Ottawa remembers Alex Trebek
Posted Nov 9, 2020 11:56:00 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Longtime Jeopardy! host and uOttawa alumni Alex Trebek is being fondly remembered as a generous man who remained humble, despite his success.
Trebek died, Sunday morning, after being diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer more than a year ago,
Trebek grew up in Sudbury but attended the University of Ottawa, where he graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1961.
In a statement, uOttawa's president celebrated Trebek as one of the school's most beloved alumni and one its most passionate supporters.
“His gifts founded the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue, and his namesake Innovation and Challenge Fund, as well as his Distinguished Lecture Series and Leadership Award,” wrote Jacques Frémont. “He was a significant contributor to the creation of the Alex Trebek Alumni Hall.”
Ottawa's mayor also hailed Trebek as someone who remained humble despite his successes, and who never forgot where he came from.
“Alex Trebek was an inspiration to so many around North America,” wrote Jim Watson. “He dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and higher education.”
The world lost an outstanding Canadian this morning.
Le monde a perdu un Canadien exceptionnel ce matin.
Please see my statement following the passing of Alex Trebek: pic.twitter.com/8cLHW7igY3
— Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) November 8, 2020
Flags at Ottawa City Hall have been lowered, in Trebek's memory, until sunset on Wednesday.
The Ottawa Senators, who had Trebek announce the team's selection of Tim Stutzle in the 2020 NHL draft, also mourn Trebek's death.
“For his legions of fans, Alex's class and professionalism will endure as will his love for our game,” wrote Senators owner Eugene Melnyk.
The prime minister hailed Trebek as an icon.
“Almost every night for more than three decades, Alex Trebek entertained and educated millions around the world, instilling in so many of us a love for trivia,” Justin Trudeau wrote.
Please read my full statement on the passing of Alex Trebek: https://t.co/pnAsoFSzx5
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 8, 2020
