Former CBC host Cathy Alex is being fondly remembered for her infectious laughter, love of nature, and dedication to the communities she served over her 33-year career. Alex passed away on Monday after battling multiple myeloma for several years. Despite achieving remission in 2024, her cancer resurfaced last summer, as shared in a family blog post.
Originally from Regina, Alex spent her formative years in Guelph, Ontario. She pursued a degree in human kinetics at the University of Guelph and later earned a journalism degree from Carleton University in Ottawa.
Her tenure with CBC Radio commenced in 1988, taking her to various locations such as Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Toronto, Windsor, Ontario, and Iqaluit before settling in northwestern Ontario. She dedicated 25 years to CBC Thunder Bay, serving in roles including editor, producer, reporter, and host before retiring in 2021.
Throughout her career, Alex covered a diverse array of stories and received recognition from the Association of Ontario Midwives in 2018 for her exceptional reporting on midwifery issues across the province.
Colleagues fondly recall Alex’s professionalism and sense of humor. Former CBC Thunder Bay producer Ron Desmoulins praised her versatility and ability to handle any story with ease. Gord Ellis, who worked alongside Alex for the entirety of her northwestern Ontario career, highlighted her genuine nature and penchant for laughter.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Alex was an avid outdoors enthusiast with interests in camping, canoeing, baking, singing, and swimming. She was also actively involved in community service, organizing events like readings of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” and volunteering for the Terry Fox Run annually.
Alex is survived by her husband Alisdair, two daughters, mother, sisters, and extended family. The family expressed gratitude for the time they had together during her remission and thanked the community for their support.
A memorial service is scheduled for January 14 at Sargent and Sons Funeral Home in Thunder Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alex’s memory are encouraged to Myeloma Canada or the Northern Cancer Fund.
