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.
