By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
‘If you can do it, you do it’
Being named Chatham-Kent’s Senior of the Year for 2026 came as a big surprise to North Buxton’s David Middleton.
“It’s a little over the top for me,” the humble 84 year old told The Voice after the recognition ceremony. “It’s overwhelming because I would have never suspected it. There’s been a lot of people across the community that do the same thing that I do. They volunteer, they do what they can do, and that’s it.
“I’m not looking for recognition. If you can do it, you do it. Or help to do it.”
Presented at the annual Aging Well Conference held at Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club Sept. 16, the award recognizes senior citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
Chatham-Kent Celebration of Older Adults Committee chair Alysson Storey said Middleton and the other 13 nominees represent the “very best of Chatham-Kent.
“Their dedication, generosity and willingness to give their time has made a meaningful difference in communities across Chatham-Kent,” Storey said. “We are proud to recognize their contributions and happy to support our nominees.”
A long-time supporter of Canada’s rich Black history and preserver of the Elgin Settlement legacy, Middleton continues to serve on the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum’s board of directors. He’s also a trustee of the North Buxton Community Church and an active member of the North Buxton Community Club.
At 84, Middleton describes himself as a “country person.” He grew up on a farm and spent much of his career in construction running his own business as a general contractor. Following that, he finished out his working life at Pioneer Hi-bred, retiring after 22 years with the company.
Post retirement, Middleton and his wife Joyce travelled to Tanzania four times between 2011 and 2014, helping build schools in rural Africa.
The couple has two sons and six grandchildren.
“She’s the backbone of our family,” Middleton said of his wife.
Not one to sit back and twiddle his thumbs, Middleton is working on a new project. He and Joyce are preserving the environment by creating a wetland on their property.
When asked about his recipe for success, Middleton said the goal is to “stay active.
“Keep doing what you can as long as you can.”
Middleton is one of 14 adults aged 60-plus to be honoured this year for their volunteer service to Chatham-Kent. More than 1,000 citizens have been recognized since the awards began 38 years ago.
Members of the older adults committee include Kathryn Vanek; Elinor Mifflin, Coun. Marjorie Crew; Victoria Stewart and Marie Bergsma.