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.
Tom Skilling on Harry Volkman: “In broadcast meteorology, Harry was a force of nature.” http://t.co/y3CFEXnwCJ pic.twitter.com/mVI2dE9S5g
— Robert Feder (@RobertFeder) August 21, 2015
HARRY VOLKMAN, LEGENDARY CHICAGO WEATHERMAN, DEAD AT 89: http://t.co/y3CFEXnwCJ pic.twitter.com/bAt1WdCBSl
— Robert Feder (@RobertFeder) August 21, 2015