Deb Hope, a veteran journalist and anchor for Global BC, has passed away. Deb Hope has been a DSRF ambassador for many years and a loyal ally for those with Down syndrome. Our condolences to her family and close friends, and our gratitude for the life she has selflessly given to others.
What happened to Deb Hope?
Deborra Hope, one of British Columbia’s most prominent journalists, has passed away. Until she retired at age 59 with a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Hope is best known as a reporter and anchor on BCTV’s (now Global) 6pm, noon and 5pm broadcasts. She died at the age of 67.
Global BC said in a statement
“It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Deb Hope,” “She was one of British Columbia’s most iconic faces for decades and will be dearly missed. We Thinking of her family and loved ones.”
Deb Hope Cause of Death
Acclaimed broadcaster Deb Hope died Monday after a nearly decade-long battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s, depriving British Columbia of its most cherished one of the voices.
When Hope learned she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014, she was already retired. She was unable to recognize her husband, daughter or any other family members, according to Global News.
Hope was named a Member of the Order of Canada in June 2022 in recognition of her journalism achievements as a reporter and anchor “and for her tireless efforts as a volunteer.”
Former meteorologist and colleague Wayne Cox told Global News
It is a “sad day” for the Global and BCTV families. “Deb is so professional,” he said. “When I’m working with her, she’s probably the hardest working person in the entire newsroom. Plus, when I’m working with her, it’s her laugh, her smile, those eyes. She’s an amazing people.”
Hope for the brave battle against Alzheimer’s
In a 2020 eulogy written by former colleagues Ian Haysom and Clive Jackson, Hope was described as a brilliant and determined journalist and mentor with a strong A moral compass, his infectious laugh lights up the newsroom.
When Hope started showing confusion at work, her first Alzheimer’s symptoms were noticed by Haytham and Jackson. After she started getting tripped up, she started forgetting names and faces at work. Then her family’s, then her friends’,” they wrote.
Even before the diagnosis, her friends and colleagues had begun to observe subtle changes in her behavior that suggested a difficult road ahead. Nevertheless, Hope remained a pillar of courage and hope, guiding future experts in the field.
With the help of her daughter and husband Roger, Hope has continued to live at home after his diagnosis. She eventually moved to a nursing facility.
In 2020, Roger told Haytham and Jackson their voyage was heartbreaking. After all, she’s still Deb. Still great, loving and amazing. However, she is not the real Deb and she is no longer with us. This breaks the hearts of all of us.
Deb Hope’s career
Hope grew up on the Trail and attended Carleton University in Ottawa and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. She began her journalism career with the Canadian Press Agency in Ottawa before eventually joining BCTV.
She works with a number of charities including the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation and the Back to Courage campaign, and was the face of the BCTV Variety Club for 20 years.
Deb was awarded an Order of Canada in 2022 for her volunteer work and service to Canadian journalism.
Her interactions with the royal family remain. She dined with Queen Elizabeth twice and was recognized for her reporting.
Hope’s perseverance brought her to BCTV, where she shot to fame with groundbreaking live reporting and a post-revolution tour of China’s Yangtze River Gorge.
During the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals, she interviewed Wayne Gretzky and had an emotional exchange with Canucks owner Emily Griffiths.