PRESIDENT: Doug Philp
Doug semi-retired from the energy industry and moved with his wife from Calgary to Sidney in 2019. He immediately joined VRMNC and enjoys attending social gatherings such as the VRMNC Pub Lunches, University Lunches, and Appie Gang evenings. Doug is also an avid golfer and woodcarver, and is on the Board with Heritage Acres. In his spare time he volunteers with Diabetes Canada, and the annual Victoria Open golf tournament.
If you any questions or need more info contact me.
VICE PRESIDENT: Tom Glenn
Thomas (Tom) Glenn, married to Kim Lee, born in Montreal and moved to Victoria in 2014 from London UK after 3 year assignment there.
I enjoy an active lifestyle, with cycling, tennis, badminton and the rich social life and entertainment that Victoria offers.
In addition to being the former Treasurer of the Victoria Region and Men’s Newcomers Club (VRMNC) , I am the current president of the VRMNC Real Money Investment Club, which I joined in 2015. Also, I am secretary of the Cordova Bay Community Club, a sports and recreation centre focused on badminton and pickleball.
SECRETARY: Trevor Shortt
Trevor moved to Victoria in 2019 after working in Australia in the petroleum industry for a number of years.
Trevor enjoys pickleball, kayaking, hiking, sailing, history, photography, animals, wine, and meeting interesting people.
TREASURER: Rick Mitchell
Rick moved to North Vancouver from Saskatchewan in 2010 before retiring to Victoria in 2021. His spare time activities include sailing his sailboat and touring on his motorcycle. He regularly attends the VRMNC Speaker Luncheons, Pub Lunches, and participating with the Ramblers hiking group.
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: Dennis Aitken
Dennis moved to Victoria in 2021 with his partner Laura after retiring from a real estate finance career in Vancouver and Calgary. He grew up in Sidney from age 12. Prior to that across the Prairies.
He enjoys cars, golfing, VRMNC lunches, Appie Gang nights and having coffee with the coffee group. He is also volunteers for a Vancouver Island car club.
ACTIVITY COORDINATOR DIRECTOR: Bruce Shore
Bruce retired from a business career and moved to the island 2018.
He enjoys being physically active, the outdoors, walking his Labrador retriever and the occasional game of golf.
WEBMASTER: Gord Begg
Gord Begg was born in Edmonton and started moving to Victoria in 2021 snd retired from a career in Engineering.
I enjoy an active lifestyle of sports, including hiking, cycling, pickleball and yoga and other social activities. Since moving to Victoria, I have taken up oil painting, trying to capture some of the natural beauty of the island.
ASSISTANT WEBMASTER: Ritchie Boyd
Ritchie was born in Vancouver but lived a considerable amount of time “down south”, having had a short career in the geosciences and a longer career in academic technologies.
He relocated to Victoria in 2023 with wife Karin, and enjoys many of the VRMNC activities in addition to airbrush watercolor art, storytelling, and woodworking.
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: David Buffet
David Buffett moved to Victoria via a circuitous route from Calgary to London, England to Salt Spring Island to Victoria. His career was in high tech. Since ‘taking down the shingle” and retiring in 2021 he’s been able to pursue his interests in kayaking, golf, road cycling, hiking, photography and of course travel. Always enjoying tasting different and new brews – you’ll likely see him at the Pub Lunches.
FIELD TRIP DIRECTOR: Scott White
Scott retired from a Toronto-based commercial real estate finance career in 2018 and moved to Victoria in 2022, settling in Oak Bay with his wife Brenda and their dog Piper. He is an active VRMNC participant, and particularly enjoys cycling, hiking and pub lunches.
LUNCHEON SPEAKER DIRECTOR: Hugh Stephens
Hugh was a Foreign Service Officer with External Affairs/International Trade with 6 postings in Asia. After leaving government he worked as a media executive in Hong Kong, from where he moved to Victoria in 2010. He writes a weekly copyright blog to keep his mind active, and enjoys the Monday Ramble, hiking and monthly lunches. He is currently vice president of the Willis Point Community Association, the community near Brentwood Bay where he and spouse Catherine live. Two daughters; three grandchildren. No dog.