Raymond Morris, 86
We Are Young We Are Young

Raymond Morris, 86

Raymond has always felt most at home near the ocean. Raised in the small coastal community of Sandpoint, Nova Scotia, he grew up with salt air in his lungs and the rhythms of the sea shaping his life. From working on draggers and loading freighters to serving on vessels throughout Atlantic Canada, the water has always been a central part of his story.

After building a life, raising a family, and celebrating 62 years of marriage, Raymond continues to carry the same steady spirit and resilience that have defined him. Even through health challenges, he has remained deeply connected to his community and proud of the difference he has made, including helping establish a local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Guysborough County.

Although he can no longer spend his days on the water, Raymond's love for the ocean has never faded. For years, he dreamed of experiencing Newfoundland, a place that felt connected to his own coastal roots through its landscapes, people, and stories. After a lifetime shaped by the sea, Raymond's dream was finally within reach.

Read More
Cora Clearwater, 79
We Are Young We Are Young

Cora Clearwater, 79

For as long as she can remember, Cora has been drawn to open spaces. Growing up in Northern Ontario surrounded by forests, lakes, and endless horizons, she spent her childhood wondering what it would feel like to soar above it all.

Cora’s life has been defined by resilience, courage, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. After starting over to build a new future for herself and her children, she dedicated more than 35 years to helping others as a psychotherapist, bringing compassion and hope to those who needed it most.

Her passion for learning and exploring never faded. Even at 63, Cora returned to university and earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors. At 79 years old, she knew there was still one dream waiting to be fulfilled, one that would challenge her, inspire her, and take her beyond the boundaries she had always known.

Read More
Myles Lavigueur, 78
We Are Young We Are Young

Myles Lavigueur, 78

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

Raised in the rural Gatineau Valley in Quebec, Myles learned resilience, independence, and the value of hard work from an early age. Throughout his life, he embraced adventure, built businesses, explored new passions, and created a family he is deeply proud of.

Among all of his interests, one passion stood above the rest: flying. After years of dreaming about the sky, Myles earned his private pilot's license in 2005, an accomplishment that brought him a deep sense of freedom, purpose, and joy.

Even through health challenges and profound loss, including the passing of his beloved wife Peg, Myles has continued to find strength in his family, his creativity, and the memories of a life well lived. For Myles, the sky has always represented something more than flying. It represents possibility, independence, and a part of himself he never forgot.

Read More
James Cook, 81
We Are Young We Are Young

James Cook, 81

James is a man known for his quiet strength, steady presence, and unwavering devotion to the people he loves. A true family man, he has always shown his care through action, offering support, kindness, and loyalty in the moments that mattered most.

Sport has always been part of James' story, but baseball became something truly special. After meeting Blanche during a game of darts, the two built a 50-year marriage filled with laughter, travel, family traditions, and countless memories cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays together. The team became a meaningful part of the life they shared.

Through every chapter, James faced challenges with patience, resilience, and a deep sense of love. After dedicating years to caring for Blanche, he continues to hold close the memories they created together and the traditions that brought them joy. For James, baseball represents more than a game; it is a connection to a lifetime of love, family, and unforgettable moments.

Read More
Marlene Underhill, 85
We Are Young We Are Young

Marlene Underhill, 85

Born in Enfield, Nova Scotia, Marlene was the youngest of seventeen children, raised in a home filled with music, faith, family, and community. Though her childhood was simple, the values she learned there shaped a lifetime defined by kindness, resilience, and caring for others.

After losing her husband at just 32 years old, Marlene raised three daughters on her own while building a career dedicated to supporting children, seniors, and individuals with intellectual disabilities. Her commitment to inclusion and compassion led her to help establish programs that continue making a difference in the community today.

Throughout her life, Marlene has always found ways to give back, from volunteering and supporting others to creating meaningful connections wherever she went. For Marlene, family has always been at the heart of everything, and one special place has held decades of memories, love, and belonging.

Read More
Ronald Larivee, 73
We Are Young We Are Young

Ronald Larivee, 73

Born in Iroquois Falls, Ontario, Ron grew up in a family where hockey, community, and connection were at the heart of everyday life. A lifelong Montréal Canadiens fan, his love of the game shaped a career dedicated to recreation, coaching, and creating opportunities for others to find confidence, friendship, and belonging through sport.

Ron's impact reached far beyond the rink. In northern Ontario, he helped create opportunities for girls to play hockey when few existed, building connections between rural communities and inspiring generations of young athletes. His dedication to inclusive recreation continued throughout his life, supporting children, adults with disabilities, and countless community initiatives.

Even through significant health challenges, Ron's resilience and passion for bringing people together have remained unwavering. After a lifetime spent giving back through the game he loves, Ron's wish offered a chance to celebrate hockey, family, and a lifelong connection that has meant so much to him.

Read More
Robert Dobson, 79
We Are Young We Are Young

Robert Dobson, 79

Robert Dobson has spent his entire life putting others first. A devoted husband, father of four, and proud grandfather of five, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family while helping create a home filled with laughter, love, and community.

In 2022, Robert and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Just months later, his world changed when she passed away suddenly, followed soon after by the loss of their beloved dog. Through it all, Robert has remained grounded in his faith, his family, and his community, continuing to volunteer and find joy in the people around him.

A lifelong Montreal Canadiens fan, hockey has always been part of Robert's story. Yet despite decades of cheering from afar, there was one experience he had never had, making his wish especially meaningful.

Read More
Margaret Walker, 96
We Are Young We Are Young

Margaret Walker, 96

Margaret "Vallie" Walker, affectionately known as "Queenie," was born in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, one of twelve children in a family where hard work was a necessity. After losing her mother at just 11 years old, she left school in Grade 7 to help support her family, beginning a lifetime of resilience, generosity, and unwavering determination.

Despite life's hardships, Vallie raised three boys, became known for her incredible baking and creativity, and found joy in making others smile. For decades, she has collected jokes, carefully writing them down and sharing them with anyone who needed a laugh. Today, people still call her, sometimes even strangers, just to hear one of her jokes.

Now 96 years old, Vallie's kindness and infectious sense of humor continue to touch everyone she meets, making her wish a fitting celebration of a life spent bringing joy to others.

Read More
Arlene McKenna, 81
We Are Young We Are Young

Arlene McKenna, 81

Arlene's story begins in Alberton, Prince Edward Island, where hard work wasn't something you learned, it was simply a way of life. She spent years working on a potato farm before helping her daughter and son-in-law run their family restaurant. Even now, she smiles when she remembers the challenges along the way, choosing to look back with humor and resilience.

A lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, Saturday nights have always been reserved for Hockey Night in Canada. In recent years, Arlene has faced profound loss and difficult family health challenges, yet she has continued to put others first with quiet strength and unwavering love.

Her greatest wish was to experience the excitement of a Toronto Maple Leafs game in person, surrounded by the people she loves.

Read More