenings at the start of each season Jack has made it a point to introduce the association representatives and to include them in the program.

He continues to encourage tournament participation, picking up the Tournament of the Americas event when it became too costly for the associations to conduct on an annual basis.

Jack was inducted into the Five Pin Hall of Fame in 1986 and received the GTWBA Merit Award in 1989. Jack’s wife Valerie has always been a big supporter and contributor to his success and their children Janet, Harry, Joanne and Walter have all worked in the bowling centres at some time in their lives. Known as Canada’s Bowling King, Jack has also been an active participant on the lanes as a bowler.