Seven southeastern Alberta residents honoured at Top 7 Over 70 gala on Wednesday

“The mission of 7 Over 70 is both simple and powerful: to recognize the remarkable people whose achievements after the age of 70 have shaped, strengthened, and inspired their communities,” Smith said.

She said the recipients demonstrate that experience can continue to be put to work for others, rather than simply being something to look back on.

Smith also pointed to the importance of recognizing contributions that often happen quietly over many years, through volunteering, mentoring, organizing and helping when a community needs support.

“These awards remind us that purpose and ambition do not make the page,” Smith said, referring to the continued opportunities for older adults to lead, create and give back.

Smith said the recipients’ accomplishments show that making a difference has no age limit.

“They show us that aging can be a time of purpose, creativity, leadership, and continued service,” Smith said.

The seven honourees are Uwe Karsten Krickhahn, Terry Cooper, David Carter, Gail Anderson, Ron Edwards, Les Little and Gordon Reynolds.

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READ: Top 7 Over 70 recipients for 2026 announced

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Their work spans a range of areas, including preserving historical records, refurbishing bicycles for families, writing and mentorship, community projects, fundraising, youth aviation education and rural health care.

Top 7 Over 70 founder Jim Gray also addressed attendees, saying the program was created to recognize older adults whose achievements might otherwise go uncelebrated.

Gray said the idea came from seeing awards programs recognizing younger people while older adults continued to make significant contributions to their communities.

“We saw all kinds of awards for young people, such as the Top 20 of the 20, the Top 30 of the 30,” Gray said.

“But why was no one doing anything at that time to celebrate the achievements of the fastest-growing demographic in our country, which is the seniors?”

Gray emphasized that the awards recognize new achievements made after age 70, rather than simply celebrating a lifetime of accomplishments.

He also said the program is growing beyond Alberta, with events taking place in the Maritimes and plans underway in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Gray encouraged attendees to continue sharing the recipients’ stories after the gala.

“Talk about tonight’s winners. Let them inspire you,” Gray said.

Jim MacArthur, director of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta and chair of the local Top 7 Over 70 committee, also welcomed guests and thanked the volunteers, organizers and sponsors who helped bring the event together.

MacArthur said the gala was an opportunity to celebrate people whose contributions continue well beyond traditional retirement age.

“For many of our honourees, the years after 70 have been some of their most creative, most generous, and most empowering,” he said.

MacArthur also recognized the organizing committee and community partners for making the second edition of the event possible.

The evening included a land acknowledgement, a blessing, and dinner, along with presentations recognizing the seven recipients.

The gala is part of a broader effort to recognize older adults whose ongoing work strengthens their communities and inspires people across generations.

Smith thanked the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, the organizing committee, sponsors and volunteers for helping bring the recipients’ stories into the spotlight.

She said the examples set by the honourees are an important reminder of the value of continued community involvement.

“Thank you for continuing to make Southeastern Alberta a stronger and more inspiring place to call home,” Smith said.

by Jett Schwaier

Seven southeastern Alberta residents honoured at Top 7 Over 70 gala on Wednesday

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