Myles Lavigueur, 78

Meet Myles Lavigueur

Some dreams never leave us. For Myles, that dream has always been the sky.

Raised in the rural Gatineau Valley in Low, Quebec by his grandmother, Yvonne, after leaving home at a young age, Myles learned resilience, independence, and the value of hard work. Those lessons shaped a life filled with curiosity, adventure, and a determination to embrace every opportunity.

Myles found joy in motorcycles, music, woodworking, travel, and discovering new experiences, but one passion stood above the rest: flying. After years of dreaming about the sky, he earned his private pilot's license in 2005, one of the proudest accomplishments of his life. Flying gave him a sense of freedom, peace, and purpose that remained with him even after health challenges and medications forced him to stop.

Throughout his life, Myles built businesses, pursued new challenges, and created a family he is deeply proud of. Today, he is a father, grandfather to 16 grandchildren, and great grandfather to two great grandchildren. Although arthritis has limited some of his favourite activities, he continues to find joy in woodworking, learning new projects, and spending time with those he loves.

In recent years, Myles faced unimaginable heartbreak when his beloved wife, Peg, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. He remained by her side throughout her hospice journey, caring for her with unwavering love until her passing. After losing Peg, Myles moved closer to his daughter Renee and her family in Nova Scotia, finding comfort in the support of those who loved him.

When Myles shared his wish to fly once more, it was about far more than returning to an old hobby. It was about reconnecting with a part of himself that had always brought him joy.

Back in the cockpit, Myles rediscovered memories of freedom, accomplishment, and identity. It became a tribute to the life he and Peg built together and a reminder that even after profound loss, moments of joy and connection are still possible.

The sky felt familiar once again.

For his family, it was more than seeing an airplane leave the runway. They were witnessing a piece of Myles return.

Special Thanks: Debert Flight Centre Truro Flying Club

Photography: William Dicks