Pincher Creek resident Pete Rickard recognized provincially for his weight loss results

Pete Rickard is happy with his weight loss and improved lifestyle
T. Lucas photo

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek resident Pete Rickard was given some scary news five years ago by his doctor, who told him he was a borderline diabetic that had high cholesterol and high blood pressure.  To take control of his life and his weight Rickard joined Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) in Pincher Creek.  Since joining he has lost over 80 pounds.


In 2013 Rickard was crowned 'King of the Tops' for the Pincher Creek group for 2012, as he had lost the most weight in a 12 month period.  It turned out that he had lost the most weight in the organization throughout all of Alberta, and therefore won the provincial crown as well.  He was recognized for this achievement in Calgary during the summer of 2013 at the TOPS International IRD Convention, which was attended by 3,200 people.  He has reached his goal weight and continues to go to the program.  "It's the camaraderie and the support," said Rickard.  "If I'm not weighing in, I'll go for another sandwich."

Now off of all of the medications, Rickard can control his weight, high blood pressure and diabetes with his diet and exercise.  He said that the changes in his life and lifestyle have been remarkable.

Tops meets on Thursdays at Pincher Creek's Anglican Church from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm and welcomes new members throughout the year.  The last meeting of 2013 will be on December 19 and the first meeting of 2014 will be on January 2.