Clark Jewell, 83
We Are Young We Are Young

Clark Jewell, 83

For Clark, the outdoors was never just a place to visit. It was where he felt most at peace. From fishing and hiking to exploring the forests of Ontario, nature shaped his life and became the backdrop to many of his most treasured memories.

As Parkinson's disease and Stage 4 lung cancer made travel impossible, one dream remained at the top of his list: to return to Algonquin Park one last time and cast a fishing line into the water he loved so much.

With the support of compassionate partners and volunteers, Clark's wish became a reality. Surrounded by loved ones and the beauty of the park, he was able to reconnect with a place that had meant so much throughout his life. Just two weeks later, Clark passed away, leaving behind a day filled with peace, joy, and memories his family will cherish forever.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Robert Murray, 71
We Are Young We Are Young

Robert Murray, 71

Meet Robert Murray, 71

Robert “Bob” has been a devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fan for as long as he can remember. Born and raised in Toronto, Bob grew up in a hardworking household where sports weren’t always accessible, but his love of hockey was built on street games, community, and a lifelong passion for the game.

Throughout his life, Bob worked in a variety of roles and built a strong, resilient life while raising his daughter and navigating personal challenges, including serious health setbacks that he courageously overcame.

Through it all, hockey remained a constant. Watching games, following stats, and proudly wearing his Leafs gear has always been a source of joy and connection. Thanks to his wish, Bob finally had the chance to see the Toronto Maple Leafs play live, turning a lifelong dream into reality.

For Bob, the experience was more than a game. It was a moment of pride, resilience, and pure joy, celebrating a passion that has stayed with him his entire life.

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Raymond Upshaw, 86
We Are Young We Are Young

Raymond Upshaw, 86

Meet Raymond Upshaw, 86

Raymond has spent his life grounded in family, faith, and community. Born in Windsor, Nova Scotia, he built a legacy of hard work and quiet leadership, including a pioneering career as the first Black driver for Allied Van Lines in Montreal before returning home to Nova Scotia to raise his family and continue his career.

Raymond shared 61 years of marriage with his beloved wife, building a life centered around love, family, and community. Following her passing, he carried a quiet wish to see the places they built their life together from above.

Thanks to his wish, Raymond experienced a meaningful helicopter ride over his home community, taking in the church, neighbourhoods, and landscapes filled with decades of memories. The experience became a moment of reflection, connection, and peace.

For Raymond, the wish was more than an experience. It was a chance to honor a lifetime of love and to see, from above, the life he and his wife built together.

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George Mencher, 88
We Are Young We Are Young

George Mencher, 88

Meet George Mencher, 88

George Mencher, 88, has spent a lifetime dedicated to helping others through his work in audiology and speech pathology, alongside a rich personal life filled with family, learning, and resilience. Originally from New York, George built a meaningful career in Nova Scotia and shared many decades of love and companionship with his late wife Lenore, and later with his wife Shirley.

For more than 60 years, George quietly held onto a childhood dream from his time in the army: to sit behind the wheel of a tractor trailer. Though he never felt comfortable asking, the wish never left him.

Thanks to his wish, George finally experienced the thrill of climbing into a King Freight truck and seeing the world from the cab he had imagined for decades. The moment brought him pure joy and a sense of wonder, like being a young boy again.

George’s wish is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late for dreams to come true.

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Michele Wilson, 71
We Are Young We Are Young

Michele Wilson, 71

Meet Michele Wilson, 71

Michele has spent a lifetime caring for the people she loves. From supporting her family through unimaginable loss to becoming the primary caregiver for both her husband living with multiple sclerosis and her mother during her battle with Alzheimer's disease, Michele has always put others first.

For years, she dreamed of taking a helicopter ride and seeing the world from a new perspective. Thanks to her wish, Michele shared that unforgettable experience with her son Corey, soaring above the landscape she has always called home.

More than an adventure, Michele's wish was a celebration of a lifetime of love, sacrifice, and quiet strength. It was a chance to do something just for herself and a reminder that dreams are worth pursuing at every stage of life.

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Judith McNeil, 82
We Are Young We Are Young

Judith McNeil, 82

Meet Judith McNeil, 82

Judith has loved to sing since childhood. Growing up in Cape Breton, her talent was recognized at an early age, but financial circumstances meant formal voice lessons were never possible. Even so, her dream of singing never faded.

After raising two children, overcoming life's challenges, and living with COPD, Judith finally began voice lessons at age 80, thanks to a thoughtful gift from her daughter. She soon found joy performing with fellow singers and dreamed of one day experiencing a live opera and standing on an opera stage herself.

Thanks to her wish, Judith attended her favorite opera, Roméo et Juliette, from the Royal Box and enjoyed a special backstage experience. The highlight came when she stood on the opera stage with her granddaughter and sang, fulfilling a dream she had carried in her heart for more than 70 years.

Judith's wish is a beautiful reminder that it's never too late to pursue a lifelong dream.

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Beryl Smith, 83
We Are Young We Are Young

Beryl Smith, 83

Meet Beryl Smith, 83

Beryl Smith has lived a life marked by resilience, determination, and a deep love for her family. Originally from Sunderland, England, she built a new life in Fredericton, New Brunswick, overcoming personal loss, health challenges, and pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher while inspiring those around her with her independent spirit.

Beryl's wish was inspired by her late mother, who had always dreamed of flying in a helicopter but never had the chance. Accompanied by her best friend Betty, Beryl took to the skies over places that held special meaning to her family. Carrying a red maple leaf in memory of her mother, she released it over one of her mother's favorite places in New Brunswick, creating a heartfelt tribute filled with love, remembrance, and gratitude.

More than a helicopter ride, Beryl's wish was a beautiful way to honor the woman who shaped her life and celebrate a bond that continues to endure.

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Margaret MacNeil, 72
We Are Young We Are Young

Margaret MacNeil, 72

Meet Margaret MacNeil, 72

Margaret MacNeil has spent a lifetime defined by resilience, independence, and quiet generosity. Through personal loss, hard work, and countless challenges, she has remained the steady foundation for her family while giving back to others through volunteer work and handmade creations for children in hospital.

Living in rural Nova Scotia, Margaret dreamed of seeing the landscape she has always called home from above. Thanks to her wish, she experienced a helicopter ride over the lakes, forests, and communities that have shaped her life, sharing the unforgettable moment with one of her children by her side.

For Margaret, the flight was more than a scenic adventure. It was a celebration of a lifetime of perseverance and a reminder that no matter your age or the obstacles you've faced, there is always room for joy, wonder, and dreams that finally take flight.

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Carmel Scanlan, 87
We Are Young We Are Young

Carmel Scanlan, 87

Meet Carmel Scanlan, 87

Carmel Scanlan, from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, has spent a lifetime caring for others. A devoted wife, mother of eight, grandmother, and talented knitter, she built a home filled with love, generosity, and music, always putting her family and community first.

After losing her husband of 50 years and overcoming her own battle with cancer, Carmel continued to find comfort in the music of Johnny Reid. For years, she dreamed of seeing him perform live and one day meeting him.

Thanks to her wish, Carmel traveled to Newfoundland to attend a Johnny Reid concert, where she not only met him but shared a heartfelt conversation before he dedicated her favorite song, "Darlin'," to her during the show. Filled with unforgettable moments, the experience brought Carmel immense joy and renewed confidence.

Her wish was a celebration of a remarkable life and a reminder that dreams can come true at any age.

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Kevin Woolridge, 74
We Are Young We Are Young

Kevin Woolridge, 74

Meet Kevin Woolridge, 74

Kevin Woolridge, from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, has spent a lifetime putting others first. A skilled carpenter, devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend, he has always been the person others could count on, offering his time, talents, and support without expecting anything in return.

A lifelong Toronto Blue Jays fan, Kevin had always dreamed of seeing his team play in person, but years of health challenges and financial limitations kept that dream out of reach. Thanks to his wish, he was able to travel with his son to watch the Blue Jays live, creating memories they will both cherish forever.

More than a baseball game, the experience was a celebration of Kevin's lifetime of generosity and love. Sharing the day with his son made the wish especially meaningful, reminding them both that the greatest moments are often the ones spent together.

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Patricia Levesque, 83
We Are Young We Are Young

Patricia Levesque, 83

Meet Patricia Levesque, 83

Patricia Levesque has lived a life defined by resilience, independence, and devotion to her family. From raising her daughter as a single mother to spending 30 years caring for her own mother, Patricia has always put the needs of others before her own.

Now living in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Patricia continues to embrace life with determination, staying active despite mobility and vision challenges. For years, she dreamed of doing something adventurous: ziplining. With her daughter by her side, that dream finally became a reality.

For Patricia, soaring through the air was about much more than the thrill. It was a celebration of courage, freedom, and a lifetime of perseverance. Her wish is a reminder that it's never too late to embrace adventure, create new memories, and discover that life still has exciting moments waiting around the corner.

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