Hearne on the Street: Lezak Toughs Out Fur Ball After Dad’s Death

Channel 41 weather wonk Gary Lezak – a doggie devotee of the first order – took one square on the chin just before heading to Wayside Waifs annual Fur Ball tonight at the Overland Park Convention Center…

Only minutes before the KSHB meteorologist was slated to emcee the annual charity fundraiser, Lezak learned that his 75 year-old father’s cancer had taken a dramatic turn for the worst and death was imminent.

Still Lezak toughed it out…

“You know, I can’t believe it,” he says. “My dad and I had the greatest relationship – it was very, very special. When I was 11 years-old I said, ‘Dad, all I want for my birthday is to go see the thunderstorms at Big Bear Lake, three hours from where we lived in California. And sure enough, he took me. Now he’s hours away (from dying) probably. I’m flying out at 6 a.m.”

Lezak’s passion for weather ran in the family…

“My dad sent up weather ballons when he was in the Army,” Lezak says.

Less than a half hour after speaking – at 5:42 p.m. tonight – Lezak emailed the bad news: “He just died.”