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When organizers of the new Top 7 Over 70 initiative began selecting award recipients, they quickly made an awe-inspiring discovery.

Not only were there dozens of candidates worthy of a Top 7 Over 70 award; they even found a “Top One Over 100.”

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Richard Guy, a “retired” University of Calgary mathematics professor, was nominated by colleagues for the award, which recognizes successful ventures and adventures started by individuals after age 70.

Guy is a sought-after mathematician who still publishes, mentors, travels and lectures, while also undertaking remarkable fundraising feats for local environmental groups.

As a result, Guy was presented with a citation of unique merit at the Top 7 Over 70 awards gala at the Hyatt Regency Calgary on Monday night.

“Richard Guy is an incredible example of the contributions older adults can make long after they’ve officially retired,” said Top 7 Over 70 founder Jim Gray. “He has the spirit and sharpness of a man decades younger than his 101 years.”

When Guy turned 101 last week, he celebrated with a multi-day wilderness hike. The previous month, he was a guest lecturer at the prestigious MathFest in Chicago.

Guy, in fact, travels extensively to give lectures. When he’s at home in Calgary, he’s at his U of C office five days a week, working with students and delving into math problems.