Top 7 Over 70 awards salute inspirational trailblazers

As Jim Grey eloquently put it, “turning 65 isn’t a time to retire. It’s a time to rewire and refire! And, it’s led us to embrace a new motto: 80 is the new 65!”

Indeed, the recipients of the Top 7 Over 70 awards belie the fact that they are all seniors. And what they have accomplished in their lives — and continue to accomplish, is inspirational to us all. That these honourees have made significant contributions in new endeavours since the age of 70 is proof the word “retirement” is not in their vocabulary.

Scores of guests gathered at the Hyatt Regency Oct. 17 to honour this year’s Top 7 Over 70. The event benefited Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society and Intergen, an organization that matches an influential network of talented retirees with younger entrepreneurs to provide personalized programming and access to capital.

Salutations to this year’s honourees: cardiologist Dr. Eldon Smith; Sun Ice Ltd. founder Sylvia Rempel; environmentalist Gus Yaki; Cardiac Imaging Centre founder Ken Stephenson; Super-fly Apparel founder Jacqueline Cameron; arts champion and Friends of the CPO founder Dr. John Lacey; and outstanding philanthropist Bob Brawn.

And two thumbs up to the tireless volunteer committee that ensured the evening was a resounding success. So take a bow: committee chair Bonnie Dupont (who was also awarded the Order of Canada this very night); Jim Gray; Linda Mcnally; Brian Felesky; Steve Allan; Emily Wuori; Elizabeth Carson; Cameron Mcdonald; Monica Zurowski; Bev Foy; Cheryl Hamelin; Kim Mcconnell; Mary Rozsa de Coquet; and Sandi Gilbert.

Others in attendance included Sheila Smith, wife of honouree Dr. Eldon Smith; Michelle Cameron Coulter and her sister Lianne Cameron, daughters of honouree Jacqueline Cameron; Aileen Pelzer, wife of honouree Gus Yaki; Carole Brawn, wife of honouree Bob Brawn; JD, Tammy, Carol and Wilf Bartel with Janice and Don Remple, family of honouree Sylvia Rempel; 2018 Top 7 Over 70 recipient Vera Goodman; Maureen Mannix; National Arts Centre board chair Adrian Burns; Jeff Mccaig; and others pictured.

Congratulations to this year’s honourees.

PHOTOS: BILL BROOKS The Top 7 Over 70 Gala held Oct. 17 at the Hyatt Regency was a success thanks to the tireless efforts of the volunteer committee. Pictured, back row from left, are Sandi Gilbert, Emily Wuori, Elizabeth Carson, Monica Zurowski, Brian Felesky and Kim Mcconnell. Front row, from left, Cameron Mcdonald, Bev Foy, Jim Gray, Linda Mcnally and Steve Allan. Missing from the photo are committee chair Bonnie Dupont and Cheryl Hamelin.

It was a family affair for Top 7 Over 70 honouree Sylvia Rempel, third from right. Pictured with the Sun Ice Ltd. founder are, from left, son-in law JD Bartel, daughter Tammy Bartel, daughter-in-law Janice Rempel, son Don Rempel, daughter Carol Bartel and son-in-law Wilf Bartel.

Gala committee member Linda Mcnally and honouree Dr. John Lacey.

Honouree Dr. Eldon Smith and his wife Sheila.

National Arts Centre board chair Adrian Burns, left, previous Top 7 Over 70 honouree Vera Goodman and Maureen Mannix.

Invaluable volunteer committee members Calgary Herald deputy editor Monica Zurowski, left, and gala chair Elizabeth Carson.

Honouree Jacqueline Cameron with her daughters, Lianne Cameron, left, and Michelle Cameron Coulter.

Gus Yaki was one of the honourees at this year’s Top 7 Over 70 Gala. Pictured with the avid nature lover is his wife Aileen Pelzer.

Gala honouree Ken Stephenson led the quest to bring a cardiac imaging centre to Calgary 16 years ago.