CFSEA unveils 2026 list of Top 7 Over 70

Southern Alberta Newspapers Photo by Anna Smith: UNVEILED: Committee chair Jim MacArthur addresses Top 7 Over 70 Nominee Luncheon attendees at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club on Aug. 19. Mayor of Bow Island Gordon Reynolds (below) has been nominated for the 2026 CFSEA award.

By Anna Smith
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta announced the 2026 list of award recipients at the Top 7 Over 70 Nominee Luncheon on Aug. 19.

The award recognizes the impact that older adults can have on their communities, and celebrates not achievements from over the course of the recipient’s lifetime, but what they are doing now at their advanced age to give back, achieve excellence and inspire the region.

“Built on the core pillars of We Grow, We Give and We Inspire, the foundation’s Top 7 over 70 initiative embodies the We Inspire pillar by honouring extraordinary achievements after the age of 70, and serving as a beacon of inspiration for future generations,” said 7 over 70 committee chair Jim MacArthur. “This initiative demonstrates that age is no barrier to innovation, creativity, or making a meaningful impact on society.”

This initiative aims to bridge generational gaps, promote inclusivity and foster a greater sense of belonging and respect for older adults. It follows in the footsteps of a similar award based in the Calgary region, founded by oil patch pioneer and philanthropist Jim Gray.

The 2026 nominees are:

– Uwe Karsten Krickhahn, for his work helping to connect people with family members who may have changed their names after World War II.

– Terry Cooper, for tireless dedication to refurbishing bicycles and getting them in the hands of those who need them.

– David Carter, author, for offering comfort and guidance through his therapeutic books, especially for those in nursing homes or affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s.

– Les Little, for countless contributions to the region’s aviation sector, including being an integral part of the founding of the Dave Rozdeba South Alberta Flight Academy.

– Gail Anderson, for spearheading the commemorative forest project in Brooks.

– Ron Edwards, for his efforts with the innovative Cypress Hills Children’s Make-A-Wish Trail Ride.

– Gordon Reynolds, Mayor of Bow Island, for his work on multiple initiatives, including taking over the community medical clinic and establishing a for-profit, municipally controlled corporation to better provide healthcare to residents.

CFSEA hopes to see Hatters and regional residents alike at the upcoming Top 7 Over 70 Gala, which will be hosted at Medalta on Oct. 14.