Remembering Past International President Justice Brian Stevenson
From the Desk of CC Christine Lank
Lions of Montana, I wanted to let you know about the sudden passing of Past International President, Justice Brian Stevenson, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. PIP Justice Stevenson was elected to serve as the international president at the Lions’ 70th International Convention, held in Taipei, Taiwan, in July 1987.
PIP Justice Stevenson was a proud Lion since 1966 and a member of the Calgary Northeast Eyeopener Lions Club, and he held numerous roles within the association, including district governor, council chairperson (74-75), member of the association’s board of directors (77-79), a presidential appointee to the international board on five occasions, and served as a board trustee for Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). For his many contributions, Past International President Stevenson received the 100% District Governor Award, the Senior Master Key, 38 International Presidents’ Awards, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the association’s highest honor granted to its members. He was a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, along with his wife, Lion Patricia.
He wanted to leave this world a better place than how he inherited it through his work with the association, so he served as Canada’s constitutional area leader on the Global Membership Team, as the Canadian advisor on the LCIF Development Advisory Committee, and as Canada’s representative on the association’s Centennial Committee. He also represented Canada on the Vice-Presidential Candidates Evaluation Committee.
Past International President Stevenson served the community as a Lion, and as a dedicated and long-serving judge. PIP Stevenson retired from the Calgary justice system in December of 2024. While no official records are kept, it’s believed that Justice Stevenson spent more than 50 years on the bench, making him the longest-serving judge in Canadian history. Before being appointed as a judge in 1974, he was a partner in a Calgary law firm and served as a special prosecutor of narcotic offences for the Canadian Department of Justice.
In 1996, the City of Calgary recognized his substantial contributions by awarding him the Grant MacEwan Lifetime Achievement Award of Merit. In 2005, the Province of Alberta recognized his service to Alberta with the Alberta Centennial Medal. In 2002, Justice Stevenson was honored by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the Golden Jubilee Medal, and in 2023, he was again honored by receiving the Platinum Jubilee Medal. Not only did our association and our Lions benefit from Justice Stevenson’s passion, he also served as an advisor to Calgary’s United Way, as president of the Calgary Social Planning Council, and as a member of the City of Calgary Social Services Committee. He has also served as president of the Alberta Provincial Judges’ Association and as chair of the International Year of Disabled Persons for the Province of Alberta.
But his greatest achievement was his family, his beloved Patricia, who left his side in 2022, his blended family of four daughters, 24 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
PIP Brian Stevenson showed us what great leadership looks like, and his courage in serving humanity, his gentle manner, humor, and love of life and people should guide us all. Let’s remember what his life taught us and continue his work together. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Below is the link for Judge Brian’s celebration of Life:
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/edenbrook/obituaries/brian-stevenson/156380.html
The family wanted to accommodate Brian’s Lions family, so they are holding it on Monday after our MD Convention, which is in Grande Prairie. They also had his Law family to work with, hence the 4 pm start. The Red & White club is close to the Calgary Stampeders home stadium, McMahon Stadium.
Vice President Mark & Lion Lyn are staying in Calgary on Sunday night so they can attend on Monday. They are our guests at the convention. We are making arrangements at the Best Western Plus Village Park Inn 1804 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary AB T2M 3Y7 (403) 289-0241. The Village Park Inn is across the street (Crowchild Trail) from McMahon Stadium and the Red & White Club.
Take care
CC Christine Lank
By Lion Peggy Tobin
Global Leadership Team – PDG Mike Collins-February 2026
Montana Lions Leadership News
February 2026
“Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead”
Dear Montana Lions,
District 37 will be offering Club Officer training via the Zoom meeting platform in February of 2026. The training will consist of 4 separate webinars. This training is highly recommended for all club officers.
Session 1: Monday, Feb 2nd – 7:00pm – All Club Officers – 1.5 Hours. Trainer – PDG Mike Collins.
Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GOTUl-mQSc6kvq4mTCCDkw
- Lions history
- Describe the Lions Club International Structure
- Describe standard club leadership structure.
- Identify the duties and responsibilities of each club officer.
- Standard Club Constitution and Bylaws
- Meaningful Projects
- Be familiar with the LIONS PORTAL and the Lions Learning Center
Session 2: Tuesday, Feb 3rd – 7:00pm – Club President –1.5 Hours. Trainer – PDG Mike Tobin.
Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gExTx2arSBS_vjHtU9EyVg
- President Responsibilities
- Leadership
- Where to find Resources
- Things to do and not to do
- How to enjoy your year
Session 3: Wednesday, Feb 4th – 7:00pm – Club Secretaries – 2 Hours. Trainer – Lion Peggy Tobin.
Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5NKvQEFpRpqW0qKHl-2NyA
- Secretary Responsibilities
- Secretary functions before, during, after meetings
- Membership & Officer reporting – Hands-On training for Lions Portal
- Activity Reporting – Hands-On for Lions Portal
Session 4: Thursday, Feb 5th – 7:00pm – Club Treasurers – 1.5 Hours – Trainer – PDG Mike Collins.
Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Rt-BMbPCQYWOXLnXN1wxzQ
- Treasurer Responsibilities
- Club Accounts & Budgets
- Member Dues
- Payments
- Financial Policies
- Financial Records
These sessions will be live on-line zoom interactive training sessions. This does require online access from a computer or tablet with speakers. You can participate without a microphone but would be limited to typing any questions. These webinars will be recorded and made available for people who are unable to attend.
In service and leadership,
PDG Mike Collins
Global Leadership Team Coordinator – Montana
By Global Leadership Team
Global Membership Team Report – February 2026
Global and Montana Membership – February, 2026
We Are A Community
Mostly, Montana Lions clubs live within their own world. However, we are joined together in International Lions District 37. We have a chance to meet other lion members at our district convention each year.
I ask the question ”Is this enough?” What can be gained by getting together more often? Lion clubs have a basic structure and motto “We Serve”, and another “Where there’s a need there’s a lion”.
As I have visited clubs I noticed the similarities and differences. My next question is “can we help each other be all we want to be?” By visiting other clubs, you might be introduced to great ideas from recruiting new members, service ideas, resources and more. You might be able to receive guidance on issues your club is dealing with. Will you visit a neighboring club?
Another way to interact is to invite a neighboring club to share a function, NOT A MEETING. A pot luck or a program of Lions endorsed projects or information from a knowledgeable person or persons about an issue that is related to our mottos or another issue in your community.
“Together we will overcome” has become a catch phrase that has been used in recent times when communities have been impacted by an adverse event. This is a way to connect a wide cross section of the community toward solving the situation they find themselves in and moving forward together. “Stronger Together!”
Why do we wait for trouble and not start before disaster has occurred or is knocking at our door? This must be our humanity some would say. Why wait, when sharing and asking for help could prevent a troublesome journey? Too many questions you might say. My response would be to overcome your embarrassment of nonaction and ask for help.
I challenge every Lion member and club to participate in getting to know one another so we can overcome whatever we want to achieve as a person and as a club. A relationship first makes asking easier and with better results. Let us commit to getting to know one another, member or club, to make each of our clubs and our district the best we can be.
I look forward to members and clubs reporting how getting together has made you and your Club stronger and more successful in whatever you and your clubs pursue.
GMT Lion Richard Gessling
By Global Membership Team
Global Membership Team Report – January 2026
Global and Montana Membership – January, 2026
Connecting Clubs and Lions to One Another
As I have traveled to Lions Clubs across Montana over the past 11 years, I have observed that while some clubs are thriving, others are struggling with membership. One thing remains constant, however: every club is providing wonderful service to its community.
Recently, I have been tracking analytics from our website, montanalions.org. These analytics show how many members visit the site, what pages they view, and how long they stay. What I’ve noticed is that, unless it is close to convention time, relatively few members visit the website in any given month.
I have also looked at convention attendance. Last year, only half of our 58 clubs had at least one member attend the state convention.
Not surprisingly, many of the clubs that are struggling are also the ones not visiting the website or attending conventions. As a result, these clubs can become isolated—from other clubs and from the district as a whole.
Because of this, I ask those of you who regularly attend conventions to reach out to those who do not. Encourage them to attend this year’s convention. Consider traveling together or sharing a room. For many Lions, attending a convention alone for the first time can feel like a big step.
Sometimes all it takes is an invitation.
Just ask!
GMT Chair Richard Gessling
Global Membership Team Report – November 2025
Global and Montana Membership – November, 2025
Congratulations to Lions Clubs and Members for starting off the Lions year 25-26 with remarkable membership numbers. For the first time in over 10 years our district has a net gain of over 20 members.
We can’t stand of our laurels however, as we should continue to engage our communities with new members, new ideas for service and energy.
All members should get with the program and ask a friend, neighbor, or a stranger if they would like to help their communities. We need to remember our challenge “WHERE THERE IS A NEED, THERE IS A LION”.
GMT Chair Richard Gessling
Global Membership Team Report – Clubs Helping Clubs-October 2025
Global and Montana Membership – October, 2025
Clubs Helping Clubs!!
On September 28th, the East Missoula Lions Club hosted a community BBQ to share with their neighbors who Lions are and what we do.
They were joined by several Lions from the Seeley Lake Lions Club, and together they created a very successful day with over 30 community members in attendance.
Results:
- At least 10 new member applications were turned in, with hopes that these individuals will inspire even more friends and family to join.
- President Jack Ballas of East Missoula led the effort, supported by an enthusiastic crew.
- Zone Chair Rob Shaffer and Lion Clay Creek worked the grills, while Lions Jayne Lux and Mike Feretich (Seeley Lake Club President) welcomed guests and answered questions to spark interest in Lionism.
A big thank you to everyone who made this day such a success!
If your club would like to host a similar event to boost membership and visibility, please reach out to your Zone Chair for guidance.
Not sure who your Zone Chair is? Check the listing here: District 37 Zone Directory
Some zones are currently without a Zone Chair—if that is the case for your club, please contact DG Corinna Christensen for support.
Together we can keep growing the strength of Lions across Montana.
Global Leadership Team – PDG Mike Collins-September 2025
Montana Lions Leadership News
September, 2025
“Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead”
Dear Montana Lions,
Are you interested in learning more about Lions Leadership?
Then join us for the 2025 VDG Regional Training , happening October 3-5, 2025 In Bozeman, MT
Cost: Attendance is free – you or your club will need to cover your hotel and travel expenses.
This training is not just for current VDG’s. Anyone interested in becoming a Vice District Governor in the future is welcome to attend.
Your club may even have funds available for leadership training. Just ask.
Investing in your growth as a Lion is an investment in your community’s future.
Let’s show our Montana pride and send a strong delegation! Whether you’re preparing for a future club office or simply want to be more effective in service, this institute will equip you with the tools and confidence you need.
Please Contact me ASAP as the training is less than a month away.
In service and leadership,
PDG Mike Collins
Global Leadership Team Coordinator – Montana
Global Membership Team Report – PDG Richard Gessling-September 2025
Global Membership Team
Global and Montana Membership – September, 2025
Report on Progress
As humans we tend to quantify many things. How many years married, how many children, how much we earn, how much we save, credit scores. You get the idea, not a bad concept and it can be useful.
This year three Lions clubs in Montana ceased to exist, leading to loss of services to their communities. Since I was the district governor in 2015-2016, the district has lost 10 clubs. Lions International measures lots of issues including clubs. The most concerning to all of us is the net loss or gain of members and clubs over-all in our district. Over the last five years, our clubs and district have worked to reverse this trend. Two years ago, we had a net loss of four, one year ago we had a net gain of one, the year just ended showed a net gain of six. Not a large number, but significant because we have over-come the year after year loss of clubs and members. It was a difficult reality and necessary to turn around, like stopping a large stone from rolling down-hill.
Global Leadership Team – PDG Mike Collins-August 2025
Global Leadership Team Coordinator
August, 2025
“Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead”
Dear Montana Lions,
Are you ready to sharpen your skills, ignite your passion, and step forward as a stronger Lion? Then join us for the 2025 Wyoming Lions Leadership Institute, happening September 5–7, 2025—and this year, it’s easier than ever to attend!
- Where:Allen H. Stewart Lions Camp on Casper Mountain, Pine Bluffs, Wyoming
- When:September 5–7, 2025
- Cost:Just $150– and that includes ALL meals and lodging!
This is one of the best values in leadership development across our Lions landscape. You’ll spend three meaningful days growing with fellow Lions, learning leadership strategies, and discovering new ways to serve your club and community more effectively.
Global Membership Team Report – PDG Richard Gessling-August 2025
Global Membership Team
Global and Montana Membership – August, 2025
Growing Lion Leaders 3
I’ve been describing what the clubs should be doing to make a Lions leader, but I will describe what a Lion member should be doing to learn how to be a leader in whatever endeavor you pick, including a Lion leader. You might ask why should I want to a Lions leader. My reply would be, you will gain the skills for all aspects of your life. You’ve probably already gained the skills that are necessary to fulfill your lifestyle goals. If so you were exposed and taught and demonstrated by many people in your life, a teacher, parent, or a relative or friend. It is time to pay it back, so they say.
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