THE LIFE OF THE SKI-DOO INVENTOR

Snowmobile Magazine - September 1988
New Biography Traces Life of Ski-Doo Inventor - From an inquisitive lad who made his own toys with parts bought from a jeweler,to a successful inventor who created The Ski-Doo snowmobile.  That's the story told in "Joseph-Armand Bombardier, An inventor's Dream Come True," the new biography written by Quebec Journalist Roger Lacasse.
The book follows Bombardier through his development as a great inventor.  The book has dozens of his technical drawngs and photos of old snowmobiles and large transport vehicles using tracks and skis. Readers can see how the Ski-Doo - originally the Ski-Dog - evolved from its earliest prototypes, which even included sleds powered by rear-mounted propellers.
Andre Bombardier,the youngest son of J. Armand Bombardier, said his father was a successful businessman, but was motivated by his creative urge, not by profits.  He always wanted to improve the quality of life.  His approach was, "What are your needs? What can I do to help you out?" Andre said.
Bombardier the inventor was always thinking of ways to improve his machines. "If he would get an idea at 2:00AM, he would go to the shop, " said his son. "When he had an idea, he couldn't sleep, so he went to the shop."
Even the unique toys he built for his children were practical in nature because they could test his theories.  When Andre was thirteen, he was riding on a two-person snowmobile his father built.  "I was riding on the road and having fun, but I was testing for him at the same time.  He considered it a prototype.  My father was very practical."
Still, J. Armand was not consumed by his work.  "He was a family man.  He was not a workaholic because he liked what he was doing.  He did not like to be idle," Andre said.
His busy, creative mind let him achieve his goal of inventing a vehicle which could provide mobility in Quebec's harsh winters. Ski-Doo snowmobiles stand as his legacy, and his story is now documented in a new book.  Plans are being made for U.S Distribution of the book.