Friday, November 7, 2014

R.I.P.: Longtime San Diego Broadcaster Larry Himmel

Longtime San Diego radio/television broadcaster Larry Himmel has died from brain cancer at the age of 68.

Himmel reported on weather or sports for years for KFMB-TV but was known by so many for his ability to bring memorable stories about San Diego.

Former colleagues describe him as witty, funny, insightful, genuine and an iconic San Diego personality.

“What you see on screen, that’s exactly who he is off camera,” colleague Hank Bauer said in a video tribute.

He started his career on radio in 1969 as night DJ at WSIV-AM in Pekin, IL, and later hosted at WJOB-AM in Hammond, IN and CJOM in Detroit-Windsor.  He moved to San Diego and hosted for six years at KGB-FM and later at KFMB-FM (B100), moving into TV.

Himmel started as a feature TV reporter in San Diego in 1979. Part of that long television career was spent at KNSD. He also produced a half-hour comedy show for years.

Larry's talent transcended all subject matters, said NBC 7's Marianne Kushi who once worked with Himmel.

"He was not the 'Jack of All Trades', he was the master of all of them," Kushi said. "He found the little stories, those little gems of San Diego and shared them with us."

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