Raymond J. Mantha

Engineer Mantha, a life-long resident of North Bay, has had a distinguished career as both a professional engineer and a generous volunteer by demonstrating a relentless dedication to give something back to his community through giving his exceptional leadership, communications and organizational skills to his many volunteer commitments. As a professional engineer, he is highly regarded for his background in transportation and commitment to safety for the travelling public. He has worked to implementing improvements in the Ontario transportation infrastructure throughout his career. He has held progressively responsible positions in engineering with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Currently he holds the top level position of Chief Engineer for Northern Ontario.. Mantha has been an active participant in the North Bay PEO chapter. From 1988 until 1994, he was active in the North Bay Chapter executive, initially as a director and then as Vice Chair in 1991. Mantha became Chair of the Chapter executive in 1993. He was one of the organizers of North Bay's successful Annual Engineer's Day from 1987 to 1991. Despite his many other commitments, he continues to find time to judge the local Science Fair. In May 1999, following a long-standing family involvement with the YMCA, Mantha was elected chair of the YMCA Canada Board. During his three-year term, he will be hosting the Canadian 150th Anniversary Celebrations for the YMCA in Canada at the Y Conference in Vancouver from June 12-17, 2001. Many of his volunteer activities, including the YMCA, and the North Bay Canoe Clubs and the North Bay Ski Racers have resulted from Ray's commitment to share family responsibilities. When he teaches responsibility and skills to the younger generation, his own three children are usually included. It's been observed that his children are often the first and sometimes the only ones, to be out in the neighbourhood raising funds to support their activities. As a result, his children are involved in their community in athletics, music and scholarship. Bridging generations, Ray Mantha P.Eng. through his energy, leadership and professionalism has enriched both the engineering and cultural communities in North Bay. As a professional engineer, citizen of North Bay, past President of the North Bay Rotary Club and active volunteer for many other activities, Mantha has pursued the Rotarian Ideal: 'Service above self, he profits most, who serves best'.