Former CBC host Cathy Alex, known for her infectious laughter, passion for the outdoors, and dedication to the communities she served over her 33-year broadcasting career, passed away at the age of 62 after battling multiple myeloma. Although she went into remission in 2024, her cancer resurfaced last summer, as stated in a family blog post.
Originally from Regina and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Alex pursued her education in human kinetics at the University of Guelph and later obtained a journalism degree from Carleton University in Ottawa. Her extensive tenure with CBC Radio commenced in 1988, leading her to various locations including Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, Toronto, Windsor, Ontario, and Iqaluit before settling in northwestern Ontario. During her 25-year stint with CBC Thunder Bay, she held roles as an editor, producer, reporter, and host before retiring in 2021.
Alex’s journalistic pursuits covered a diverse array of stories. In 2018, she was honored by the Association of Ontario Midwives for her exceptional coverage of midwifery topics across the province. Colleagues praised her professionalism and adaptability, emphasizing her invaluable contributions both on and off the air.
Gord Ellis, a fellow CBC Thunder Bay colleague who shared many memorable moments with Alex, fondly recalled her infectious humor and genuine laughter during their broadcasts. Alex’s genuine and open demeanor resonated with audiences, endearing her to many listeners.
Apart from her broadcasting career, Alex was an avid enthusiast of various interests such as camping, canoeing, baking, singing, nature walks, reading, gardening, and swimming. She actively engaged in community initiatives, organizing events like readings of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” and participating in the annual Terry Fox Run.
Survived by her husband, two daughters, mother, sisters, and extended family, Alex’s unexpected passing has left a void in the hearts of many. The family expressed gratitude for the precious year of remission they shared, cherishing the memories created during that time. A memorial service is scheduled at Sargent and Sons Funeral Home in Thunder Bay on January 14, where donations in Alex’s memory can be made to Myeloma Canada or the Northern Cancer Fund.