Bud Elliott, the longtime news anchor on KSEE 24, died Monday, the station reported. He was 76.

Elliott worked at the NBC affiliate for two stints, from 1987 to 2007, and again from 2012 until his retirement in 2014, after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

In between, Elliott delivered news reports for K-Jewel Radio.

After leaving the air, Elliott became an advocate in the Parkinson’s community. He took up several hobbies, including woodworking and boxing.

Colleagues described Elliott as a good person and a great reporter.

Elliott is survived by his wife, Peggy, two adult children, and grandchildren.

From CNN2 to Fresno

Born in 1948 in Montana, Elliott grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was already working in radio before attending college at Colorado State University, former colleague Michael Golden wrote last year.

“He lived fully and valiantly, and he was one of the best mentors I’ve ever had in my life. My heart is heavy tonight, and I’m sending love to Bud’s wife Peggy and their two remarkable kids. I will never forget him,” Golden wrote on Facebook.

His given name was Rodney Elliott Stambaugh — Bud Elliott was his professional name.

Elliott held several TV and radio jobs before landing an anchor role in 1982 at CNN2, now known as Headline News. He also worked in television in Denver and Richmond, Virginia.

After arriving at KSEE, Elliott partnered with Stefani Booroojian on the evening news. She recalls the two gelling well during an audition.

A 14-Year Pairing With Booroojian

Management launched a partnership that lasted 14 years on the air. Booroojian said she learned plenty from the veteran anchor.

“It helped me become a better journalist and a better on-air anchor. He definitely had a positive influence on me and my career. I’m very happy I had the opportunity to work with him,” Booroojian said.

The audience felt that connection, Booroojian said.

“What you saw was what you got. I think he was genuine on the air. You didn’t see a different person — he was who he was. That’s what we strive to be as a team, to be genuine and real. And I think that’s why the audience liked him so much, because it wasn’t fake. That was the real person you saw,” Booroojian said.

In 2001, Elliott switched to the morning show, partnering with Faith Sidlow.

“Working with Bud was like working with family. He had a dry sense of humor that could cut through any stressful day and a heart big enough to make everyone around him feel valued. I’ll always be grateful for the years we shared on KSEE Sunrise. And I treasure the friendship we shared after he left news,” Sidlow — now chair of the journalism department at Fresno State — said.

“Bud connected so well with viewers because he was exactly on air who he was off camera. He was kind, genuine, and deeply caring about people. Viewers could sense that. He didn’t just deliver the news. He invited you into his world with warmth and sincerity,” Sidlow said.

‘A Good, Good Man’

Dennis Hart, a retired KMJ radio reporter, teamed with Elliott on a blog, the Elliott-Hart Report. It was a way to stay connected to journalism until the effects of Parkinson’s prevented him from writing.

“He was just a delight to talk to — smart. We loved talking politics, we loved talking world affairs, and he was a good, good man. He was a good family man, he was a wonderful husband, and frankly, I’m having a tough time right now because of all the good memories we had,” Hart said.