Former KIMA general manager Ken Messer died this morning from lung cancer. He was 70.

Messer spent 35 years at KIMA, the CBS-affiliate in Yakima. He joined the station in 1972 in the sales department, eventually working his way up to vice president and general manager of the station, as well as sister stations KEPR in Pasco, WA and KLEW in Lewiston, ID.

During his tenure at KIMA, Messer was awarded two Broadcaster of the Year awards, including one in 2005.