Former CBC host Cathy Alex, known for her infectious laughter, passion for the outdoors, and dedication to the communities she served throughout 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 indicated in a blog post by her family.
Hailing from Regina, Alex spent her formative years in Guelph, Ontario. She pursued a degree in human kinetics at the University of Guelph and later obtained a journalism degree from Carleton University in Ottawa.
Commencing her tenure with CBC Radio in 1988, Alex’s journey led her to various locations such as Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Toronto, Windsor, Ontario, and Iqaluit before settling in northwestern Ontario. Over 25 years, she contributed to CBC Thunder Bay in roles encompassing editor, producer, reporter, and host before retiring in 2021.
Throughout her career, Alex covered a diverse array of stories, including receiving recognition from the Association of Ontario Midwives in 2018 for her extensive coverage of midwifery topics across the province.
Colleague Ron Desmoulins, a former producer at CBC Thunder Bay, praised Alex’s versatility and wealth of knowledge, highlighting her on-air prowess and ability to provide invaluable insights for various stories.
Gord Ellis from CBC Thunder Bay fondly remembered Alex for her humor and affinity for laughter, recounting a memorable on-air moment where they shared a jovial exchange about brumation in painted turtles. Ellis emphasized Alex’s authenticity and openness as qualities that endeared her to countless listeners.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Alex was a person of diverse interests, including camping, canoeing, baking, singing, nature walks, reading, gardening, and above all, swimming. She also dedicated her free time to community service activities, organizing readings of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” and participating annually in the Terry Fox Run.
Survived by her husband, two daughters, mother, sisters, and other relatives, Alex’s family expressed gratitude for the moments shared during her remission. They acknowledged the outpouring of support received and announced a memorial service scheduled for January 14 at Sargent and Sons Funeral Home in Thunder Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alex’s memory are suggested for Myeloma Canada or the Northern Cancer Fund.