[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 160 (Monday, November 19, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO R.T. MANTLO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 19, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to the life and memory of Robert Tillman Mantlo who 
recently passed away in Grand Junction, CO on November 13, 2001. 
Robert, known by others as R.T. and Chief, will always be remembered as 
a dedicated leader of the community. His passing is a great loss for a 
community that relied on R.T. for his knowledge and wisdom in times of 
hardship and prosperity.
  R.T. served the citizens of Grand Junction for over 50 years. He 
began his service as a fireman in 1945, serving in the department until 
his retirement as Chief in 1986. As Chief, R.T. ran the department for 
12 years and was instrumental in the creation of two additional fire 
stations in the city. The firemen of the city can be especially 
grateful to R.T., as no man lost his life to fire under R.T.'s command. 
Following his retirement, R.T. continued his service to the community 
and entered the field of politics.
  R.T. was elected to the City Council in 1987. He served two terms and 
was admired by his constituents throughout the area. His exceptional 
service paved the path to the office of Mayor where R.T. was again 
elected for two terms, first in 1989 and second in 1994. After his term 
expired, he continued his public service as a member of the Grand 
Junction/Mesa County Riverfront Commission and the Grand Junction 
Housing Authority.
  His contributions to the community did not stop at the realm of the 
political arena. As a sports enthusiast, R.T. was active in the 
creation of several athletic organizations in the community. These 
clubs included the Recreational Softball League and the National Junior 
College Baseball World Series. R.T. not only helped create the league 
but also served as a coach to several teams.
  Mr. Speaker, R.T. will be missed by many whose lives he has touched 
in the community. It has always been known that his greatest passion 
was his love and dedication to his family. R.T. is survived by wife 
Betty, sons Dick and LaVern, and daughter Tanna Fowlds. It is with a 
solemn heart that we say goodbye and pay our respects to a patriarch of 
the Grand Junction community. Robert Tillman Mantlo dedicated his life 
to the city of Grand Junction, CO, and he will be greatly missed.