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. While she achieved remission in 2024, her cancer resurfaced this past summer, as shared in a family blog post.
Born in Regina, Alex spent her formative years in Guelph, where she pursued a degree in human kinetics at the University of Guelph before obtaining a journalism degree from Carleton University in Ottawa.
Her illustrious career with CBC Radio began in 1988, leading her to various locations such as Corner Brook, N.L., Toronto, Windsor, Ont., and Iqaluit before settling in northwestern Ontario. Serving 25 years with CBC Thunder Bay, Alex held diverse roles including editor, producer, reporter, and host before retiring in 2021.
Throughout her tenure, Alex covered a wide array of stories, receiving recognition in 2018 from the Association of Ontario Midwives for her exceptional reporting on midwifery issues across the province.
Colleagues fondly remember Alex for her remarkable on-air presence and wealth of information, with former CBC Thunder Bay producer Ron Desmoulins praising her adeptness at handling any story. Gord Ellis, her long-time collaborator at CBC Thunder Bay, highlighted her sense of humor and genuine nature, recalling moments of shared laughter on air.
Beyond her professional achievements, Alex was an avid outdoors enthusiast who enjoyed activities like camping, canoeing, and nature walks. She actively contributed to the community by organizing events like readings of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” and volunteering for the Terry Fox Run.
Survived by her husband, two daughters, mother, sisters, and extended family, Alex’s passing has left a void in the broadcasting world. Her family expressed gratitude for the cherished moments they shared during her year of remission and thanked the community for their unwavering support.
A memorial service honoring Alex will take place at Sargent and Sons Funeral Home in Thunder Bay on Jan. 14 at 11:30 a.m. ET, with the family suggesting donations in her memory to Myeloma Canada or the Northern Cancer Fund.
