How Did Deb Hope Die? Bio, Age, Career, Family, Obituary, Cause of Death
Deb Hope, a longtime reporter, and anchor for Global BC, has died. Deb Hope was a DSRF Ambassador for many years and a devoted ally of those with Down syndrome. We send our condolences to her family and close friends and are grateful for her life of selfless devotion to others.
What Happened to Deb Hope?
One of British Columbia’s most renowned journalists, Deborra Hope, passed away. Until she retired at age 59 due to an early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Hope was best known for her work as a reporter and anchor at BCTV’s (now Global) 6 p.m., noon, and 5 p.m. broadcasts. She passed away in her 67s.
Global B.C. said in a statement
“It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Deb Hope,” “She was one of the most iconic faces in B.C. for decades and will be deeply missed. We are thinking of her family and loved ones.”
Deb Hope Cause of Death
Deb Hope, an acclaimed broadcaster, died her nearly ten-year fight with early-onset Alzheimer’s on Monday, leaving British Columbia without one of its most cherished voices.
When Hope learned of her Alzheimer’s diagnosis back in 2014, she had already retired. According to Global News, she was unable to recognize her husband, her daughters, or any other members of her family.
Hope was named a member of the Order of Canada in June 2022 in recognition of her achievements in journalism as a reporter and anchor “and for her tireless involvement as a volunteer.”
Former meteorologist and colleague, Wayne Cox, told Global News
It was a “sad day” for the Global and BCTV families. “Deb was such a professional,” he said. “She was probably the hardest-working person in the entire newsroom when I worked with her. Also, when I worked with her, it was the laugh, the smile, and those eyes of hers. She was a remarkable person.”
Hope’s Brave Battle with Alzheimer’s
In a tribute penned in 2020 by former colleagues Ian Haysom and Clive Jackson, Hope was described as a talented and determined journalist and mentor with a strong moral compass whose infectious laugh brightened the newsroom.
Hope’s first Alzheimer’s symptoms were noticed by Haysom and Jackson when she started to exhibit bewilderment at work. She had started to forget names and faces at work after she started to stumble over them. Then those of her family, then those of her friends,” they penned.
Even before the diagnosis, her friends and coworkers had begun to observe small changes in her behavior, which hinted at the difficult road ahead. Despite this, Hope persisted in becoming a pillar of courage and hope, mentoring upcoming experts in the field.
Hope continued to live at home with the assistance of her daughters, husband Roger, and after the diagnosis. She eventually relocated to a nursing facility.
In the year 2020, Roger told Haysom and Jackson that their voyage had been heartbreaking. She’s still Deb, after all. Still fantastic, loving, and stunning. However, she is not the actual Deb, and she is no longer with us. And that hurts all of our hearts.
Deb Hope’s Career
Hope was raised in Trail and went to Carleton University in Ottawa as well as the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. She began her journalism career in Ottawa with The Canadian Press before finally joining BCTV.
She collaborated with numerous charities, including the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation and the Courage to Come Back campaign, and was the face of BCTV’s Variety Club for 20 years.
Deb received an appointment to the Order of Canada in 2022 for her volunteer work and services to Canadian journalism.
Her interactions with the royal family persisted; she had meals with Queen Elizabeth twice and was recognized for her reporting.
Hope’s perseverance brought her to BCTV, where she immediately made a name for herself by reporting live in a ground-breaking manner and traveling China’s Yangtze River Gorge after the revolution.
At the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals, she interviewed Wayne Gretzky and enjoyed an emotional encounter with Canucks owner Emily Griffiths.