The True Anchorman

When we were in college, we would occasionally poke fun at Gary Lezak during his televised weather reports. Without fail, our roommate would say, “Annie … he had cancer.” We would sigh, roll our eyes and feel totally guilty.

It’s just that he makes such an easy target for Kansas City’s jaded, cynical types. He’s cheerful. He’s from California. He’s a weatherman, for chrissakes.

But in light of recent events, we feel it’s time to confess: We secretly adore Gary. He genuinely enjoys his job, at least by all outward appearances. He refused to grow a stupid mustache for a radio morning show.

And then, last week, he had to put down his 16-year-old dog, Windy. His response to the outpouring of public support couldn’t have been more sincere.

We’re talking TV news, after all, a game where nobody would’ve been surprised if a jackass producer made Gary take a camera crew with him to the vet. But no, Lezak didn’t pimp this.

Instead, Gary’s fans were invited to leave condolences on his KSHB Channel 41 blog. They accepted — heartily. Among the 800-plus posts, some were long: “Gary … you have not been blogging … Jack Russell terrier … wonderful dad … broke down crying … I’m so sorry.” Others were painful to read: “Barney was 12 when I had to have him put down. My other dog knew something was up and howled as we left for the vet.” And weird: “I will love on my dog a little extra tomorrow and think of you and Windy.” Gary responded to a lot of them personally. Which is so thoughtful. So unselfish. So nice.

That’s why this week we love Gary Lezak.