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DES PLAINES, Ill. — A legendary weatherman in Chicago has passed away.

Harry Volkman informed and entertained Chicagoans for more than four decades on four TV stations, including WGN.

He died of a respiratory ailment at Oakton Pavillion nursing home in Des Plaines on Thursday.

Harry’s sunny personality, his sense of humor and his deep knowledge of weather patterns made him a local favorite and inspired a young Tom Skilling to follow him into the forecasting business.

Volkman died in Des Plaines surrounded by his family.

He was 89.

There will be a private family funeral and at some point a public memorial.