True to his character, Steve Frazier stayed positive through his last ordeal.
Frazier, 50, Fox 9's popular meteorologist, died Wednesday of pancreatic cancer that had been diagnosed three years ago.
"Steve was one of a kind. Never a negative word passed by his lips — a true beacon of positivity," the station said in a statement Wednesday. "He was a magnet for making new friends and delighted in his old friends."
Frazier had worked as weekend meteorologist and in other capacities at Channel 9 since 2012. Though his weather forecasts didn't always bring the most welcome news, "he was a one-man PR firm, making even the worst news somehow OK," the statement said.
Frazier's wit and humor allowed him to connect with thousands of viewers and legions who followed him on social media. On Wednesday, hundreds took to Facebook and Twitter to express their condolences.
He had openly shared his medical battle on his Facebook page, posting many photos of his visits with friends, co-workers and fans and continually thanking them for their support and good wishes.
"I had hope that his positive attitude would bring a miracle," wrote Pam Stein on the Fox 9 Facebook page. "A great man and inspiration to all about living life to the fullest. Steve will be missed."
Colleague Timothy Blotz posted, "It's with a broken heart and a puddle of tears that I have to share we've lost our friend ... Through his brave battle with cancer ... many of you have kept our friend in your prayers. It sustained him through this journey. May God bless you all."
Others posted heartfelt tributes and recalled some of his quirky and humorous moments on the air. One night he arrived on the set with a hanger still stuck in the back of his suit jacket. True to form, Frazier didn't skip a beat and went on with his forecast while co-anchors Blotz and Karen Scullin laughed uncontrollably.
A video clip of the shtick posted March 28, 2015, on YouTube has been watched 2.6 million times.
In recent days Frazier told many friends that he was "at peace."
"Steve made everyone who met him a better person," the station's statement said.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768
