‘Unmatched’ impact: Kansas City meteorologist Gary Lezak to retire after 30-year TV career
Kansas City meteorologist Gary Lezak announced Tuesday that he will be retiring from KSHB 41 in December.
Lezak has worked in Kansas City since 1992, and has been KSHB 41’s chief meteorologist since 1999.
“After contemplating for quite some time, I have made the decision to retire from my television career that began in 1985,” Lezak said on Twitter. “I feel I have such a connection with so many of you, my fans, the viewers, and my coworkers, and more.”
The television station said Lezak has been interested in weather since he was a kid, and attended the University of Oklahoma in 1980 where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in meteorology. Before moving to Kansas City, he worked as a meteorologist at KWTV-TV in Oklahoma City.
Lezak was reporting the weather during notable Kansas City weather events such as the May 4, 2003 tornado and the May 28, 2019 tornado, according to KSHB 41.
“Gary’s impact on this region is unmatched,” KSHB/KMCI vice president and general manager Kathleen Choal said in KSHB 41’s announcement. “His dedication to telling a weather story in his own unique way, while serving our community through hundreds of projects, fundraisers and over a thousand school visits speaks to his dedication of serving the people of Kansas City at the highest level. We are incredibly grateful for everything Gary has done to make this region a better place.”
Lezak has helped raise millions of dollars for organizations like Wayside Waifs and the Humane Society of Greater Kansas through pet telethons and hosting and emceeing fundraising events.
Lezak has also emceed the Cancer Action Volunteer Awards Banquet for 20 years after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called extraskeletal osteogenic sarcoma in 1999. KSHB 41 said the disease was aggressive, but after two surgeries and chemotherapy, Lezak beat cancer in 2000.
After Lezak’s last day on December 1, he will be pursuing long-range weather forecasting to help people during severe weather events, KSHB 41 said.
This story was originally published June 7, 2022 at 1:46 PM.