Top 7 Over 70 recipients for 2026 announced

Terry Cooper: Cooper is the driving force behind Team Freewheel, repairing and refurbishing abandoned, unclaimed and donated bicycles for families and organizations in Medicine Hat and Redcliff. His work provides affordable transportation while helping people gain greater independence and access to employment, recreation and community resources.

David Carter: The 92-year-old author and former MLA continues to write, mentor and share his knowledge with others. Since turning 70, Carter has written extensively on history, politics and therapeutic and spiritual topics, with one of his books being used in nursing homes and with people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Gail Anderson: Anderson is being recognized for her leadership in creating and growing the Commemorative Forest, an initiative allowing residents to sponsor trees in honour of people, events or special occasions. Her vision and dedication have helped turn the project into a lasting community legacy.

Ron Edwards: Edwards has spent years serving the community as a businessman, auctioneer and volunteer, including organizing the Cypress Hills Children’s Make-A-Wish Trailride. The event raised more than $30,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation. He also serves as general manager of the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede.

Les Little: Little’s lifelong passion for aviation has helped create opportunities for generations of aspiring pilots. After turning 70, he helped establish the South Alberta Flight Academy, allowing high school students to work toward their private pilot’s licence. He has also spent more than 50 years teaching, mentoring and sharing his knowledge with youth.

Gorden Reynolds: Reynolds is being recognized for his leadership in improving health-care access in his community. He spearheaded an effort to take over the local medical clinic and establish a municipally controlled corporation after the community faced a shortage of physicians. The initiative helped create a model aimed at strengthening physician recruitment and retention.

Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta Director and Chair of 2026 Top 7 Over 70, Jim MacArthur said the awards are about more than recognizing individual accomplishments, with the recipients serving as examples for younger generations.

“The Top 7 Over 70 program is a celebration of the accomplishments of people that are over the age of 70 and still contributing to society in a really meaningful way,” MacArthur said.

He says the contributions of the recipients can have a broader impact on the community by encouraging others to get involved.

“As people aspire to do better as individuals, it shows up in the community, it enriches the community,” MacArthur said.

MacArthur says the recipients are modest about their accomplishments, and the program gives them an opportunity to share their stories and receive recognition from the community.

He says their achievements can also inspire others to get involved and make a difference.

“We strongly feel that they will inspire others to do work.”

The seven recipients will be formally recognized at the Top 7 Over 70 Gala on Oct. 14 at Medalta, where each recipient is featured in a video and interviewed by emcee Dave Paulson.

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READ: Nomination applications for the Top 7 Over 70 Awards are set to open (Feb 25, 2026)

by Jett Schwaier

Top 7 Over 70 recipients for 2026 announced

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