Bobby Ray wins John Toswell Award
The North Bay sports community has long been shaped by individuals whose passion and leadership elevate both the game and the people within it. Bobby Ray stands firmly among those individuals.
Ray has been selected as the 2025 winner of the John Toswell Memorial Award for curling.
The John Toswell Memorial Award is an annual trophy presented by the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame (NBSHF) to a resident of North Bay or the surrounding area for outstanding contribution to the sport of curling.
Bobby’s love for curling began at just 11 years old when he joined the North Bay Granite Club. What started as a young curler’s enthusiasm quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to the sport and the club that helped shape him. Throughout high school and university, Bobby immersed himself in club life, holding numerous roles, including Curling Pro, Pro Shop Clerk,
Tennis Clubhouse Attendant, Tennis Instructor, Head Tennis Professional, and Tennis Manager. These early experiences laid the foundation for what would become an exceptional career in sport leadership.
At a remarkably young age, Bobby was appointed General Manager of the North Bay Granite Club — a testament to both his leadership ability and the trust placed in him by the community.
"Over 14 years of employment at the club, he brought forward-thinking innovation and a deep understanding of member engagement that revitalized the organization," the North Bay Granite Club stated about Ray.
Bobby’s management style was rooted in one clear priority: creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that would grow participation in the sport. He understood that the long-term health of curling depends on accessibility, adaptability, and community connection. His creative restructuring of the curling season into three distinct segments (fall, winter, and spring) reflected a commitment to meeting members where they were and removing barriers to participation.
"Under Bobby’s leadership, the North Bay Granite Club experienced renewed energy, thriving membership growth, and the continued success of marquee events such as the Coldwell Banker Bonspiel and the Summerspiel. His innovative thinking and willingness to challenge traditional models of club operation played a significant role in positioning the club as a vibrant hub of sport and community," the North Bay Granite Club stated.
Beyond North Bay, Bobby’s influence has extended across Northern Ontario and the country. Following his tenure as General Manager, he became Executive Director of the Northern Ontario Curling Association, and now serves as Director of Club Development & Member Services with Curling Canada.
In these roles, Bobby has championed grassroots club sustainability and governance, helping clubs strengthen their operations and build long-term success.
His contributions to national initiatives such as the Business of Curling program, the Association of Curling Professionals (ACP) Program, and Curling Day in Canada have had a lasting impact on the sport’s growth and modernization across Canada. Bobby cares deeply about the health of curling clubs at every level, and his work consistently reflects a belief that strong local clubs are the foundation of the sport’s future.
As a competitor, Bobby is a two-time Northern Ontario Provincial Champion, winning the 2017 Club Curling Championship and the 2022 Mixed Doubles Championship.
Beyond competition, he has given generously of his time as a volunteer and educator. He has contributed to major national events, including the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship, and has served as a Learning Facilitator, helping train and mentor new coaches at the youth, club, and competitive levels. Through this work, he has directly influenced the next generation of athletes and leaders in the sport. Locally, he further supported the curling community through a regular column in the North Bay Nugget, sharing stories, insights, and encouragement to promote curling and tennis participation.
Bobby Ray’s impact on the North Bay Granite Club and the broader curling community is both immeasurable and deeply felt. Through innovation, leadership, volunteerism, and unwavering passion, he has helped build a dynamic and thriving curling culture in North Bay and beyond.
For his exceptional contributions to the sport of curling and his enduring service to the North Bay Granite Club and the Canadian curling community, Bobby Ray is a truly deserving recipient of the John Toswell Memorial Award.
Ray will receive their award at the 45th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on Saturday, May 2, at the Davedi Club. Tickets can be purchased through Larry Tougas at 705-303-8104. Tickets are also available at the Davedi Club by calling 705-474-4190. Tickets are $65.
