District Governor 2024-2025 | Lion Lyle Gustafson
Lyle is blessed with his lovely wife Jill, and their 2 children, Chad and Jason, and their 7 grandchildren. Lyle has been a lion for the past 11 years, and has served with Devon Lions as the President, and LCIF Coordinator. He also was Zone Chairperson, 1st & 2nd Vice District Governor, and is a Melvin Jones Fellow.
Education
- EMT course from SAIT in 1986
- Trainer 3 for Scouts Canada
- Conflict Resolution for Scouts Canada
- Advanced Lions Leadership Institute
- Training for Youth Justice Committee
Skills & Abilities
- Ran my own company from 2001 to 2018, Swed-ee Water Hauling, delivering potable water to acreages in Devon area.
- Was part of the Devon Ambulance from 1984–1992 (1986 to 1992 as EMT-A)
- Has been Director of the Northern Lights Scout Foundation for the last 8 years
- Member of Scouts Canada since 1983, in various roles, from Cub Leader to District
Commissioner, Honors and Awards President, as well as a Mediator for the Northern Lights
Scouts Council - Was on the Youth Justice Committee for 3 years, for the Black Gold District
Other Awards Received
- Scouts Canada, Bar to the Silver Acorn. For outstanding service to Scouts Canada, obtained in 1977.
- Citizen of the Year in Devon
- Queen’s Jubilee Award
- Diamond Centennial – Lions
- 10-year Monarch Chevron – Lions
1st Vice District Governor 2024-2025
Lion Ted Mikkelsen
Lion Ted was born in Markerville, AB a long time ago, and was a career banker with the TD Bank in Calgary and Edmonton. After retirement, he moved back to his roots in Spruce View, AB to become a hobby farmer and joined the Spruce View & District Lions Club in 2006. He served 2 terms as club president and willingly accepted the positions as Zone 15 Chairperson and Multiple District C Membership Coordinator 2022-23.
He is a graduate of:
- Lions Regional Leadership Institute
- Advanced Lions Leadership Institute
- Faculty Development Institute
- Lions University Doctorate Degree
Ted’s community involvement includes three 3-year terms as a Director on the Bethany Care Centre Board in Calgary, two 3-year terms as a Director on the Danish Canadian National Museum Board in Dickson, Alberta, and President of the Alberta TD Bank Employees Association.
2nd Vice District Governor 2024-2025
Lion Thomas Varghese
Since 2016, Thomas Varghese has been a dedicated member of the Edmonton Millwoods Lions Club. Serving as Vice President and President, he has successfully executed numerous impactful projects, demonstrating a firm belief in the power of collaboration between Lions Clubs and the communities they serve.
Thomas has actively pursued continuous learning and professional development through the Lions Learning Center. He has participated in the Advanced Lions Leadership Institute (ALLI) and earned certification under the Lions Certified Instructor Program (LCIP). His dedication to education and leadership has enhanced his own skills and benefited the wider Lions community. As a Guiding Lion, Thomas has mentored new Lions, helping them navigate their roles and maximize their contributions.
Thomas has served as the District Global Leadership Team (GLT) Coordinator for two terms, fostering leadership development across the district. Additionally, his role as Zone Chairperson has allowed him to support and guide multiple Lions Clubs, promoting unity and teamwork. His efforts have been recognized with the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation (2022-23) and the International President’s Leadership Medal (2023-24).
Thomas’s unwavering belief in the power of collective effort drives his passion for service. He remains committed to embracing every opportunity to make a positive impact in the community, embodying the Lions’ motto, “We Serve.”
Thomas is married to Angela, and they are blessed with three children: Sairah, Josh, and Ann. An educator by profession, Thomas teaches at a post-secondary institution. He is also actively involved in a local church and other community organizations.
