Alumni

Building community over a lifetime

When it comes to making Calgary a better place to live, no task is too large or too small for one of the city’s most extraordinary citizens — Bob Brawn.

You may see his name attached to a game-changing donation for any one of a number of worthy causes. But, you’ll also see his name on the list of volunteers who are willing to sell Rotary Dream Home tickets at the Stampede year after year. (He and wife Carol have done so

for 40 years!)

“He is someone that others would truly like to emulate; a person who never ceases to contribute in many ways to the betterment of our Calgary community,” says Greg Martin, board chairman of Engenium Chemical Corp. and one of Bob’s nominators for this award.

The list of agencies, companies, panels and organizations that Bob has been involved with over the years would fill a book. That involvement has continued strongly since Bob turned 70 twelve years ago. It includes stints as chair of the Alberta Economic Development Authority and as a member of the Premier’s Council on Economic Strategy in 2010. In addition, Bob actively mentors young entrepreneurs.

His work with the Rotary Club of Calgary South, however, remains a highlight. Bob chaired a recent legacy project for the club, leading to a $1 million donation to a major charity for two significant projects.

“Don’t be afraid to do anything,” Bob says of one of his tips for aging with vitality. “Get at it and do it well, and get involved.”

No wonder the Brawn Family Foundation’s support continues to grow in scope, which in recent years included the sponsorship of the SAIT broadcast centre, an athletic field, the Calgary Zoo’s panda exhibit and the ongoing restoration of Dinny the Dinosaur.

Significantly, the Brawn Family Foundation is also supporting the next major exhibit at Heritage Park — the Natural Resources project, which will guide people through the past, resent and future of our resources ranging from water and minerals to energy reserves.

“I think we owe it to historians and the people who started this business,” Bob told the Herald, explaining his support of the project. “All the old pioneers, I think, should be remembered.”

Bob is also preparing to ensure the city’s future pioneers are well served. He is involved in developing 34 acres of land into a unique senior retirement complex. City Council approved the project this summer and planning is underway. The community will feature everything

from single-family homes to villas and residences, all for seniors. Walking paths, medical support, retail stores and a seven-acre park, complete with ponds and gardens, also are part of the vision.

As Greg Martin notes, leading a project of this size takes immense determination and personal energy: “Even in his 80s, Bob displays both.”

Exposing the silver lining

1938 - 2021

At age 75, Jacqueline Cameron saw an opportunity. It was an opportunity to make her  husband’s life easier, to give the gift of dignity to many people with mobility challenges and to ultimately launch a new business.

She created a company called Super-Fly Apparel and began designing stylish clothes for individuals using wheelchairs and for others with diverse physical abilities.

“Something good can always come out of everything,” says Jacqueline, a woman who has always been an inspirational role model to those around her.

In earlier years, Jacqueline — then a single mother to four children — became one of the city’s top real estate agents. After meeting Dr. Jack Cameron — a father to five — the pair eventually married and had a child together, raising a blended family of 10 children.

However, life changed dramatically when a degenerative disease struck Jack. The long-time doctor of chiropractic care was eventually in a wheelchair. Getting Jack dressed in traditional clothes wasn’t easy, so Jacqueline began adapting his clothing by inserting zippers. Health-care workers who saw the clothing urged Jacqueline to consider creating similar garments for others and her new business was born.

“Jacqueline is an innovator and sees challenges as opportunities,” says Monica Kretschmer, the founder and CEO of Canadian Business Chicks who was one of Jacqueline’s nominators for a Top 7 Over 70 award.

Super-Fly Apparel is a significant time saver for those facing mobility issues and their caregivers. “The most dreaded time for someone who is disabled is morning — and night,” Jacqueline says, noting the routines of getting dressed or undressed are time consuming and even painful, with limbs being forced in a variety of directions.

Importantly, however, Super-Fly is also able to give some self-esteem and dignity back to these individuals. Jacqueline can tell heart-breaking stories of seeing someone in a wheelchair sitting draped in a tent-type garment, with holes cut out for the head and arms. She can share the emotional story of a young boy with multiple challenges who howled in pain 

each morning when a caregiver tried to dress him, until Super-Fly apparel made the task  easier.

Recently, Jacqueline received a grant to clothe 58 people with severe brain injuries and spinal cord injuries in Alberta. Simply put, these clothes are changing the quality of people’s lives.

Jacqueline, now 81, also knows these folks need more options in their closet than just casual wear. Thus, she creates apparel for special occasions, too, ranging from beach wear and Western outfits to graduation garments and wedding suits. “It’s way bigger than me,” Jacqueline says of her business, which also provides a way to honour her husband’s final

purpose — coping with a disease that led to a life-changing idea that now impacts

many.

“There’s a reason for everything,” Jacqueline says, sharing a final piece of advice. “Find a need, dive into it . . . It will keep you young.”

Making a Difference

1934 – 2018

Alan Fergusson, 83, began a journey in his 70s that would not only change the course of his life, but the lives of countless others. A call went out for volunteers to assist palliative care patients and provide relief for their primary caregivers. Alan volunteered, not knowing that decision would change the course of his career.

Shortly after the death of the patient he was paired with, Alan himself was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He recalled that the patient he befriended had wished he’d spent time looking at alternative medical treatments.

As a career physicist, Alan was trained to look at evidence and ask questions. He was determined to seek alternative ways to deal with his disease, but “it was like swimming upstream,” he says, with many people trying to dissuade him. “(But) I wasn’t going to let a doctor tell me when I (was) going to die.”

His drive and determination paid off and the result was the development of an immune support supplement called Immuno-Care, which has been given permission by Health Canada to make eight claims. The supplement has also been awarded three patents, a noteworthy accomplishment since natural ingredients are almost impossible to patent. 

Among its benefits, the formula can cut down the life span of some potentially harmful cells, help maintain immune function, maintain or lower cholesterol, and maintain antioxidant support for good health. 

Alan and his business partner developed the product and found a way to coat the capsules to protect them from destruction by stomach acids. They organized production and marketing in three countries on two continents. And, they donate free products to Uganda to help HIV/AIDS patients. 

“We all have to find our own different ways up the same mountain,” is a phrase used by Alan, says Jack Davidson, his nominator for this award. “He inspires people with his own story of never giving up, his fortitude (and) his drive.”

Alan has inspired people to make changes through exercise, nutrition and spirituality. “At the end of a day I look back and say, ‘What difference did I make?’ . . . Hope I made a difference and helped make the world a better place.” 

The world is indeed a better place thanks to Top 7 Over 70 award recipient Alan Fergusson.

Do What you Love

1928 - 2023

Dr. Amin Ghali may have officially retired as University of Calgary professor more than a decade ago, but he’s never stopped working, teaching, researching, mentoring and giving back. 

“After I ‘retired’ I started to do what I like to do; to do what I enjoy (and) give to the community,” says Amin. “My goal was never to glorify myself, but to help others and teach others. I never retired, I just stopped getting paid!”

Amin came to Canada from Egypt in 1964 along with his wife, Liliane, from Switzerland. They first settled in Toronto and moved to Calgary in 1966. “I have been fortunate to live 52 years in Calgary where the best quality of life can be,” says Amin, whose brilliance in engineering and entrepreneurship - along with his determination, humble leadership and kindness - have helped make our city a better place to live. 

Amin retired from his full-time teaching position in the U of C’s Faculty of Engineering in his mid-70s, but he has remained an educational leader. Since turning 70, Amin has published three engineering textbooks that are internationally recognized. 

Along with his lifelong colleague, Dr. Walter Dilger, Amin has developed a revolutionary, multi-patented, stud shear reinforcement system for concrete. These patents have been licensed, sold globally and used around the world. As an internationally recognized expert, Amin is called upon to provide technical testimony in court cases involving complicated engineering issues. 

“He really has been ageless, and he has embraced the notion that his lifetime work is far from done, despite his being of advanced age,” says his son Dr. William Ghali. 

After he turned 70, Amin was awarded a U of C Student Union teaching award, based on student nominations. Amin continues to spend Saturday afternoons, along with Dr. Ramez Gayed, mentoring engineering students. 

In his spare time, Amin fishes, hikes, cross-country skis, plays tennis, cycles and volunteers at the Food Bank and at St. David’s United Church, where he and his wife have been long-time members. 

“I don’t understand ‘Freedom 55’ and the idea that you stop working,” says Amin. “I feel now I have the freedom to do what I like - but I like every bit of it. If you do what you love, you live longer and are happier. I am the lucky one.”

Serving up respect and dignity for all

Living in Calgary and Alberta is a gift; thus, giving back to the place that has provided him with so much explains why Ron Ghitter continues making innovative contributions to his community year after year. 

“How lucky I’ve been, how lucky we are, to be in this province,” says Ron. “How fortunate we are to be in this wonderful city.” As he speaks, optimism radiates from Ron, who has devoted most of his life to public service. He was an elected member of Alberta’s legislature for many years starting in 1971 and became a Canadian senator in 1993. Along the way, Ron developed a keen interest in  human rights, sponsoring Alberta’s first human rights legislation in 1972. He was a founding director of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, and has received both provincial and national human rights awards for his work.

In more recent years, Ron has been a leader in creating the Dignity Forum, which has plans for advancements regarding the Alberta Human Rights Commission and for new community collaboration around these issues. 

“None of this work would have been possible without Ron’s vision, commitment and energy,” say those who nominated him for this award. “When Ron Ghitter calls to talk about human rights, people pick up the phone, listen to what he has to say and then ask what they can do to help.” 

In addition to Ron’s interest in human rights, a second passion of his revolves around the sport of tennis. He taught the racquet sport to put himself through law school, and when time allowed in later years, he began putting the full court press on his goal of getting a state-of-the-art tennis centre built in Calgary. 

By this time, Ron was in his 70s and a director with Tennis Canada. He spent more than seven years working to get this world class tennis facility built. He raised millions of dollars, worked with stakeholders at city hall, secured the facility’s location, oversaw the design and construction, and ultimately created a board of directors. The result is the stunning Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre that has helped put Calgary on the tennis map. 

“You put together something that you hope will be successful,” Ron says. “Now I see 950 members, 450 kids in regular programs, 40,000 kids coming through school programs. . . It’s a marvelous thing.” 

The centre will benefit Albertans for many years into the future, say his nominators. 

“Ron is a humble person who believes he has been given a tremendous gift by having the good fortune to call Calgary home,” they say. “Because of that perspective, he has always made it a priority to give back to his community and help his community thrive and grow. This sense of giving back has not diminished at all as he has gotten older. In fact, it has grown stronger.” 

Ron, 88, says it’s all part of his approach to living each day to the best of one’s ability.

“When you get up in the morning, basically you have the day to look forward to. You have to have purpose and you have to keep working on that purpose."

Sharing the Joy of Reading

1934 - 2022

When Vera Goodman, 83, talks about her vision for young people, the goal is “creating lives that sparkle.” And, she believes one route to help achieve this is through a program she’s created called Story Circles. 

“I am a teacher. I think I was born teaching something to someone,” says Vera, who’s been an educator for more than 50 years. These days, her dream is to spread the concept of Story Circles around the world. It’s a program that gives the gift of reading to those unable to read, changing their lives forever. 

Through the ages, learning has occurred via verbal stories that were passed along from generation to generation. This is the Story Circle model. It uses the oral sharing of stories - delivered through music, art, drama or technology - to teach any age group. 

Vera says anyone can benefit from the Story Circle approach, including people in schools, orphanages, prisons and refugee camps. Her current focus, however, is children and youth, especially Indigenous youth. 

Frustrated with what she sees as an outdated educational model - a suppression model that is in conflict with Indigenous culture - Vera has approached the national Chief of the Assembly of First Nations to bring Story Circles to their communities. She is determined to make a difference. 

“Vera expresses genuine interest in people,” says Shelley Goldbeck, her nominator for this award. “This makes her a wonderful teacher. She believes in positive reinforcement and celebration . . . People can feel that and they respond positively.” 

Vera recently travelled to Guatemala to share her Story Circle model at a teachers’ convention. “All of our conversations are stories,” she says. “The better able you are to converse, the better able you are to adapt and grow.”

The author of three books about learning and writing, Vera also steers the non-profit Vera Goodman Learning Society and volunteers with Wordfest and World Vision. Vera recently launched an online course, On The Wings of Reading, which will further enhance her platform for positive change. 

“My vision is to spend whatever days I have left . . . training young people to take happiness and knowledge to children and youth all over the world,” she says. 

It’s an admirable and achievable goal, for someone who inspires the sparkle in others wherever she goes.

A Remarkable 101 Years

1916 – 2020

The story of Dr. Richard Guy is, quite simply, awe-inspiring. At 101 years of age, Richard is a sought-after mathematician who teaches, mentors, publishes and lectures. He’s in his University of Calgary office five days a week. He climbs stairs to the top of the city’s skyscrapers to raise funds and awareness for charity. And, he just celebrated his most recent birthday in September with a multi-day wilderness hike.

When judges for the first-ever Top 7 Over 70 awards saw his nomination, they quickly realized he wasn’t just a Top 7 Over 70. He’s a Top One Over 100! Richard’s extraordinary contributions led to the judges awarding him a Citation of Unique Merit. 

“Richard Guy’s life after 70 has had a truly remarkable impact,” says a U of C colleague, professor Renate Scheidler. “His wisdom and intellect, along with his remarkable dedication to service and never-ending enthusiasm for new discoveries, continue to be an inspiration . . He is an extraordinary individual.”

In the three decades since turning 70, Richard’s brilliant achievements are many. He’s supervised students, collaborated with leading scholars and mentored some of the country’s most esteemed mathematicians. He’s presented extensively at conferences, including MathFest in Chicago last August. At age 90, he organized a lecture series by eminent mathematicians. Additionally, he’s published 50 scholarly works and written new editions of his own frequently cited books. 

“This prolific scholarly output . . . is more than many mathematicians achieve in a lifetime,” says Renate.

His mathematical prowess is legendary. Ethan White, a student mentored by Richard, recalled how once he and Richard examined an equation on a board: 23 squared minus 38 times 13 all divided by negative 5. Richard looked at it for three seconds and said “negative 7.” It was the correct answer. 

Richard is also a huge supporter of the Alpine Club of Canada and Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA.) He and wife Louise started participating in the AWA’s annual climb of the Calgary Tower when he was in his 70s. After Louise passed away seven years ago, he continued to participate, carrying a large framed photo of her up the 802 steps. When the climb moved to the Bow Building this year, Richard was there again and at age 100 he scaled all 1,188 steps with photo of Louise in hand. 

The inspiration he provides is infectious, says AWA executive director Christyann Olson. “Knowing what an amazing difference he is making in his very senior years is something many more can be inspired by.”

Bravo! Taking centre stage

If all the world’s a stage, Louis B. Hobson is one of its star players. He’s long been a force on the theatre scene and since entering his seventh decade, his contributions have grown bigger and brighter.

“All of us, anybody over 70, what we need is for people to have faith in us,” says Louis. “You need to be reminded you still have much to give and you are still a voice to be listened to.”

Originally a high school teacher, Louis began using his creative gifts as an arts writer many years ago. He became a leading voice in Western Canada when it came to reviewing theatre and film. His reviews have been published and aired across Canada and currently appear not only in the Calgary Herald and Calgary Sun, but also on a variety of TV and radio shows.

Additionally, some of Louis’ film reviews have been published around the world. And, impressively, he is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — that means he gets to vote for Oscar winners.

The role of reviewer is one to which Louis has brought enthusiasm and joy for more than four decades. That joy is evident when you see Louis at a play. 

Even though he sees 80 or so shows a year, he is as engaged in watching a performance as a first-time theatre-goer is. The years haven’t jaded Louis’ love of theatre; they’ve enhanced it.

That love of theatre spilled over into newer pursuits for Louis in later years — that of writing plays himself — and more than a dozen of his plays have been produced for the stage. Among those plays, Louis wrote the Steven Truscott Story, telling the tale of a wrongfully convicted young man, which was produced in Calgary six years ago.

Recently, at age 77, Louis wrote a play for young people — A Dinosaur Tale — which premiered at Edmonton’s Jubilee Auditorium.

He’s also been developing original plays for Confederation Theatre and he is working on a new musical featuring the music of Foreigner. Additionally, Louis has won a Canadian theatre award for Outstanding Original Script.

Some of Louis’ most notable work since turning 70 also includes co-writing a book with Jeff Parry about “lessons learned from the entertainment industry” (The book is called Fail to Win: Because of the Beatles.)

Louis has also directed many plays, including an Agatha Christie play for the 50th anniversary of Workshop Theatre. And, he’s also encouraged and mentored many young actors and directors, many of whom have gone on to professional careers in the field.

“As a long-time reviewer of stage and screen . . . Louis has given his heart and soul to writing cogent review for many stage productions and movies,” notes Theatre Calgary artistic director Stafford Arima. “Louis’ commitment to local artists is inspiring.

“Now at 77, Louis continues to re-invent himself through his creative endeavors as a playwright and author . . .May we all be that inspired when all of us enter into our seventh decade!”

Sharing the light and the love

To be a Top 7 Over 70 recipient, one not only has to talk the talk; one needs to walk the walk, as well. Tom Jackson definitely does both. 

Since turning 70, not only have Tom’s professional accomplishments in the world of arts continue to explode. He’s also expanded his philanthropic work in a myriad of ways. 

“You'll never hear Tom begin or end any sentence with ‘when I am retired,’” say his nominators for this award. “He thrives as a people whisperer, a thoughtful collaborator and a force for positivity.” 

That is why Tom believes his philanthropic work is his crowning achievement, despite award-winning success in the entertainment industry. He is an engaged Canadian and Calgarian. For example, he has spent significant time volunteering on city streets with the HELP (formerly DOAP) team to assist unsheltered individuals and those with addictions and mental health challenges.

Hundreds of thousands of Canadians know Tom’s work through his Huron Carole project, in which he takes a fundraising musical program from coast to coast to help people in need and suffering from hunger. That program has been going for an astounding 35 years and resulted in more than $250 million in funds and in-kind services being donated to charities and relief organizations including food banks, women’s shelters and mental health programs.

Shortly after Tom turned 70, the COVID pandemic hit so Tom pivoted the program, touring the program virtually in 2020 and 2021, generating funds for 67 agencies across the  country. In 2022, he delivered a virtual version of the Huron Carole to nine communities and gave 14 live performances of a program called Stories, Songs & Santa Clauses. 

His giving since turning 70 doesn’t stop there. In 2020, Tom hosted and produced a 12-eps online variety series called Almighty Voices — with music and discussions focused on creating joy and health — to raise dollars for Unison Benevolent Fund, which provides emergency relief services to the Canadian music community.

In 2021, Tom released a single and video called Lost Souls, representing the children of residential schools and the horror of unmarked graves of many of them. In 2022, he hosted and performed in a virtual special with the Calgary Philharmonic. And, in 2023, he began working on a video series with the Blood Tribe to address the current opioid crisis.

Unsurprisingly, Tom — currently an ambassador for the Red Cross — has been named a Companion in the Order of Canada (the highest designation within the Order.) 

Many remember Tom — a Juno and Gemini winner — for his work in the acclaimed series North of Sixty or for acting roles alongside other luminaries such as Liam Neeson. These days, Tom currently is a cast member in the CTV series Sullivan’s Crossing and is in pre-production for a detective drama he created that explores Truth & Reconciliation, centred on one man’s determination to make a difference. 

“Part of my agenda is to try and learn how to make people happy, which results in them being healthy,” Tom recently told the Calgary Herald. “Finding more tools to do that is quite amazing. Love, as a verb, should be our goal. There is a lot of darkness out there and we have to find light that you can’t see but that you can feel. I urge people to find ways to do that.”

Effecting change in approaches to mental health

The message Dr. Bonnie Kaplan delivers is straightforward, yet powerful. Society has been neglecting the role of nutrition, specifically vitamins and minerals, in the field of mental health, she says. 

A myriad of factors, such as exercise and family support, can impact one’s mental health, but little attention is paid to micronutrients, Bonnie says, adding: “I’ve seen many lives transformed as a result of changing diet and/or taking a broad spectrum supplement.” 

Her work and research in this field has been groundbreaking, much of it being amplified since turning 70. 

“Dr. Kaplan has been a pioneer with her steady, persistent and tireless research into nutrition and mental health,” says Dr. Megan Rodway, one of her nominators for a Top 7 Over 70 award. Coupled with her passion, optimism and integrity, Bonnie has made a difference in the lives of many people, including patients, students, colleagues and other professionals.

Bonnie joined the University of Calgary in 1979 and retired in 2016 at age 69, but continued to take her life’s work in vital directions. Her interest in the biological basis of behavior led to trail-blazing work in the field of nutrition and mental health.

She had led the team that established the Alberta Mental Health Research Unit and went on to later lead a team of 13 scientists that undertook a $5-million interdisciplinary study of nutrition and fetal brain development.

More recently, however, she took her expertise and began using it to tackle the subject of how micronutrients can help treat mental health problems. She co-authored a book with Dr. Julia Rucklidge called The Better Brain, which was released last spring, and she is now doing webinars and interviews on the subject an average of twice a week.

“Bonnie is a very humble individual, but she is persistent, never giving up,” says another of her award nominators, Deb Hymers. “That attitude has helped so many people, including children, to have healthier outcomes.”

She truly cares about those in her community and takes the time to understand the issues impacting fellow citizens. While also volunteering her time at the Drop-In Centre, the Weaselhead Preservation Society and on projects that help create housing for adults with autism, Bonnie is also paving a path for the researchers that follow her. She’s created two funds (one in Canada and one in the United States) to support work by young scientists in the area of nutrition and mental health, and has raised more than a quarter-million dollars for the Canadian fund alone. 

“Dr. Kaplan is a model for those who have developed years of wisdom in their fields and wish to ensure those who come after them have all the resources necessary to build on the skills  and expertise they believe will make the most difference,” says Marie Stevens of the Calgary Foundation.

Bonnie has also been named one of Canada’s 150 “Difference Makers in Mental Health” — a difference maker who is also a true Top 7 Over 70 achiever.

Harnessing pitch-perfect contributions

If you were to look up the definition of “Renaissance man,” you’d find a fitting description of Dr. John Lacey. 

A Renaissance man is an individual of many talents and diverse wisdom who is curious, creative, persevering and possesses a thirst for new experiences. Enter John Lacey. John’s pursuits since turning 70 sixteen years ago run the gamut from the visual arts and music to business, health and science.

“I have found the older I get, the more imaginative I am as far as things you can do to improve things,” says John. “So, I just get involved. I like to get involved. So many things need a hand and I am happy to help out where I can.”

Working in the energy industry for more than four decades and as an international consultant, led to John being inducted into the Canadian Petroleum Hall of Fame and receiving a myriad of other awards. Along the way, John learned he was able to take his business savvy and translate those skills to help many others, including arts and health groups.

For example, when the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra fell into bankruptcy protection, John (then 70) started the Friends of the CPO, served as chair for 15 years, created a sustainable business model for the organization and facilitated growth from $600,000 to $24 million.

He and his late wife created The Naomi and John Lacey Virtuoso Program to bring global sensations such as Yo-Yo Ma and Renee Fleming to the CPO stage as guest artists.

John has also established a program for students from the Mount Royal University Conservatory and the University of Calgary music program to participate in classes with master artists. His support of students also includes backing national partnerships, long-

term career training and performance opportunities.

Since turning 70, John has also amplified his work as a champion of the visual arts. He’s joined the board of Contemporary Calgary, become a patron of the artist-run collective Rumble House Art Centre, and created the new Lacey Prize and Program for Incubator Spaces through the National Gallery of Canada Foundation. He also owns a collection of historical and modern Canadian art, which he eagerly shares with many.

John has also been recognized in the field of health, becoming an advisor and then board chair of the Patient and Community Engagement Research social enterprise at the U of C’s Cumming School of Medicine. The program helps patients and communities become stakeholders in health care.

There are few individuals who contribute to their communities in so many diverse ways. As one of John’s nominators — Nancy Marlett, director of Patient and Community Engagement Research at the O’Brien Institute of Public Health — points out, “He (John) embodies a rare combination of curiosity and a love of science, an appetite for adventure and innovation, and a passion to create sustainable contributions that make a difference.”

Making the world a better place

Reaching one’s latter years provides an opportunity for individuals to give back to their community in many ways. Case in point? Meet Murray McCann.

Murray, known for his business acumen and community leadership, has long given back, especially through the McCann Family Foundation he started in 1993. He’s been instrumental in bringing major donors together for the United Way, while also becoming known for purchasing a large residence that he gifted to Hospice Calgary (it became the Rosedale Hospice) and for building a residence for girls in Zambia.

“Murray McCann has been an inspiration to so many people for so many years,” say his nominators for this Top 7 Over 70 award. “When other men were retiring and heading to the golf course, Murray was just getting started.” 

In 2009, Murray co-founded a project that has changed the way we honour military veterans in this city. After seeing a display of crosses that honoured  war heroes in a small community in Georgia, Murray began great contemplation about those Canadian soldiers who had given their lives to make our freedoms possible. He contacted a friend at The Calgary Poppy Fund and together they created The Field of Crosses.

Each November, a stretch of grass along Memorial Drive becomes home to more than 3,500 white crosses — one for each Southern Alberta soldier who lost his or her life fighting for our freedom. Sunset and sunrise ceremonies amplify the power of this display to thousands of Calgarians each year.

Among the recognition he’s received for this project, Murray has been given commendations from the Minister of Veterans Affairs and the Governor General  of Canada; additionally, he was named Calgary’s Citizen of the Year in 2017.

More recently, Murray has created a related philanthropic endeavor — building tiny homes for homeless veterans. The Homes for Heroes Villages offer veterans a step out of homelessness, with dignity. The initiative has already spread from Calgary to Edmonton, and other locations are planned for the future.

“Murray is an exemplary example o fthe values he holds dear — honesty, integrity, loyalty and commitment to one’s family and community,” say his nominators. “He is a man of his word and he is a man who gets things done.” 

Another exciting, new project initiated by Murray is called Beacons of Hope — an initiative that will allow Calgarians to communicate their messages of appreciation to members of the Calgary Police Service. 

To Murray, it only makes sense that an individual’s contributions to society grow as one ages. 

“Who has more time, who has more knowledge, who has more experience, who has more passion than old people and some even have some extra change in their pocket, so that when they think someone should do something to correct a wrong, they’re that somebody,” says Murray. “When somebody should fulfill a need, they’re somebody. . . It’s a great time to be alive and to think that we can give something back and hopefully the world will be a little bit better because of it.”

Transforming ideas into action

When Janice McTighe reflects on her path to success, she says the journey started out of desperation. At 29, she found herself a single mother to four children under the age of six and recognized it was up to her to ensure she and her family led healthy, productive lives.

“I realized that my mental (and) physical happiness, health and success depended on me,” says Janice. “I learned to take each day at a time, to take the best out of each day, hang on to happy times . . . and stop feeling sorry for myself and get on with creating an interesting life.” 

The life she built has been interesting and more.

Janice became a visionary educator who has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children with disabilities. She started Renfrew Educational Services in 1974 as a modest community kindergarten program and grew it into a school now offering classes (from early childhood education to Grade 6) for 550 students a year. A multi-faceted approach combines educational programs with therapeutic services to help students — often with physical and cognitive special needs — find a welcoming environment where they can succeed. The school is recognized across Canada, and internationally, as one of the premier programs of its kind for children with special needs. 

“She has served children and families in her community with a unique blend of modesty, creativity, diligence, pragmatism, and strong business sense,” say her nominators for this award. “Janice has never stopped supporting and addressing the needs of children with disabilities. She continues to develop strategies to help children and their families be able to face the future with confidence and to acquire the skills they will need for the future.”

Since turning 70, Janice has become even more of a powerhouse and amplified her efforts to help even more children. She is expanding Renfrew services to open a $30-million junior and senior high school for kids with disabilities, meshing life skills and vocational training into their education.

This Bearspaw School initiative is unique and one that many parents of diverse-needs students say is so essential. 

“Janice’s vision to establish a one-of-a-kind facility will provide schooling from early intervention all the way through to high school for children with disabilities,” says her nominators. “A strong focus on early intervention intertwined with life skills development and vocational training will be the mainstay of Bearspaw School . . . Janice (now 82) is an example of an exemplary leader — one who leads with deep-rooted passion. No matter what the cause, her drive is infectious to those around her.” 

Additionally, since turning 70 Janice has: 1.) Taken Renfrew services onto the Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations to assist even greater numbers of children and their families; 2.) Created a foundation to provide legacy funds for the school; 3.) Spearheaded development of new sensory rooms for students; 4.) Implemented a service dog program in the school; and 5.) Developed a greenhouse program for students. 

It all comes down to taking steps forward towards goals. Janice likes to call to mind a quote attributed to Mister Rogers: “An idea is just an idea unless you can put it into action.”

Running Towards Excellence

Gerry Miller dabbled in running his entire adult life, but he began to take the sport more seriously as he got older. One of his adult sons invited him to a race clinic and he met Running Room founder John Stanton, who encouraged Gerry to take up distance running. He’s never looked back. 

As Gerry aged, his performance got better. While competing in the 70-to-79 age group at races, he became one of the fastest runners in that category. Medals, trophies and certificates accumulated. Now that he’s hit 80, his success continues to grow. Notably, he placed second in the 80-plus age category in this year’s Boston Marathon. 

He’s now completed about three dozen marathons and dozens of other races. Gerry is considered one of the top five distance runners in the world in his age group. But, he’s quick to set aside discussions of his accomplishments and instead talk about his real passion - helping others achieve success and live healthier, more fulfilling lives. 

“You don’t need to run marathons, but some exercise and good nutrition is important for everyone,” says Gerry, a former teacher, principal, university professor and researcher. “Through movement, you can gain more in terms of health, intellectual awareness, spirituality … and being better at move of the avenues of living.” 

Gerry gives lectures, provides motivation to runners and will often forego his own race to instead run as a “pace bunny” to help others achieve their goals. 

That dedication to others was recognized three years ago when he was named the North American Running Room volunteer of the year. 

“He approaches most things in life, and certainly running is no different, with a real humbleness,” says Rod Kelly, one of Gerry’s four grown children. “He taught us that you can be very good at something, but it’s important to be humble at the same time.”

That humility is apparent even when Gerry speaks of future goals. He’s working on a project that he hopes will see him achieve a world-record feat by becoming the first person over age 80 to complete the world’s six most prestigious marathons with finishing times under five hours. 

“He shows us life’s good; there’s a lot of elasticity there … There’s a lot left to accomplish,” says Rod. “He just relishes every moment.”

It’s About Time

When 81-year-old Al Muirhead was just a young boy, his brother got him “going” on brass instruments. Born in Regina in 1935, Al quickly took to his musical calling and was playing trumpet in the Regina Symphony and in dance bands by age of 12. The rest, as they say, is history. 

A performer, clinician, adjudicator, composer, arranger, and studio-recording artist, Al took his passion for music a step further and opened Arcade Music in 1966, now known as St. John’s Music. 

Throughout his career, he’s mentored talented artists such as country star Paul Brandt and performed with greats such as Dizzy Gillespie and Diana Krall. And, he’s acquired a place in local music history for his role as a long-time music director for the Calgary Stampede Youth Talent Show. 

But his career took a new turn when in his mid-70s, he was persuaded to do a solo album with the help of longtime friends Tommy Banks and PJ Perry. 

At the age of 78, he released his appropriately titled debut album It’s About Time. Two years later, It’s About Time received a JUNO Award nomination for Jazz Album of the Year, making Al the oldest nominee in 2016. 

“(Al) still unleashes melodies that are incredibly inventive and utterly timeless, and plays better than players half his age,” says Kodi Hutchinson, president of Chronograph Records and host of A Time for Jazz on CKUA Radio. 

“He is an inspiration to artists of any age,” said Hutchinson, who wrote a letter of support for Al’s Top 7 Over 70 nomination. 

Al has been bestowed with many other awards throughout his career including the Citation Award from the American Federation of Musicians for his 68 years of service to the musicians’ union - an honour shared through history with artists such as frank Sinatra. 

“Al has shown time and time again that his age will not deter his passion for creating legendary Canadian music,” says Al’s Top 7 Over 70 award nomination from the National Music Centre in Calgary. “With two more albums, one in 2016 and another recently released that debuted at number one on the Canadian jazz charts, Al will continue to be a beacon of inspiration to anyone who may feel their age is stopping them from pursuing their dreams.”

Putting the best foot forward

If you’re looking for the best sports and performance school in North America, you don’t have to look far. Just cast your eyes toward the city’s northwest, where the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Kinesiology has captured the title five times. A key part of that success is due to the work of Dr. Benno Nigg, founder of the Human Performance Lab.

Benno’s work can only be described as trailblazing. His research, experience and expertise are unmatched. That explains why the world comes knocking when they need a new athletic shoe. 

The work of the Human Performance Lab has led to the development of shoes for the biggest brands and the biggest stars. The lab has created footwear for Adidas, Nike, Brooks and Lululemon, to name a few. It has worked with many national sport teams, the military and Cirque du Soleil. And when Adidas wanted to create a shoe for soccer legend David Beckham, the company came calling to UCalgary’s Human Performance Lab. 

At the lab’s core is Benno.

“Some of the footwear he has helped develop for top-performing athletes has allowed them to break world records,” say those who nominated him for this award. “But it isn’t just athletes he has impacted; his work has helped people from all walks of life.” 

Among the accomplishments he is most proud of is that of his students’ success, some of whom have gone on to top jobs at companies like Nike while others have become leading international orthopedic surgeons. 

A sought-after scholar, professor and mentor, Benno has published more than 350 scientific works in this field and won dozens of related awards, including the Olympic Order and an Alberta Science and Technology award. 

After tuning 70, Benno — who moved to Calgary 42 years ago from Switzerland — channelled his expertise into entrepreneurship. He is the founder and Chief Science Officer of Biomechanigg Sport and Research Ltd., an organization that includes multi-disciplinary scientists working on research related to exercise, movement and sport. Benno exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that UCalgary embraces, while also demonstrating that going after new goals at any age is a noble pursuit. 

“To say that he is an inspiration to people of all ages would be an understatement,” say his nominators. “Even in his eighties, Dr. Nigg continues to work and perform at a level that many find challenging to match. His unwavering passion for his work shines through in every pursuit he undertakes.” 

When Benno is asked what motivates him to keep accomplishing so much, he says this: “It’s fun. When you have collected a fantastic base of knowledge over the years and then get to the age of 65, are you supposed to say ‘that’s it'? That’s terrible!”

Benno shows that life and work don’t need to slow down at 65, 75, 85 or any age. 

Recently, a new brand of athletic shoes — called On — began sweeping the market. Before they hit store shelves, the company worked with Benno and his team for five years. And there’s more innovation to come from Benno. 

“I’m still working on some new ideas for shoes,” he notes. At age 85, much work remains.

Changing lives one stitch at a time

The story of Sylvia Rempel is an exceptional tale, which only grows more uplifting with each passing year. She immigrated to Canada as a non-English-speaking youngster, but her phenomenal work ethic and boundless energy led her to great success in Calgary.

With dedication, drive and determination, Sylvia started her own business in 1978 as a seamstress working from her basement. Sylvia eventually grew her company — Sun Ice Ltd. — to become Canada’s largest ski and golf wear company at the time, achieving annual sales of $30 million, employing more than 200 people and becoming an iconic official supplier to the 1988 Winter Olympics. 

After selling her share of Sun Ice, she created an organization called Sewing Seeds to help women in disadvantaged situations. She started by travelling to war-torn Sierra Leone, providing sewing machines, materials and training to 30 war widows. A decade ago at age 73, Sylvia started a similar sewing program in Peru and has since opened sewing schools in Mexico and Haiti.

“The story of her struggles as a newcomer to Canada, shortly after the Second World War, and her determination to make a better life for herself and her family is inspirational in itself,” says local filmmaker Rick Castiglione, the president of Cielo Pictures Inc., which has documented Sylvia’s work. “Her decision, while in retirement, to invest her skills, time and money into changing the lives of others is truly remarkable.” 

Sewing Seeds helps build women’s self esteem and also creates economic opportunities for them. Participants use these skills to not only help clothe their own families, but to also take on sewing jobs for tourists, other families, schools and businesses that need uniforms.

Sylvia makes a huge difference in the lives of those who have little, a practice she believes others can also achieve. Her advice? “Be committed and dedicated and never give up,” Sylvia says. “That’s always been my motto. Never give up and never quit.” 

In 2014, Sylvia received charitable status for Sewing Seeds Canada and now operates a Calgary sewing centre to serve local immigrants and newcomers. She is also now training trainers so they can teach even more Sewing Seeds programs at home and abroad. She has become dedicated to teaching excellence and passing on her expertise to ensure the ripple effect of her programs extends farther and farther through communities near and far. She wants to give the gift of sewing skills — along with the gift of increased self-confidence and the potential for financial independence — to as many people as possible.

“She (Sylvia) has a keen desire to see others achieve success, and in particular women,” says Tammy Bartel, one of her nominators for this award. “Her vision of teaching others to sew fills her with joy and excitement and she plans on continuing to expand . . . Sylvia is an inspiration to all.”

Staying in the Game

As one of the more mature recipients of the Top 7 Over 70 awards, Don Seaman, has long made contributions to the local business, research, athletic and philanthropic communities. He and his wife, Eleanor, started the Donald and Eleanor Seaman Family Foundation 38 years ago. Don lived by the maxim, “To whom much is given, much will be required.”

Over the decades, Don and Eleanor’s support has benefited many local organizations, including the Seaman Family MR Research Centre, the Robotic Arm Project, Ronald McDonald House, Heritage Park, the Calgary Zoo, the University of Calgary, the Calgary Foundation and the United Way, along with many more. 

Don’s accomplishments could easily fill the pages of this program, but it’s his involvement with the Okotoks Dawgs baseball club and other recent achievements that have earned him an inaugural Top 7 Over 70 Award. 

Don is passionate about giving youth the opportunity to be active and follow their dreams, while helping them learn the value of teamwork, discipline, respect and overcoming adversity. He has dedicated significant time and money towards the Dawgs program and the building of the nationally respected Seaman Stadium. 

“Don has always loved sports and recognizes their value in promoting community pride and well being, as well as in shaping tomorrow’s leaders in every facet of life, be it business, government or community,” says John Ircandia, a local lawyer and baseball executive. “He has created a national legacy.”

In addition to his work with the Dawgs, Don stays active in the business community through his involvement in several ventures, including D.R.S. Resource Investments Inc., DRSeaman & Co. Limited, New Energy Corporation, CCR Technologies and United Active Living, to name a few. He works a nine-hour day, walks to work whenever possible, and starts each day with push-ups and sit-ups. 

“Donald Seaman has built for the future, creating and supporting ideas and jobs, constantly paying it forward and doing it with the utmost of passion and integrity,” says Michael Kanovsky, an energy executive who wrote a letter of support for Don’s Top 7 Over 70 nomination. “His life and his character will leave a lasting legacy.”

It’s a legacy that grows every day. And, it’s Don himself who says it best: “Staying in the game - that’s my story. I’m staying in the game.”

Harvesting New Success

The heart of the matter is this: Dr. Eldon Smith has dedicated his life’s work to improving cardiovascular care for all of us. In 1980, the renowned cardiologist moved to Calgary, heading the cardiology division of the Foothills Hospital and eventually becoming Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary. His work, his teachings, his research and his leadership have been hallmarks of a stellar career that has included publishing more than 250 papers and book chapters. “Eldon Smith has been inspiring people — students, patients, colleagues — for decades and continues to do so,” says Dr. Norman Wong, one of Eldon’s nominators for this award. “He inspires with his quiet confidence, his competence and his willingness to get involved in innovation and new ventures.”

Despite taking an “alleged” retirement, Eldon has remained incredibly active in his field, accepting a number of responsibilities, such as being editor-in-chief of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology from 1997 to 2010. Additionally, he was appointed chair of the steering committee for the Canadian Heart Health Strategy in 2006; he became an officer of the Order of Canada in 2005; in 2014, Dalhousie University granted him an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree; and, over the last two decades he’s been a director of more than 10 public companies in the biotech sector.

Since turning 70, Eldon has passionately pursued two projects. The first involves the potential he saw in using Cannabidiol (a substance found in marijuana) to treat inflammation in heart failure. Eldon researched the compound, attracted interest and investment, and took a related company public earlier this year. Eldon has discovered a way to use this substance to help reverse heart failure and also found a way to make sure that humans can absorb it, his nominators say.

“This process has the potential to revolutionize cardiovascular treatment not only in Canada but around the globe,” says Norman Wong, a professor of medicine, biochemistry and molecular biology at the U of C and director of the Libin Gene Therapy Unit.

The second project to spark Eldon’s interest since turning 70 revolves around the haskap berry — a superfood that contains more antioxidants than the blueberry. Eldon started a farm and actively produces and markets the berry, while also serving on the board of Berry Best Brands — a company that turns the berries into jams, juice and pies. “He (Eldon) is a shining example of the mantra that life is for living to the full, and a truly inspirational person,” says Richard Mayon-White, president of Western Branch Haskap Orchards Ltd. “In a world that sometimes overlooks the merits of quiet, considered wisdom,

Eldon stands tall as proof that exceptional achievement is possible at any point in life. We are all richer for his input.”

Visionary leadership from the heart

1933 - 2021 

The larger the challenge, the larger your success can be. It’s why Ken Stephenson knew he couldn’t say no when asked to help lead the quest to bring a Cardiac Imaging Centre to Calgary 16 years ago.

Ken was 70 when he accepted the challenge. At the time, cardiac imaging had only been technically possible for four or so years and while a few such centres existed in the U.S., Canada had none. Using decades of business acumen and negotiation skills, Ken worked with

cardiologists and hospital administrators to secure a location for the centre, operational funding and general acceptance of the need for this new diagnostic modality. He also raised $2 million for the cause, donated $1 million and worked with Dr. Chen Fong to secure an additional $1 million from the Foothills Hospital Foundation.

The centre opened in 2005 — the first in Canada — and is now viewed as a world-class operation for its research, training and clinical work. Performing about 4,000 scans a year, it is one of the two busiest such centres on the entire continent and its researchers have published ground-breaking, international insights into the management of various heart diseases.

“Ken’s contributions over the past 15 years have seeded and cultivated innovations in health care that now impact the lives of millions of individuals around the globe,” says Dr. James White, director of the Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre. “It is unusual to find such a committed and tirelessly driven individual that maintains the focus on ‘why’ and not just the ‘how.’”

Additionally, Ken was key to the growth of Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc. — the world’s largest privately owned software company specializing in analysis of cardiovascular MRI

images. Circle has 1,300 software sites in 40 countries, employing 145 people.

It’s no surprise Ken was courted to become involved with cardiac imaging. He was known as a visionary business leader who was at the forefront of change even late into his career. At age 70, while holding two-thirds ownership of NARSTCO, he led the charge to build a plant to manufacture steel railway ties. The product was superior and more economical compared to the wood or concrete ties generally used in the railway industry. It resulted in the company being sold, at a sizeable return, to North America’s largest railway contractor.

Ken also keeps an eye on the future. Recently, he became involved with Chata Technologies, which is developing software that queries databases, utilizing machine learning and AI (artificial intelligence.)

Over the years, he’s been a CEO, owner or director of more than 30 companies, but he never forgets his adage for true success. Ken says, “I think the best recipe for happiness is to do well what you do for work, but to keep balance in your life with your family and friends and not lose

track of that.”

Creating waves of positivity

Much like the ripples caused by a pebble dropped into water, the actions of Sherali Saju lead to far-reaching effects.

“Sherali is a remarkable Calgarian, a remarkable Canadian and a remarkable citizen of the world,” says Top 7 Over 70 executive committee member Brian Felesky. Sherali’s actions on both business and philanthropic fronts are impacting a wide variety of people both here at home and across the globe.

Sherali has been an extraordinary entrepreneur in our city. After selling his share of the Budget Rent a Car business in Calgary — which he founded — at age 70 he bought land that became home to a valet parking service at the airport. He collaborated with two younger partners to operate the business; he mentored them and helped them grow Park2Go into a $2.5 million business, employing 25 people.

After age 70, Sherali expanded the work he does with new Canadians. He guarantees bank financing for immigrant families who want to establish new businesses. Those businesses include a wholesale candy and drinks operation that has created jobs and is garnering revenues of $1.6 million. 

Another such example? At age 81,Sherali supported two Afghanistan individuals in acquiring land and growing an auto-wrecking business that now employs five others.

Sherali is generous with his time, leadership and mentorship on an ongoing basis. Philanthropy is acentral pillar in Sherali’s life. As the National Convener of the Aga Khan Foundation for Canada, he led a drive to increase awareness about educational needs in Third World countries; more than $300 million was raised under his leadership over the years. 

Sherali has contributed to many local charities, but his contributions truly shine when it comes to helping new Canadians make a home in Calgary. He assists new immigrant families in buying a house by personally guaranteeing their mortgages, without any fee or interest.

He helps settle immigrant families into our community, assisting them in finding jobs and checking on them weekly to ensure they are adjusting. He’s even provided sponsorship for more than a dozen individuals who wanted to move to Canada — all of whom have become successful here and some of whom have gone on to employ other individuals.

Sherali’s giving isn’t just about writing a cheque. It’s about understanding an organization’s mission, objectives and achievements. He has travelled to Asia and Africa to understand and monitor projects he supports, especially as a founding member of the Calgary-based Awali Group, which sponsors educational training for teachers in Third World countries.

Sherali is a community leader and community builder who helps ensure Calgary is a welcoming city for all. He often downplays his work, with humility and kindness, reminding others of the importance of any type of action — small or large — which improves someone else’s position in life. 

“I feel this is the duty of every Canadian . . . to do something for people who are in need,” says Sherali. “We are fortunate to live in this country — this is the best country in the world.”

Promoting the big picture

Receiving an award from the prestigious Cannes Film Festival isn’t something that most people experience, but most people aren’t John Scott. John, in fact, is one of those rare individuals where the old adage is likely true: They broke the mould after John Scott was made.

As a rancher/cowboy/stuntman/movie pitchman/entrepreneur/environmentalist, John brings a unique set of skills to the table. It’s propelled him to become a driving force in the growth of southern Alberta as a film and TV destination. 

Back in 1969, when the Dustin Hoffman movie Little Big Man came to Alberta to shoot, John landed a spot riding a horse, making $25 a day. 

“I thought, ‘This is a lot of fun,’” John recalls. “Then we got hooked up with the stunt guys and they were getting $100 a day and I thought, ‘This is the business.’”

John was a natural as a stuntman and he developed distinct technical expertise, which he has shared with many younger performers over the years. He co-created the organization Stunts Canada to help get Canadian stunt talent on big-name movies.

“John Scott is a highly respect mentor,” say his nominators for this award. “With his extensive experience and expertise, he offers invaluable guidance and support.”

As a third-generation rancher, John also had horses, equipment and a location available that was at times needed for various movie shoots. He began growing that stable of horses and props, developing his Longview-area ranch into a versatile, pristine setting, complete with a Western town. A testament to his work was the recent Cannes award, given to the John Scott Ranch — one of three ranches awarded Location of the Year.

Alberta is “home to approximately seven Academy-Award-winning pictures. No other province in Canada can say that,” says Scott, noting that list of films includes Unforgiven, Brokeback Mountain and The Revenant. 

“Most of the awards are for photography, cinematography. We live in a beautiful environment," he says, adding however it’s the people that are a defining characteristic of the area. “The people in Alberta work hard.” 

John and those around him also realized he had a unique set of skills in which he was able to strategically search out movie opportunities and convince decision makers that Southern Alberta was the place they had to be. He’s now had 50 years of experience in the movie business and his strategic work in this arena has only been amplified since he turned 70. As the owner of John Scott Productions,  he’s travelled with politicians to Los Angeles to pitch the benefits of shooting movies here.

“(He) is the lead opinion maker for the direction of the industry to whom all levels of the industry, government and policy leaders turn to for background and advice,” say his nominators. 

The trickle-down effect of his work has immense economic benefit. Not only does it bring revenue to the area; it also creates job opportunities for those who work in the movies, the actors, the crews, the catering people, the makeup people, the transportation folks, equipment rental companies and on and on. In 2021, the film industry resulted in more than $500 million in spending in our local economy. 

“Alberta is such a wonderful place to do business,” John says. “And if you want to work hard and get ahead, you can always do that in Alberta.”

Building new roads to success

Mogens Smed recalls the telephone call with crystal clarity. The phone rang at his home and Mogens was told he was terminated by the company he co-founded. He was 71 years old. 

“My wife said to me, ‘What are you going to do, Mogens?’ I said, ‘I’m starting over.’ She said, ‘I knew it!’” 

While others in the same situation might consider retirement, the idea never crossed Mogens’ mind. 

“One of the things that I’m the epitome of is no matter how down you are, sooner or later you’ll get it right,” says Mogens, a well-known Calgary entrepreneur and innovator who created the companies SMED and DIRTT, achieving international recognition in past decades.

What he’s done after the age of 70 is even more impressive. He’s created a new company — Falkbuilt — that has introduced a whole new way of building prefabricated interior solutions for businesses, industrial, retail and healthcare markets. Additionally, he and partner Barrie Loberg co-founded a complementary company called Echo — a cloud-based construction technology company.

At first, Mogens wasn’t sure what direction he would take Falkbuilt (inspired by his middle name, Falk.) In fact, he wasn’t even sure what he would initially call the company, often referring to it as TTIMI, which stood for “This Time I Mean It.” 

As the new company began operations, the COVID pandemic hit, so Mogens — always the entrepreneur — pivoted the company to ensure it could help, by manufacturing fast, affordable components for healthcare structures around the world. 

The company started with six employees just a few short years ago and now has a staff of 500, including many new Calgarians who represent 120 different countries of origin. Mogens, whose family immigrated to Canada in 1952, is a strong believer in giving new arrivals a solid start in the labour market.

His leadership style is unconventional.

“While he has sold hundreds of millions of dollars of private offices, Mogens has never had an office with a door,” say his nominators for this award. “Rather, he has always placed his desk in the middle of the action. Better to hear what’s going on and be accessible to anyone — whether they work in the finance department, the factory or somewhere in between. 

“He empowers people to make decisions, come forward with their ideas and ‘work their butts off.’ When an employee makes a mistake, he knows they learn from it.” 

Mogens has also been called a “walking, talking MBA school,” giving his time freely to mentor younger entrepreneurs. 

As Mogens, 75, likes to say, “No matter what you do in business, there’s nothing more powerful than your reputation, your experience and your relationships.” 

Mogens is also a strong believer in giving back to the community and was widely admired for an early role he took in the 1980s, when many people were afraid of being associated with AIDS-related causes. Mogens was the first Calgary CEO to sit on the board of directors for the AIDS Calgary Awareness Association. These days, he supports a variety of cultural, environmental, entrepreneurial and mental health initiatives, while also happily being an unofficial ambassador for the city. 

“Calgary, Alberta is the best place in the whole darn world,” Mogens says. “We came here in 1952; I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

Retirement isn’t in her vocabulary

The key to vitality and success starts with one basic tenet, says Marg Southern. Never stop learning. 

“There is so much out there that we, even as senior citizens, can learn,” says  Marg. “Your interest in things is important. If you stop, then a lot of other things in life stop. . . The other thing is to try to always listen. Don’t worry about preaching about what you know.”

That ability to listen and learn has been crucial to Marg, as she’s achieved many successes over the decades. Marg and her late husband Ron created the remarkable Spruce Meadows Equestrian Centre at the edge of Calgary — one of the finest competitive show jumping complexes in the world. The venue has given many  Canadian equestrian athletes the opportunity to excel on the world stage. 

Marg has continued to create several new ventures, however, in her 70s and 80s, smashing any pre-conceived notions one may hold regarding aging.

In 2016, she started the Leg Up Foundation, to support education, health, agriculture and community initiatives, along with amateur and grassroots sports programs. The foundation has already raised more than $800,000 for local non-profits. During the COVID pandemic alone, the Leg Up Foundation donated $180,000 to help battle poverty and mental health issues, many which were worsened by society’s battle against the coronavirus. 

In 2018, Marg was instrumental in creating Cavalry FC — a professional soccer club — in Calgary. Similar to the state of show jumping in Canada 45 years earlier, in soccer there was nowhere for local youth to continue in that sport after their junior years. Marg, along with six other founding Cavalry members, stepped up to fill that need. More than $15 million has been invested in Cavalry FC since its inception.

“The club’s identity reflects Calgary’s and the Southern family’s collective spirit, deep family values, great sporting tradition and willingness to confront any obstacle and any challenge,” say her nominators for this award.

Marg was the biggest champion of the drive to create Cavalry FC, say those nominators. “Marg attended the very first club trials and training sessions, officially welcomed each player to the inaugural roster and presented them with their Cavalry ‘dog tags.’” 

There’s another recent Marg initiative that really stands out. In 2019, Marg created her own campaign to encourage seniors to get out and vote. Called  “Why Your Vote Counts,” Marg did her own research to identify senior facilities and nursing homes where she could speak; she went to Ontario, rented a vehicle and drove herself from venue to venue to talk about the importance of voting and the political process.

It was an individual initiative — an Albertan reaching out to other Canadians to talk about the beauty and diversity of our great country. Marg’s energy, spirit and love of community and country make her an ideal recipient of a Top 7 Over 70 award. 

Marg recalls that someone recently asked her, “Why don’t you retire, Marg? You’re 90 years old.” Her reply? Simply this: “Retirement was never in the Southerns’ vocabulary.”

Taking philanthropy to new heights

Leaving our city a better place is a driving goal for Don Taylor, who has become one of Calgary’s most notable philanthropists by donating his private wealth to a myriad of projects. 

“Don inspires people through his ability to recognize issues and opportunities and then serve as a champion and difference maker,” says fellow philanthropist Ann McCaig  and one of Don’s nominators for a Top 7 Over 70 award. “Since turning 70, Don has been deliberate, intentional and strategic in his efforts to make life better for current and future generations through his partnership with various charitable organizations. He has raised the bar for the difference philanthropists and specifically seniors can make in a community.”

Upon receiving his Master of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Alberta, Don worked with Canadian Western Natural Gas Company. After six years he left the company to start a successful path of entrepreneurship and became president of Engineered Air, which is now one of Calgary’s most successful engineering companies and an international industry leader.

While Don is still active within the company, he and his wife Ruth devote much of their time to philanthropic pursuits. At the University of Calgary, their vision and contributions — totalling more than $60 million — have resulted in the creation of several unique spaces. Notably, that includes the Taylor Family Digital Library, which has become a true hub for campus resources and cultural activities, and the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning.

At Mount Royal University, Don championed the development of world-class facilities, including the Bella Concert Hall — an acoustic wonder — and donated $15 million to enrich the student experience by creating new learning spaces and a welcoming hub. 

At the Calgary Zoo, Don has played an instrumental role in a new vision for a specialized polar bear habitat that will contribute to the preservation of this threatened species. And, at the Calgary Stampede, he is supporting a soon-to-be-built western heritage museum. 

The son of a farmer, “Don has a great appreciation for the heritage of our province and is very familiar with the hardships and sacrifices that were made by the pioneers who came before us,” says Bob Thompson, board chair of the Calgary Stampede Foundation. “This appreciation has led to Don’s commitment for ensuring the continuation of our rich heritage while continuing to support advances in technology, science and the arts.” 

While his donations to educational, cultural and environmental projects are extraordinary, so is his leadership in rallying other community members behind these causes. Don shows us that community spirit has no age limit. He is a true agent of change, whose passion for energizing the city is evident every day.

“Don’s contribution to the community at large, his business interests, his employees, partners, friends and family are really what make him a remarkable human,” says Ross Glen, chairman of the RGO Group of Companies and another of Don’s nominators for this award. “Alberta is a better place for many, because of Don’s willingness and desire to give back.”

Creating waves of change

One person can indeed affect change in the world — and you don’t need special permission to do so. Case in point? Tania Willumsen, a dynamic woman of action who makes a difference in the lives of others, no matter how difficult the circumstances. 

When Tania — of Ukrainian heritage — heard about Russia’s attack on Ukraine, she sprang into action. She began lending support to relatives in Ukraine, ultimately helping a niece escape and settle in Canada. That niece lived near a NATO military training centre and her home had been bombed the second week of March. 

Before the war, Tania had already worked with agencies undertaking various initiatives in Ukraine, such as constructing orphanages for children with disabilities. So, when those agencies began focusing on humanitarian aid for war victims, Tania began fundraising and quickly realized her knowledge of the country and fluency in the language could help so many more people. She became an unofficial ambassador of the movement to help Ukrainian refugees, encouraging community connections while providing information and assistance to refugees about the labour market, counselling and language training.

“Tania’s welcoming attitude and unconditional support for the Ukrainian people fleeing to Canada has left an everlasting effect on every Ukrainian life she has touched by exhibiting the kindness that Canadians are known for,” say her award nominators. 

Tania, 77, took one Ukainian family under her wing, settling them in an apartment near her home, so she can be there for whatever they need. She’s helped them navigate the medical system to deal with injuries sustained during their escape from the war, assisted them in completing government documentation, and provided them with physical, financial and emotional support, including excursions to Banff and the mountains to learn more about their new home. 

It’s no surprise that Tania has become so involved in helping displaced Ukrainians. Her resumé of making a difference in the community is a long one, focusing on children’s health and welfare, the arts and education, including being chair of Mount Royal University Foundation. 

“I think of myself as a worker bee,” says Tania, who spent more than four decades as an executive in the institutional investment management industry. “I just get on with it and do what needs to be done. I’ve never learned how to say no when people approach me, so I get involved in a lot of different things, but I don’t expect to get rewards. The rewards come in the faces of joy on the people I have met and worked with over the years.” 

As a child, Tania herself lived in a displaced persons camp in Germany with her parents whom she credits with teaching her several important lessons in life. “My father said to me, ‘You know you can do anything; as long as you’ve got good education, you can achieve anything in life,’” she says. “My mother had an indomitable spirit in terms of overcoming hardships, and teaching me to adapt to all circumstances and the importance of laughter and joy. So, always had a positive outlook.” 

“We have to look forward to the future because there’s always a door there that you can open and you don’t know what exciting opportunities are going to be there."

Building new bridges to a better tomorrow

At a time when divisions are creating societal wounds, Miiksika’am — also known as Elder Clarence Wolfleg — works to bring about healing. 

“Miiksika’am is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge who is easily understood in both Indigenous and  non-Indigenous worlds,” say his nominators for this Top 7 Over 70 award. “He is a beacon of reconciliation, a window in the wall between cultures.”

His wisdom resonates powerfully for the thousands of people touched by his words each year, focusing on learnings such as this: “Take the good things of yesterday, put them together with the good things of today for a better tomorrow.” 

Miiksika’am has devoted his life to the service of others, starting with an early career in the Canadian Army and as a UN Peacekeeper. That was followed by almost two decades with the Blackfoot Tribal Police, including the role of police chief, and by five consecutive terms on the Siksika Nation Council. 

Upon turning 70, Miiksika’am began sharing his wisdom as a Spiritual Elder. Thousands of non-Indigenous Albertans and Canadians have benefitted through his blessings and teachings. 

He has provided knowledge to Bow Valley College, Olds College, the Calgary Board of Education and Mount Royal University, where he has  mentored students and faculty. MRU has bestowed two  honorary degrees on him.

“As a spiritual elder advisor, he fosters cross-cultural relationships and passes on his knowledge to . . . many students,” says Timothy Rahilly, MRU president. “Mr. Wolfleg is proof that when you have a calling, your gifts and talent get better with age. . .He has touched many lives and continues to be incredibly generous with his time.”

Miiksika’am is always willing to help anyone who needs assistance, adds Xakiji (Chief) Lee Crowchild. “His knowledge and understanding of our traditions and ceremonies have taught me the importance of standing in our own power as people of the land,” says Crowchild. 

Miiksika’am has also worked with many local and national organizations including Heritage Park, Calgary Public Library, Health and Wellness Recovery and Veterans Affairs. In 2019, he was the first Indigenous person to give a national blessing during Remembrance Day Ceremonies on Parliament Hill. 

He generously gives of himself and his experiences, including that of being a survivor of the residential school system. Miiksika’am credits his parents with giving him the guidance required to succeed through early difficult times. 

“Our mother taught us everything, about humility, about respect . . . about always looking at the positive achievements you can make,” he says. 

He drew recent strength from the memory of his beloved wife, Fran, who passed away in 2021. Following a period of mourning, he heeded her words, “Whatever happens, you have to keep doing the things you’re doing because people need your help.” 

Now, more than ever, Miiksika’am offers the healing and guidance our communities need. He provides a stellar example of peace, understanding and compassion.

Sharing a love of nature

1932 – 2020

Gus Yaki is sometimes called Calgary’s Kingpin of birding and botany — and for good reason. A former RCMP officer, Gus began dedicating himself to environmental pursuits after retiring. He started birding courses for the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society at age 72. These courses now run about 38 weeks per year and attract 300 participants. Gus has trained 30 leaders to assist with this course and also created additional botany classes, attracting 100 participants each year.

“Gus inspires with a blend of charm and deep, almost instinctual, knowledge,” says Susan Church, one of his nominators for this award. “This is offered up without preaching or lecturing — gentle nudging, yes, and most importantly with a great sense of humour.”

He regularly monitors the Elbow River, Ghost River and Weaselhead area to do what he calls “bio blitzes.” In these outings, he records every species he sees and removes all the invasive species he can. Gus also records bird sightings for national bird counts and university studies, while raising significant dollars for conservation-based organizations.

And, he is a tireless teacher, presenting at schools, parks, libraries and community centres. It’s estimated he’s presented to 7,000 people since turning 70 years of age.

One of the most remarkable trips Gus has led was one that celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday. Gus wanted to raise awareness for the need to protect at-risk species and southern Alberta grasslands. So, the spry then-84-year-old led a group of 40 people in a walk across the entire bottom half of the province. “I have driven through this area before, but you don’t hear the birds sing or see the low flowering plants,” Gus said of the trip. “By travelling on the soles of our feet, we experienced so much more.”

His knowledge of birds, animals and plants is deep, but he shares it with humour and humility.

“The knowledge Gus possess always amazes,” says Erik Butters, a rancher and deputy reeve of Bighorn County, who participates in an annual hike with Gus. “You can’t find a bird or plant that Gus doesn’t know both the common name and Latin name of. He is keen to share his knowledge with everyone young and old and his communication style is such that people can’t seem to get enough. He answers all questions as if they were the most important question ever asked.”

Now 87, Gus gets up every morning and heads into the great outdoors, rain or shine, snow or sleet. It’s inspirational and aspirational. Gus helps us realize every day that Alberta is a pretty special place and that we all have a role in protecting and appreciating its beauty. As Gus says, “Save the planet. Do everything you can to minimize your impact. Protect the environment because it’s the only way that future generations are going to be able to survive.”

The Odd Woman In

Marjorie Zingle says her entrepreneurial drive started when she was just five years old and set up her first lemonade stand. Her mother supported the venture, but cleverly insisted that Marjorie pay back the cost of the lemons and the sugar. Not only did Marjorie pay her mother back in full; she also hired her little brother by paying him in the day’s kid-friendly currency - marbles. 

She then used her lemonade profits to start another small business venture, and thus began Marjorie’s incredible journey as an entrepreneur. Fast forward to today where, at 81, Marjorie is well known for being the odd woman “in” (never “out!) when it comes to the male-dominated data centre business. As the owner of Calgary’s DataHive, she is touted as the only woman in the world to own a data centre 100 percent on her own. 

“Marjorie has made a significant contribution to the internet in Alberta. Yes, that internet,” says business development expert Bernard Parkinson, highlighting the magnitude of Marjorie’s achievements. 

Against all odds, Marjorie grew DataHive into a company known for its commitment to service excellence and for serving tech giants like Google and Akamani. Marjorie also places value on innovation and in 2013, she led DataHive to become host to Alberta’s first Internet Exchange, enabling clients to expand their reach across Canada. 

“Marjorie is a force to be reckoned with by anyone’s business standards,” says Kate Cheney, who supported Marjorie’s nomination. “Tell her she can’t do something and then sit back and watch her do exactly that and successfully surpass initial expectations.”

Currently, Marjorie is developing a new service called MyOrbit - a collection of online tools focusing on security and privacy. In addition, Marjorie is establishing a foundation for women who need mentorship in starting a business. The foundation is called “Rhoda’s New Shoes,” in honour of her mother. 

Retirement is an unfortunate waste of precious expertise, says Marjorie, noting an individual’s achievements from many years of experiences should not be thrown away just because “society and government say so.”

“Marjorie is a builder - a warrior - especially in the world of internet entrepreneurs,” says one of her Top 7 Over 70 nominators, June Read. “Daring to go where others would not, I think of her as a Star Trek heroine.”