It's sad news to pass along. Bobby Nelson, one of the true pioneers of WBAY-TV, passed away at the age of 82.

When WBAY aired its first live television program in 1953, it was a weather show with Bobby Nelson. He was 26 years old, stood five-and-a-half feet tall, and had a crew cut which he kept for many years.

"I really enjoyed working with him. There wasn't a bad bone in his body. Good man," long-time WBAY news anchor Chuck Ramsay said.

Ramsay worked with Nelson for more than two decades. He said for many years Nelson was the identity of WBAY.

"I think about Bobby Nelson and just the words 'Bobby Nelson,' and you have to smile because that's the kind of guy he was. His personality just overwhelmed people, and that was the secret to his success, not only on television but as a man and a father, I'm sure. I know his kids loved him, and you could not help but love Bobby Nelson."

Ramsay says there was just something about Nelson that made him everyone's favorite guy on the magic tube in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

"Could have been his size. He wasn't a very big man but he didn't have to be. I mean, just a very unique, very unique man."

Nelson's playful humor made him a natural for sponsors. He did many commercials and he had a flair for entertaining.

Remember the WBAY raft contest? Viewers would guess when the frozen Fox River would thaw enough for the raft to hit the Main Street Bridge. Nelson was involved in that, too.

But Bobby Nelson will always be remembered the most for being WBAY's first weatherman.

"And he wasn't afraid to admit that he blew one," Ramsay recalled. "He'd say, 'Well, partly cloudy tomorrow,' and the next day he'd say, 'Well, you saw my three inches of partly cloudy.' He wasn't afraid to make fun of himself."

In 1982, Bobby Nelson suffered a stroke. His speech was affected, and so was his arm and leg.

Nelson may have been down but he surely wasn't out. It wasn't long before he was not only walking and talking but driving again.

He enjoyed retirement and remained a close member of the WBAY family, often attending the annual WBAY company Christmas party.

"He loved life and he lived life to the fullest, and I know where he is right now," Ramsay said.

Bobby Nelson... Truly one of a kind...

First on the air and first in our hearts.

He was definitely a TV fixture in my youth. I'd say the article captures him well.

For a second, I thought you meant Willie Nelson. Close one.

Among the items on display at his funeral was a signed photo of Bart Starr, thanking him and his wife Ginny for attending the funeral of Bart Starr's son, who passed away several years back. He was friends of many Packers of that era. He personally as well as WBAY were certainly supportive of the team.

I am not sure if i remember this guy when I was kid but I sure do remember Chuck Ramsey. That guy has been around forever.