City reacts to passing of beloved Sudbury icon Alex Trebek

Sudbury mayor on passing of Alex Trebek Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger reacts to the passing of native Sudburian and Jeopardy Host Alex Trebek, remembering his 2015 visit.

SUDBURY — As the world reacts to the passing of Alex Trebek, Sudbury mayor releases a statement with a city mourning its most famous resident.

He passed away on Sunday at the age of 80 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Trebek was born-and-raised in Sudbury where he attended elementary at Ecole St-Louis-de-Gonzague in the city's downtown.

He his broadcasting career at the CBC in 1961.

In 1984, he moved to the United States and landed Jeopardy! where he would remain the host for over three decades.

In March 2019, Trebek made his diagnosis public and maintained his all-famous charisma and grace despite being open about the physical challenges associated with chemotherapy.

He remained in his role as the host of Jeopardy! and became a role-model for others living with cancer.

Trebek's accolades include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a TCA Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Outstanding Game Show Host Emmy Awards.  He is recognized around the globe for his contribution to humanitarian causes and was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017.

While Trebek had not been living in Canada for some time, the Sudbury, Ont. native was still an active ambassador for the city and was involved in numerous high-profile events that brought global opportunities to the area.

In 2015, he returned to Sudbury and welcomed participants of The Amazing Race Canada in what was then one of the country’s biggest TV shows.

In coordination with the producers of the show, the opportunity was made possible in partnership with Ontario Tourism, Tourism Northern Ontario, and the City of Greater Sudbury’s Economic Development.

The city’s, then newly elected, Mayor Brian Bigger called it “an endorsement (that) will certainly increase the awareness of Greater Sudbury as a tourism destination, as well as a center for mining, innovation, education, and healthcare.”

In a statement released Sunday afternoon, Mayor Bigger expressed his condolences to the Trebek family and credited the icon with showcasing Sudbury to the world.

“Alex Trebek enjoyed international stardom while still maintaining that northern charm and spirit that followed him wherever he went,” said Bigger in the statement.

“Alex was an amazing ambassador for Greater Sudbury and was truly responsible for putting our city on the map for the world to know.  He was loved, respected and he will be missed.  However his legacy and memory will long be part of Greater Sudbury’s proud history.”

Bigger says the city plans to create a virtual book of condolences in the coming says where residents can leave messages for the Trebek family.

Flags at City Hall will also be lowered to half-staff in memory of Trebek.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.