2026 executive team - Billy bishop/Kerrisdale legion

DON HITSMAN 

My military and early work experience began in the 1970s and 1980s with the 30th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery — a reserve unit in Ottawa also known by its historic name, the Bytown Gunners. As a combat arms unit based in the capital, we often supported ceremonial duties, including numerous 21-gun salutes and even a summer working alongside the Ceremonial Guard on Parliament Hill.

Over time, I became increasingly interested in the airframe world, particularly sheet metal and machining, which ultimately led me to my current Quality Assurance role at YVR. Military history has fascinated me from a young age, and I still enjoy learning more about Canada’s military past today.

NATASHA SMILJANIC

I am an experienced project manager and business analyst, with history of operations management and business development. Since moving to Vancouver, I have been helping clients successfully buy and sell real estate. 

I have joined my local Legion branch, in hopes to apply my acquired skills towards Legion’s daily operations. I currently hold a 1st VP position  at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 176 as well as the Chair of the Marketing Department and Kitchen, and I overlook hall rentals.  For the benefit of Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Legion longevity, I make all efforts to build strong relationships with local business and community.  Some recent contributions:

• Boost social media presence
• Successfully organize and run funding campaigns
• Produce engaging marketing material, both print and online
• Help organize and assure profitability of events
• Spearhead innovative kitchen offerings and streamline its operation
• Liaise with other committee chairs and executive team to better up current operations and introduce new initiatives

KEN JOHNSTON

When I moved into the Kits Point neighborhood 6 years ago, I knew I wanted to get involved with the Billy. I’d been to the branch for social gatherings and liked the atmosphere and the people. I have volunteered on Remembrance Days and met veterans and first responders. Now as a new member of the Executive I hope to apply my 40+ years of business experience to explore more ways the Billy can serve the community as we continue to recover from Covid challenges.

SCOTT CHANNEL

Bio and photo coming soon 

MEREDITH TWAITES

I was the RCL #176 Branch Secretary for roughly 3 years, and have helped with a couple of the events volunteering like Remembrance Day. I have had the opportunity for volunteering with many different non-profit agencies including, health care, childcare, emergency services, education services, among many other organizations. I have also worked in the public, and private sectors within health care, as well as with the government on a number of different organizations including First Nations, Business, and Health care. In my spare time, I love traveling with my partner Jim Hilton around the province of BC, as well as Alberta, and love doing wildlife photography.

DAN THOMAS 

Dan joined the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own) and served just over 40 years as an Army Reservist. The first half of his career was spent with his home unit, or in staff positions at headquarters in Jericho Garrison. The second half, he served as the Public Affairs Officer for 39 Canadian Brigade Group HQ in Vancouver; with Army Public Affairs and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in Ottawa; and his favourite military job of all, embedded for two years in the RCMP-led Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit. Overseas service involved stints in Cyprus and Ukraine. He reluctantly retired from the Canadian Army in 2015. 

Dan joined Branch 30, Kerrisdale, several years ago in thanks for its support to 111 (Pegasus) Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, where his sons have served, and for the Royal Canadian Legion’s ongoing support to Veterans. He has remained active with Branch 176, including filling in as Sergeant-at-Arms. He currently works as a civilian with the Department of National Defence as the Manager of the Stakeholder Engagement Office (Western Canada), nearby at the Major-General B.M. Hoffmeister Building.

Dan recently served as President (2024 & 2025). He is continuing to focus on relationships with local military Reserve units and community allies.

JOSH MUIR

Born in Winnipeg Manitoba, after high school, joined the Army Reserves serving the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders. After two years with that unit, Josh moved to BC in 1996 to study on the island at camosun college. He transferred to the Canadian Scottish Regiment, and served with them for approximately two more years, before moving to Vancouver and transferring again, this time to the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Releasing from the primary reserve in 1999, Josh pursued education and worked at YVR for several years.

Always missing his time in the Army, Josh re entered the Primary reserve in 2006, again with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.  After some re training, Josh deployed twice to Afghanistan with 1PPCLI. Task force 1-08 and then 3-09.

Josh was wounded in an IED ambush in early 2010. Returning to Canada post deployment, Josh found his injuries worsening.

Josh worked full time with the Army until his release of medical grounds in 2014. Since then he has undergone approximately 8 surgeries.

Josh continues to remain active with veterans advocacy and awareness, and has served for over half a decade as President of the Seaforth Regimental Association. He has also been a member of your local branch and was previously on the Executive Board for for two years.

MICHAEL PATIENCE

A BC-native, Michael was born in Chilliwack, BC and studied Classics and Classical Archaeology at the University of British Columbia and Cambridge University.  

He currently works in corporate communications and investor relations for a boutique Vancouver agency specilizing in the junior mining sector.  He lives in Yaletown with his partner Tania and their black cat Jinx. He enjoys cooking, reading, hiking and cycling.

Michael was inspired to serve as a Director of the Branch by his great uncle Doug who served as a member of the Canadian Scottish Regiment during the Second World War.

BILL CAMPBELL

I have been interested in the Billy for many years, and as a member of the Executive would like to help it survive and flourish any way I can. It’s obviously important for our Veterans, but also for all the people newly learning about this historic, hidden gem in our midst. We can help it keep going, in spite of negatives like crippling taxes and parking issues. 

I served with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services as a Firefighter, after several years moving to the Fire Prevention Division, which is responsible for Fire and Life Safety Inspections, code enforcement, and prosecutions under the Fire Bylaw, and the BC Fire Code., as well as working with other City Inspectors. 

With many courses and training, including Fire Officer, responsibilities increased from District Inspector, to Lt. in charge of Health Care facilities and Capt. of Fire Investigations.

The last several years, were as Events Capt., responsible for permits and inspections for Pyrotechnics, Fireworks, explosives, filming and special effects, and also representing VFRS for all night dances, parades and Festivals approval, all the fun stuff. 

For interest I have taken classes to learn more about wine, completing the Advanced Certificate with the WSET, (Wine and Spirit Education Trust), and Intermediate Wine Certificate with the ISG, (International Sommelier Guild).

ALLAN SCHRAG

Born, raised, and educated in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), I spent 18 years in the military as a commissioned officer, serving across Africa and the Middle East.

With my family, I later travelled overland from Zimbabwe through Africa and across Europe before eventually settling in Canada in 1989. I then spent more than 13 years with a Vancouver-based telecommunications company in a variety of international management roles, living and working in Saudi Arabia, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Shanghai.

When the company relocated to the United States, I chose to remain in Canada and began providing specialized telecommunications consulting services to the North American division of a UK-based security firm. During this time, I also pursued a private business venture in the south of France.

For the final 12 years of my professional career, I worked with a Vancouver software company, overseeing the delivery and implementation of Workforce Management Systems for utilities across North America. I retired in 2017 and have since stayed active through personal interests, part-time work, volunteer efforts, and previous service on the Branch Executive.

DARRYL MONTGOMERY

I have been a proud Legion member for almost 20 years and am very passionate for what the Legion stands for.

As a life time learner, I have the following education:
–  BFA from UBC
–  Diploma in Architectural Mechanical Drafting
–  Diploma to teach from BCIT

For 42 years I have worked in Vancouver as a licensed contractor/builder specializing in Heritage Restorations. I am also a Building Maintenance Specialist.

My partner Debbie and I live in Kitsilano and I am the father of 2 sons.

Currently, I am the House Chair for the branch and have spearheaded a number of projects, prioritizing building maintenance issues and assisting with regular building maintenance. 

As a member of the Kits Point Military History Museum Society, I have assisted in the curation of the upstairs hall displays and was involved with the Defining Moments Afghanistan project. This project involved working with our local Afghanistan veterans in putting together a banner of remembrance.

It is my pleasure and honour to serve on the 176 Executive.

JIM HILTON

I have been involved in volunteer activities for many years. Before the Legion, I was with Scouts Canada. I am also involved in Motor Sports. I am a life member of the Sports Car Club of BC and help out with activities at the race track at Mission BC. I work in the timing and scoring and also the track PA announcer.

 I have been with the Legion on and off since the 1990’s. When affiliates were allowed to be on the executive I ran for that office at the Kerrisdale Legion. I was the 2nd Vice President there. I concentrated on being in charge of communications to our members. I held the Office of House and Grounds chair at the Billy Bishop a few years back. This is a tough job for someone taking care our our ageing building.

I am the Entertainment Chair at the Billy Bishop Kerrisdale Legion now. I have a keen interest in the Karaoke as well as it brings a wide variety of people to our branch. Read – Young people. I have been involved in the music scene in Vancouver for over 50 years. Church music is where I got my start and I am still there. Karaoke came along 15 years ago.  

I am open to hearing about bands and singing groups that we can book.