Weather legend Gary England dies at 85: Social media floods with tributes to mentor, icon
Following the news of Gary England's death on Tuesday, June 10, Oklahomans around the state shared their memories of working with and watching the trailblazing meteorologist.
The Seiling, Oklahoma, native started at the Oklahoma City CBS-affiliated TV station in 1972 and retired in 2013 after 41 years of service.
When he stepped away from the green screens in the News 9 Weather Center, England was lauded by NPR as "Oklahoma's Master Meteorologist," while The New York Times hailed him as "The Weather God of Oklahoma City."
Since the announcement during Tuesday night's broadcast, several have taken the time to share their memories of the broadcaster.
Senator James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, shared a statement with the media Wednesday morning:
'Cindy and I are saddened by the passing of Gary England—a U.S. Navy veteran and pioneering force in television meteorology. Born and raised in Seiling, Oklahoma, Gary earned international recognition for his groundbreaking innovations in weather technology, including implementing the world's first commercial Doppler weather radar in 1981 and becoming the first person in history to use it to issue direct warnings to the public. His innovations in advanced warnings undoubtedly saved countless lives across the country. Generations of Oklahomans remember well his winsome, 'Let's check it out' and his celebration each week of 'Friday night in the big town.' He was our early warning and our calm in the storm. Cindy and I are praying for his wife, Mary, of 63 years, and all who loved him as they grieve his loss.'
Other members of Oklahoma's broadcasting community also chimed in with their favorite memories and the inspiration that England left upon them.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Gary England dies at 85: Meteorologists, Oklahomans share memories
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