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Deb Hope, former Global BC anchor and reporter, passes away

Click to play video: 'Saying goodbye to Global BC icon Deb Hope'
Saying goodbye to Global BC icon Deb Hope
WATCH: Global BC celebrates the life of our friend and former Global BC colleague Deb Hope. Squire Barnes has more on how her work ethic and sense of humour made her a B.C. news icon. – May 15, 2023

Deb Hope, a former anchor and reporter at Global BC, has died at the age of 67.

For two generations, Hope was one of the most iconic faces in B.C.

She read the news at noon, 5 p.m., and, eventually, BCTV’s top-rated flagship 6 p.m. broadcast, usually alongside Tony Parsons.

Click to play video: 'Former Global BC anchor and reporter Deb Hope dies'
Former Global BC anchor and reporter Deb Hope dies

She also had one of the most famous laughs anywhere.

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Hope retired in 2014, and was then diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which eventually led to her living in a nursing home.

She no longer recognized her husband, Roger, daughters Katherine and Roxanne, or any other family members.

Deb Hope and her husband Roger who is a cameraman at Global BC. Submitted

Former meteorologist and colleague, Wayne Cox, told Global News Monday 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, and the smile, and those eyes of hers. She was a remarkable person.”

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Cox said Tony Parsons once said that Hope was the best audience anyone could ever have as she did not hide her emotions.

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He added that Hope was the person who suggested he wear his Hawaiian shirts in the studio as he would only wear them on location. Cox became known for his colourful Hawaiian shirts during his Global BC broadcasts.

Click to play video: 'Deb Hope’s family share her heartbreaking journey with Alzheimer’s disease'
Deb Hope’s family share her heartbreaking journey with Alzheimer’s disease

When Hope joined Global in 1981, the station wasn’t even called Global BC, it was still known as BCTV.

Born in Trail, she left when she was 18 to attend the University of British Columbia, and it was there she got her first taste of journalism by reading newscasts on the campus radio station, CITR, and writing for the Ubyssey newspaper.

She graduated with a bachelor of arts degree, majoring in French, then moved to Carleton University in Ottawa where she received a bachelor’s degree in journalism with honours.

There, she began working for The Canadian Press wire service as a junior reporter, but longed to return to her home province.

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Click to play video: 'Tony Parsons on Deb Hope’s legacy'
Tony Parsons on Deb Hope’s legacy

Her first job back in B.C. was with the now-defunct United Press Canada news agency, and after three years, she joined BCTV where she became a common face in living rooms around B.C.

Aside from her tireless work to bring news to people around the province, for more than 30 years, Hope was known for so much more.

She has represented Global and worked with countless charities, including projects for the Courage To Come Back Awards, Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way, Canuck Place, the Down Syndrome Research Foundation, St. Paul’s Hospital, the Variety Telethon, BC Children’s Hospital, and the AIDS Walk for Life. And that’s just to name a few.

Deb and her daughter, Katherine.
Deb and her daughter, Katherine. Submitted.
Deb and Roger with daughter Roxanne at her graduation. Submitted
Click to play video: 'From the archive: 10 questions with Deb Hope'
From the archive: 10 questions with Deb Hope

Donations in Hope’s honour can be made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

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Anyone looking for more information or support can call the First Link Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

Deb Hope was born in Trail, B.C., became a well-known face across the province. Submitted

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