Cornwall Council Moves Forward with Memorial for Beloved Community Leader Lee Theodore

Cornwall City Council voted unanimously tonight to begin the process of creating a permanent memorial for Lee Theodore, the late community activist, mentor, and 2023 Cornwall Citizen of the Year, who passed away on August 12, 2025, at the age of 39 after a courageous battle with cancer.

The motion, introduced by Councillor Sarah Good and seconded by Councillor Fred Ngoundjo, calls on the city’s Municipal Naming Committee to explore options in consultation with Theodore’s family. Potential tributes include dedicated public art or the naming of a park, street, or lane.

Honouring a Legacy of Generosity and Action

Presenting the motion, Councillor Good delivered an emotional speech describing Theodore as “a man of incredible generosity” who didn’t just connect with people but connected them to community. She praised his relentless volunteerism, his mentorship, and his advocacy for Cornwall, saying,

“He challenged us to do better, and to speak up for what’s right. Lee was Team Cornwall all the way.”

Good noted that Theodore’s young daughter, Nora, often watched her father in action—addressing crowds, sparking dialogue, and inspiring others to participate in civic life.

Councillor Ngoundjo, visibly moved, struggled to read from his prepared remarks, instead speaking from the heart:

“My brother has passed away. Just please support this motion for this special guy.”

Other councillors echoed these sentiments, describing Theodore as a remarkable friend and a “great loss for our community.” Mayor Justin Towndale thanked Good and Ngoundja for bringing the motion forward and recognized Theodore’s family members, including his mother Rose and brother Ralph, who were in attendance.

Community Support

Councillor Good emphasized that the community will rally behind the project, with opportunities for fundraising and public input to ensure the memorial reflects Theodore’s spirit and impact. She urged colleagues and residents alike to “go big—as Lee would.”

The motion carried with unanimous support, officially setting in motion the process to memorialize one of Cornwall’s most dedicated champions of community life.

You can View our special memorial issue of Lee here