Veteran Manitoba broadcaster dead after cancer battle

BRANDON, Man. – A broadcaster who brought western Manitoba its weather forecasts for more than three decades and was a mentor to young broadcasters has died.

Ron Thompson, who was 68, died Sunday in Brandon after a battle with cancer.

Thompson was known for 37 years for ending his upbeat weather reports on the now defunct CKX TV station with the phrase "Easy does it, my friends."

The longtime television news and weather reporter also lent his voice to CKX Radio, where he was a station program director and announcer.

Alan Cruise, former CKX station manager, says Thompson was a leader at the broadcast outlet who loved his work.

When not in front of a camera, Thompson loved to play the guitar and often jammed with the Westman Pickers.