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 career, has passed away at the age of 62 after battling multiple myeloma. Although she achieved remission in 2024, her cancer resurfaced this past summer, as shared in a family blog post.
Originally from Regina, Alex spent her formative years in Guelph, Ontario, where she pursued human kinetics at the University of Guelph and later earned a journalism degree from Carleton University in Ottawa.
Her extensive tenure with CBC Radio commenced in 1988, leading her to work in various locations such as Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, Toronto, Windsor, Ontario, and Iqaluit, before settling in northwestern Ontario. Serving for 25 years at CBC Thunder Bay, Alex held diverse roles including editor, producer, reporter, and host before retiring in 2021.
Throughout her career, Alex covered a wide array of stories. In 2018, she was honored with a media award by the Association of Ontario Midwives for her exceptional coverage of midwifery issues in the province.
Ron Desmoulins, a former CBC Thunder Bay producer, fondly recalled Alex as a seasoned professional with a remarkable ability to handle any journalistic challenge. Colleague Gord Ellis praised her genuine personality and sense of humor, emphasizing her ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
In addition to her professional achievements, Alex’s obituary highlighted her diverse interests, including camping, canoeing, baking, singing, nature walks, reading, gardening, and swimming. She also dedicated her free time to community service, organizing events such as readings of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” and volunteering for the Terry Fox Run annually.
Survived by her husband, two daughters, mother, sisters, and extended family, Alex’s passing was acknowledged in a heartfelt blog post by her family. They expressed gratitude for the time spent together during her remission and thanked the community for their unwavering support.
A memorial service is scheduled for January 14 at Sargent and Sons Funeral Home in Thunder Bay, with the family suggesting donations in Alex’s memory to Myeloma Canada or the Northern Cancer Fund.