Captain Miles “Milhouse” Selby

Miles was born in New Westminster on July 24, 1973. Miles grew up and received his education in Tsawwassen and was the only child of Roland and Kristin Selby. Aviation was in his blood as his father was a commercial airlines pilot for 40 years and Miles aspired at a young age to become a fighter pilot.

Miles was particularly close to his parents and he, Roland, and Kristin enjoyed many activities together. He had a lifelong interest in sport fishing, scuba diving, and travel.

He began his military journey as a Cadet in 828 (Hurricane) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets. After graduating from High School, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces and received his Bachelor of Science at Royal Roads Military College. (1991-1995)

 He received his wings standard training in Moose Jaw. Miles received his nickname “Milhouse” because during his initial training he was the quiet guy at the back of the class who suddenly aced all his exams.

His fellow pilots were not surprised that when the course ended Miles along with another pilot from Tsawwassen, his close friend Mike Grover, were the top students in their prospective courses, and won every award. Miles won the prestigious “Golden Centennaire” which is given to the top pilot in a class who excels in all areas of the course as well as is the top student in team spirit and collaboration. Miles and Mike each won the trophy in back-to-back classes which had not been awarded for a dozen years.

He got the handle “Milhouse” after the blue haired brainy guy on the TV series The Simpsons for his top marks. His superior skills and attitude led him to being qualified as a CF 18 Hornet pilot and posted to 416 (Lynx) and subsequently 441 (Silver Fox) Tactical Squadrons in Cold Lake Alberta. He was stationed in Aviano, Italy flying peace keeping and close air support missions in the Balkans.

On one of his trips to Canada during this time he met his future wife and love of his life Julie Anderson. Julie, who also grew up in South Delta, is a Flight Attendant and so it was a fitting aviation connection. Their relationship blossomed, they did indeed fall in love and were married in April 2002.

 The high moment of his career was being accepted as Snowbird 4 (431 Air Demonstration Squadron) which he flew for the 2004 season. He was subsequently chosen to fly in the Snowbird 8 Solos position for the following season of 2005. Tragically he died due to a training failure while training for the solos position on Friday December 10, 2004, in a mid-air collision.

He was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration, the Peacekeeping Medal for his service overseas, and the Sacrifice Medal (posthumously)

There is a tree dedicated to Miles in the Beechwood Military Cemetery and his name is in the Books of Remembrance in the Peace Tower in Ottawa. Almost 18 years after his death his name was inscribed on the City of Delta Cenotaph located in Memorial Park in Ladner.