Merlin resident David Middleton received the 2026 Chatham-Kent Senior of the Year Award on Wednesday during a presentation at the Aging Well Conference.
The award was presented by Mayor Darrin Canniff and Councillor Alysson Storey, chair of the Chatham-Kent Celebration of Older Adults Committee.
“We wanted to say thank you to David and recognize his outstanding contributions, as well as the many older adults in Chatham-Kent who volunteer their time, share their talents, and help make our community stronger,” said Canniff.
Middleton is one of 14 adults aged 60 and older honoured this year for achieving significant goals and making outstanding contributions as volunteers within Chatham-Kent. More than 1,000 Chatham-Kent citizens have been honoured since the award presentations began in Blenheim 38 years ago.
“Each of this year’s nominees represents the very best of Chatham-Kent,” said Storey. “Their dedication, generosity and willingness to give their time have made a meaningful difference in communities across Chatham-Kent. We are proud to recognize their contributions and look forward to celebrating all of our nominees at the Aging Well Conference in September.”
Storey thanked the members of the 2026 Chatham-Kent Celebration of Older Adults Committee, including Kathryn Vanek, Elinor Mifflin, Councillor Marjorie Crew, Victoria Stewart and Marie Bergsma, for their role in recognizing deserving older adult volunteers in the community.
Last year’s Chatham-Kent Senior of the Year, Dorothy Wallace of Chatham, has also been recognized by the Province of Ontario as the Ontario Senior of the Year for Chatham-Kent in 2025.
Middleton’s commitment to the North Buxton community spans decades, during which he has dedicated countless hours to preserving the community’s history, strengthening its organizations and supporting the people who call it home. As a longstanding member of the North Buxton Community Club, he has devoted his time and energy to organizing events, maintaining community spaces and ensuring that traditions continue for future generations.
He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, where his passion for preserving the history and legacy of the Elgin Settlement has helped ensure that the stories of Buxton’s founders, descendants and achievements continue to be shared with visitors from across Canada and around the world.
As a trustee of the North Buxton Community Church, Middleton has faithfully served his congregation, helping oversee the care of the church and supporting countless community initiatives. Those who know him describe him as the person to call when something needs to be built, repaired, organized or accomplished, noting that he never seeks recognition for his efforts and simply sees a need and gets to work.
