I was born on April 9th, 1938, in Le Roy and grew up in the home here my daughter, Mary, and her family now live.  My schooling was all done here in LeRoy, graduating in 1956.

The University of Illinois was my choice of colleges and I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1960.  I received the Bronze Tablet award for academic achievement as well as Phi Beta Kappa, Omega Tau Sigma, Phi Zeta Honor's Day, and the U of I Scholarship Key.  I received my DVM in 1962 graduating with the highest Straight A ever in that field.  I had established an academic record for the College of Veterinary Medicine at the university and was inducted into several academic associations.  I initiated and co-chaired the first open house at the college of veterinary medicine.

In 1963, I purchased the Le Roy Veterinary Clinic and married Helen Kearney from Le Roy.  We have two children, Robert Bane, MD, of Mahomet and Mary Bane of Le Roy.  Both graduated Bronze Tablet from the University of Illinois with a straight A grade point. Bob went on to earn a Fellowship in Orthopedic Surgery.