Former CBC host Cathy Alex, known for her infectious laughter, passion for the outdoors, and dedication to the communities she served during her 33-year tenure, passed away at the age of 62 after a prolonged battle with multiple myeloma. Although she had experienced a period of remission in 2024, her cancer resurfaced last summer, as revealed in a family blog post.
Originally from Regina, Alex spent her formative years in Guelph, Ontario, where she pursued a degree in human kinetics at the University of Guelph before obtaining a journalism degree from Carleton University in Ottawa. Her extensive career at CBC Radio commenced in 1988, leading her to various locations such as Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Toronto, Windsor, Ontario, and Iqaluit, before settling in northwestern Ontario. Over 25 years, Alex contributed as an editor, producer, reporter, and host at CBC Thunder Bay before retiring in 2021.
Throughout her professional journey, Alex covered a diverse array of stories and was recognized by the Association of Ontario Midwives in 2018 for her exceptional media coverage of midwifery issues. Colleagues and friends remember her with fondness for her adeptness in handling any journalistic challenge and her invaluable support behind the scenes.
Gord Ellis, a fellow member of CBC Thunder Bay, reminisced about Alex’s humor and infectious laughter, recalling a memorable on-air moment when they shared a light-hearted exchange about frozen turtles. Alex’s genuine and relatable personality endeared her to many listeners, leaving a lasting impact on those she interacted with.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Alex’s obituary highlighted her diverse interests, including camping, canoeing, baking, singing, nature walks, reading, gardening, and her profound love for swimming. Engaging actively with the community, she organized events like readings of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” and participated in charitable activities such as the Terry Fox Run.
Survived by her husband, two daughters, mother, sisters, and extended family, Alex’s passing was marked by a heartfelt blog post from her family, expressing gratitude for the cherished memories created during her period of remission. A memorial service is scheduled for January 14 at Sargent and Sons Funeral Home in Thunder Bay, with donations encouraged to be made in Alex’s memory to Myeloma Canada or the Northern Cancer Fund.