1953 - 2026
Cultural Leader

Raised in London, Ontario, James built a life defined by steady leadership, generosity of spirit, and unwavering commitment to community. Over the decades he became a respected and familiar presence in Chatham-Kent, where his civic and cultural contributions left a lasting imprint. His 35-year career in municipal government included serving as Manager of Strategic Services for the Town of Lakeshore and previously as Manager of Partnership Development Services for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

In semi-retirement, James remained professionally active. He continued to work in proposal development, grant applications, research and development, business case preparation, project submissions and applications, and government relations - supporting both public and private sector clients. His expertise in navigating funding frameworks and aligning projects with provincial and federal priorities made him a valued advisor well beyond his formal municipal tenure.

James devoted extraordinary energy to civic and cultural leadership. He was the Founding Chair of Chatham-Kent Arts & Culture Network, where he championed the role of art and culture as foundational to community identity and vitality. Under his leadership, the organization launched the CK Cultural Hall of Fame recognizing individuals and groups whose creative contributions helped define Chatham-Kent's cultural heritage. He also chaired the selection committee for the Emerging Youth Artist Scholarship, helping nurture the next generation of creative talent.

For James, arts and culture were not peripheral interests - they were essential to a thriving municipality. He worked collaboratively with municipal leaders, artists, volunteers, and citizens to elevate cultural initiatives and ensure that creative voices were supported and celebrated.

1975 -
Author, Poet

A multi-genre author, poet, and writer of children's picture books, Yejide Kilanko was born in the vibrant city of Ibadan, Nigeria, on October 4, 1975. Yejide immigrated to Canada with her family in 2004 and moved to Chatham in January 2007.

Yejide began writing poetry at age 12 and short stories in her teens. She published her international bestselling debut novel, Daughters Who Walk This Path, in 2012. Since then, Yejide has published nine additional books: Secret Places (2015), Knit Together (2017), Chasing Butterflies (2018), There Is an Elephant in My Wardrobe (2019), Juba and The Fireball (2020), A Good Name (2021), The Other Side of Small (2025), What The Eyes See (2025), and In Our Own Ways (2025). Her short stories have also been published in several anthologies.

Committed to fostering difficult but necessary conversations, Yejide uses powerful storytelling to inspire reflection, dialogue, and change. 

1975 -
Baritone, Professor of Voice

A Grammy Award-winning lyric baritone, Kevin McMillan is recognized internationally as one of Canada's most accomplished concert and recording artists.

Over a distinguished performing career, he has appeared with the world's leading orchestras—including the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, and San Francisco Symphony—under the batons of legendary conductors such as Pierre Boulez, Charles Dutoit, and Kurt Masur.

His extensive discography features a Grammy Award, a Gramophone Award, and numerous JUNO nominations.

A dedicated pedagogue with degrees from Western University and Juilliard, he recently capped a highly successful tenure as Professor of Voice at James Madison University in Virginia.

Throughout his global travels and American academic career, McMillan consistently maintained a fierce patriotism and a profound commitment to his Canadian identity.

 This deep-rooted civic pride shone brightly during his residency in Chatham. In 1995, he became the catalyst to save the historic Capitol Theatre from demolition, spearheading the Chatham Capitol Theatre Coalition.

Serving for 14 years as Founder and President of the Chatham Capitol Theatre Association, he masterfully navigated complex government and corporate negotiations to secure funding and steer the landmark $25 million restoration project.

His vision transformed the facility into a state-of-the-art, 1,200-seat professional venue—a monumental achievement beautifully capped by McMillan himself performing in the theatre's gala opening festival.

Honoured with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 for his extraordinary public service, McMillan is presently enjoying his retirement in Stratford, Ontario.

1977 -
Comedian, Actor, Writer

Ron Sparks began his career as a class clown at Chatham-Kent Secondary School, where he became known for his harmonica-infused morning announcements, toilet paper throwing stunts and mascot kidnappings.

He began seriously pursuing comedy after winning 1997's Stage Presence Competition at London's Grand Theatre and became a standout at York University's Vanier Improv Company, which led to regular performances at Toronto's illustrious Second City and Rivoli comedy clubs.

Since exploding onto the stand-up, sketch and improv scenes in 2003, Ron Sparks has established himself as one of Canada's best comedians and amassed over 100 credits here and in the United States as an actor (Video on Trial and its spinoffs, You Got Trumped), writer (This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Still Standing) and producer (Meet the Family, Bajillionaires).

 His accolades include the 2003 Tim Sims Award, being named Just For Laughs' Toronto Homegrown co-champion in 2010, and a record 15 Canadian Comedy Awards in 12 different categories, among them Best Stand-up Newcomer in 2004 and Best Male Stand-up in 2012.

 Stand-up credits include multiple appearances at CBC's Halifax & Winnipeg Comedy Festivals, Just For Laughs, Comedy Network’s Naughty & Nice Specials, NBC's Last Comic Standing and his own multi-award-winning CTV Comedy Now! special. On the radio, his Newsdesk with Ron Sparks aired weekly on The Edge 102.1 in Toronto, and he’s a regular and favourite guest on CBC’s Debaters.

Photo Credit - James Moore

1982 -
Photographer, Filmmaker

Brent Foster is an award-winning director and photographer whose work is rooted in human storytelling and the belief that film can create understanding, connection, and change.

Growing up in Wallaceburg, Ontario, Brent developed an early passion for storytelling through the encouragement of his teachers and mentorship at the local newspaper. That support led him to photojournalism, where he learned the importance of listening, building trust, and capturing authentic moments as they unfold. Those foundations remain at the heart of his approach to filmmaking.

Throughout his career, Brent has created award-winning documentaries and public service films exploring issues of health, social justice, resilience, and community. His work has brought attention to the experiences of people and communities often overlooked, sharing stories of compassion, struggle, and hope from across the globe. His films have received recognition from international film festivals and creative organizations around the world.

Known for his empathetic approach and cinematic storytelling style, Brent works closely with the people at the centre of each story, creating films that are both emotionally powerful and deeply human.

Raised in Wallaceburg and shaped by the values of Chatham-Kent, Brent carries his hometown’s influence into every story he tells. Through documentary storytelling, he has shared human experiences around the world while remaining connected to the community that shaped his perspective as a filmmaker.

1923 - 1975
Architect

An architect who drew the winds of the architectural modern movement to his hometown, Joe Storey was instrumental in transforming the face of Chatham and the small towns of southwestern Ontario.

Born in 1923 in Windsor, Ontario, Storey grew up in neighbouring Chatham, and then pursued a degree in architecture at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1946. After being awarded one of the first prizes in the CMHC Small House Competition, Storey left his job in Toronto and came home to Chatham, where he opened the practice Joseph W. Storey Architect in 1947. 

Storey’s office flourished as Chatham doubled in size over the next twenty-five years. Storey and his team of skilled draftsmen and architects designed and built just about everything — from convents to courthouses, flower shops, schools, offices, university buildings, band shells and light-filled homes — for a sophisticated clientele who embraced the International Style of modern architecture.  

None were as enlightened, however, as the Sisters of the Ursuline Convent who commissioned Storey, at age 32, to design The Pines Chapel, one of the finest houses of worship ever designed in Canada, located in a cloistered siting of Motherhouse, high school, junior school and covered walkways.

Joe Storey’s work in southwestern Ontario is a bricks-and-mortar story of how to live better, and one that any city, big or small, needs to hear again. It’s important to recognize how people experience their life — in the quality of the house that you have, the park you go to, the street you live on, the place where you go to church or the stores where you shop — fundamental parts of everyone’s lives. 

Storey suffered a fatal heart attack driving on his way to work on August 12, 1975, at the age of 52.