Adam Johnson
Northern News Services
Published Friday, January 11, 2008

YELLOWKNIFE - It's a new year and a new direction for the Royal Canadian Legion in Yellowknife, as it bids farewell to its president of the past five years.

"I think it's time for some new blood to make some changes," said Lloyd Lush, who has served as president of the Vincent Massey Branch since 2002.

Former Legion president Lloyd Lush stands in front of the Yellowknife Legion branch, which the organization put up for sale last summer. After five years of service, Lush decided to step down this year. - NNSL file photo

Blaine Kelly is the new Legion president. Kelly was travelling outside of Yellowknife at deadline and could not be reached for comment.

Lush said he is sad his time at the head of the organization has come to an end but is proud of what he accomplished in his tenure.

It's quite the list: the dedication of Veterans Memorial Drive in downtown Yellowknife; bringing in veterans' licence plates in the NWT; the dedication of a Veterans' monument outside of Joint Task Force North; and a $50,000 donation to Facilities for Kids.

"In the past five years, we've donated over $1 million dollars to the community at large," Lush said.

However, there have been downs as well as ups. In recent years, financial pressures, changing needs and declining membership have pushed the Legion to put its long-time home on Franklin Avenue up for sale - with a $1.1-1.2 million price tag.

While the building is still on the market, Lush said the situation still might have a silver lining.

"Perhaps the new president will make changes that will let us keep the building," he said.

Also, a new bingo at the Tree of Peace is already helping to build coffers back up, he said.

Forty-year Yellowknife Legion member Ed Jeske said he's sad to see Lush go, but is glad for what Lush managed to accomplish in his time running the organization.

"As far as I'm concerned, he's done a damn fine job," said Jeske.

Jeske said he was particularly fond of the Tuesday meetings between him, Lush and fellow long-timers Dusty Miller and John Sperry.

"We really look forward to it," he said.

While Jeske was concerned about the financial troubles the Legion has undergone in the past few years, he said he's hopeful things are turning around.

"Now, we're doing pretty good again," he said

Though he's not president anymore, Lush said he's not going anywhere.

"I'll still be in the background there," he said. "I've done a lot in five years, that's something I'm not going to forget."