OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today commented on the death of longtime Oklahoma Meteorologist Gary England, a native of Seiling, OK. England died Tuesday at the age of 85.

"Gary England is a legend here in Oklahoma," Dobrinski said. "His broadcasting during severe weather and storms saved untold number of lives during his decades on television. We recently named the North Canadian River Bridge north of Seiling in his honor. It's a hard loss for his family and really our entire state. My prayers are certainly with all who loved him."

Dobrinski said in February he accepted a dinner invitation from constituents and friends Andrea and Brad Hutchison who were visiting the Capitol while working on some agricultural issues.

"What a pleasant surprise when I arrived to meet Andrea's uncle, Gary England, and his wife, Mary. We enjoyed many humorous stories about Gary's life and career. It was a wonderful experience I will always cherish."

According to the Seiling Chamber of Commerce and news reports, England was born Oct. 3, 1939. He graduated from Seiling High School in 1957, and joined the U.S. Navy, intending to be in the Navy Weather Service. He met his wife, Mary Carlisle during a short stint at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He later attended the University of Oklahoma, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and meteorology.

He joined Oklahoma City's KTOK radio station in 1971, then moved to KWTV, News Channel 9, a CBS-affiliated station in Oklahoma City the following year.

He spent four decades keeping Oklahomans informed on weather events while helping revolutionize meteorology and winning countless awards, including multiple Emmys, the Silver Circle Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Heartland Division and the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for best in the nation in breaking weather coverage in all large markets. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2013.

He retired in 2013 as chief meteorologist for KWTV.

England was internationally acclaimed for his innovations in weather technology and is credited with implementing the world's first commercial Doppler weather radar, becoming the first to use the technology for direct warnings to the public. He also is credited with advancing the storm tracker system, and was known for phrases like "stay tuned; we'll keep you advised." He was the author of four books and made an appearance in the 1996 movie "Twister," which was filmed in Oklahoma.