Many of us grew up watching Alex Trebek as the host of Jeopardy. He was always a kind, patient, and often funny host that genuinely seemed to try to connect with the contestants on the show he hosted since 1984.
In March of 2019 he shared his diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and many of us could feel our hearts break. He held tight, carried himself with perseverance and dignity. He put up a fight and showed us that in the worst of circumstances, you can continue to fight. Unfortunately, November 8, 2020, at 80 years old, he lost his battle and passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by friends and family.
Alex Trebek was so much more than a mere game show host, though. Trebek held the record for most game show episodes hosted by the same presenter at 6,892 episodes. He was a symbol of dignity, intelligence, again – perseverance, and he was an inspiration for many.
In a brief clip, we see a contestant, Burt Thakur, on Jeopardy tearfully telling Trebek how he used to sit on his grandfather’s lap watching Jeopardy. Thakur even told Trebek that he learned the English language because of Alex Trebek.
Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, tweeted out the truth – we have lost an icon. Trebek instilled a love of trivia in many of us, and through hosting the show for more than 3 decades, he educated people.
Trebek had an impact on many throughout our lives. Instead of being a “nerd” or “geek”, he was said to have spent 36 years spending 30 minutes a day making us feel cool for being intelligent.
The truth is, even with a new host, there will never be a replacement for Alex Trebek. The show may go on, but in our hearts, Trebek is the true host, and will always hold that place. He showed compassion and kindness, along with an open mind and heart to those he encountered.
He was invited to many of our family dinners and made bonding with the family over a TV show fun.
While Trebek has passed on from this world, he will live on with us. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us in the past 36 years, Alex Trebek. You are gone, but will never be forgotten. With heavy hearts we have to say: truly, rest in power and peace, Alex Trebek.
Featured image via Wikimedia Commons marabuchi
