Ben Terry, the beloved morning and midday KPLC-TV meteorologist, died Sunday after a years-long battle with colon cancer. He was 40 and a fan favorite in the hearts of Southwest Louisiana residents.

In a KPLC video celebrating his life, he is described as a “brilliant weather forecaster and an even better human.”

Westlake Mayor Hal McMillin agrees. He met Terry on the KPLC set. McMillin gave outdoor hunting and fishing tips before beginning his campaign for mayor.

“We immediately bonded over SEC football for one thing,” McMillin said. “I think part of his appeal was that he was raised in a small town.”

He was born in Kosciusko, Miss., and attended Mississippi State University.

McMillin said it’s very possible Terry saved the life of he and his wife Sue with his urgent plea for evacuation before Hurricane Laura made landfall. They were going to try to ride it out, and McMillin knows now that would have been a mistake.

“Change the “Channel” was the reply Terry made to a social media comment the day after Hurricane Laura when someone posted he was blowing the hurricane situation out of proportion.

“I have been doing auctions for 15 years and never have I seen the response that I saw at the fundraiser for Ben Terry,” McMillin said. “The love in that room. There was a moment that you could just sense the good Lord was there.

Terry was as “fine a gentleman you could have ever met,” Sulphur Mayor Danahay said. “Professionally, he was in a class of his own. He will always be admired for his strength and courage in the life he shared with us. Our community deeply mourns his passing.”

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and his wife, Becky, expressed their condolences and offered their prayers Sunday.

“We honor you and we thank you for making such a positive impact on this community,” Hunter said. “You will always be loved and you will always be remembered. You made this city a better place.”