The Weather Channel"s Dave Schwartz Has Died After Beating Cancer Twice

A Message From Dave Schwartz on World Cancer Day

By Blake Bakkila

@bcbakkila

07/31/2016 AT 12:40 PM EDT

The Weather Channel meteorologist Dave Schwartz has died after a long battle with cancer, according to the station. He was 63.

"It is with a heavy heart and great sadness to let you know that Dave Schwartz has passed away," the Weather Channel said in a statement on Facebook. "He was a fan and staff favorite because he so obviously loved what he did and had a unique ability to draw viewers into the fascinating world of weather.

"His passion for weather was contagious and inspired many to enter the field of meteorology. His passion and love of weather will never be forgotten, he will be greatly missed."

Schwartz had "beat cancer twice" before his death, according to the news station. Ten years ago, he was given one year to live after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and an unsuccessful procedure to remove a tumor, the station said. But after radiation and chemotherapy treatments and a second procedure, he was cancer free. Months later, his pancreatic cancer had returned, but he found a treatment and became cancer free once again.

But in 2015, he was diagnosed for a third time. And after taking some time off and receiving comments and messages of support from viewers, he addressed his battle with cancer on-air.

"I want to let you know the reason why I have lost 35 pounds in the last five months is that I am being treated for cancer," he said on World Cancer Day in February. "Stomach cancer, of all things for a foodie."

Schwartz went on to discuss his many battles with cancer, and encouraged cancer patients to seek out cancer-specialized centers and to not lose hope.

His colleagues at the station remember him as "the most creative personality to ever appear on The Weather Channel.

"Everything was genuine about this wonderful man," his longtime friend and colleague Jim Cantore said in a statement. "He was everybody"s friend and that"s what he really wanted to be. He made so many of us laugh, smile, and wish we were like him. He was so genuine and trustworthy things that come from the soul and cannot be taught ... I"m so thankful he was on our team doing what he loved till the end of his time."

Source: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,21021699,00.html