The feeling came rushing back to my brain, that same feeling I had encountered months prior: disbelief. My eyes repeatedly drifted over those six words, "Our friend Dan Cimmino passed away." Shock. Sadness. Anger. Disbelief. Each emotion overwhelmed as I continued reading those six words, never making it beyond "passed away." Our friend, our brother, our colleague was gone. I will never forget that moment I was first told that Dan was battling cancer. That initial disbelief and shock rushed to my brain, almost comforting me in a way, because it couldn't possibly be true. This friend and coworker of mine, a brother, would never face the challenge of battling one of the greatest diseases known to man. As the devastating news was confirmed, that shock and disbelief quickly turned to anger. "Why would one of the best people I know be forced to face this disease?" "How could someone so young and healthy be diagnosed with something so rare?" Then something strange happened. Dan himself, not even 30 years old, posted a video to Facebook. The video was him, alone in his room, consoling US that everything was going to be ok. There he was, recently diagnosed with that word no friend or family member wants to hear, yet he was the one showing the strength and courage to the rest of us that he was prepared to fight. A person hears a lot of cliches when cancer rears its ugly head. "You're going to fight this and get through it." "No one is better suited to overcome this disease than you." "I can't wait to see you kick cancer's ass!" There are a variety of different statements, but they always hold the same meaning - you can fight this and you can beat this. But a simple mention of the word "cancer" brings with it a certain fear. Yet, after watching Dan's video, I - along with hundreds of others - believed him. There was no way in hell anything, not even the rarest of cancers, was going to beat the courage displayed in that video. Days and weeks passed as options were weighed, treatments were started and the battle began. At the same time, support arrived from every corner of the country. I recognized familiar faces and was introduced to complete strangers, united in the same goal - displaying their belief that Dan would soon be back to normal, working at the job he loved in Orlando, joking with friends at sporting events and spending time with the family he loved so dearly. Various treatments and medications came and went, with doctors constantly seeking the best path to a "cancer-free" Dan. All the while, his attitude remained positive. Sure, there were good days and bad days, but through texts I never once felt he wavered from the premise of his initial video - I'm going to fight and I'm going to win. I was fortunate enough to visit Dan in February, catching up on everything from his job that he loved to the nephews he loved to spoil. We discussed potential sports trips that our group of friends should consider and how much fun we had on similar adventures in the past. Again, there was no sign of defeat and no doubt that all of these future plans would come true as soon as the disease was defeated. He did discuss his recent treatments - those that were working and those that weren't - but we spent the majority of our time reminiscing and laughing about the past. We hugged, hopped in our vehicles and drove away - meeting again at a stoplight, laughing as we revved the engines and cranked the music - eventually heading in opposite directions. I can still see the smile on his face and the laughter in his eyes as he turned once the light turned green. If only I had known. Which brings me back to Saturday night and those six words: "Our friend Dan Cimmino passed away." I had stayed up-to-date on his treatments and even spoke with his mother about the best time we could catch up on the phone. As my eyes finally glanced beyond those six words, I realized I would never have that chance. The shock, sadness, anger and disbelief eventually turned to understanding. Dan promised all of us he would fight until he could fight no more and I know deep down, that's exactly what he had done. Memories flooded my brain - the first time I met him as colleague, the laughs and jokes shared, his incredible dance moves and singing abilities, the NCAA Tournament trip to Chicago, our hockey adventure in Canada and eventually, that final smile. I join friends and family in mourning, but know we are all better off having met Dan Cimmino in whatever capacity we were fortunate enough to have done. There are certainly challenging and sad days ahead, particularly for his wonderful family, but I know Dan would want us to rejoice in the memories. He would want us to laugh while imagining his Michael Jackson dancing skills, appreciate his work ethic and dedication to his career, and praise the valiant effort he gave throughout his battle. It will be ok to cry and mourn, just as it will be to smile and laugh whenever the mention of Dan Cimmino arises. Gone is a brother, a son, an uncle, a colleague, a friend, and most importantly, one of the greatest people I have ever met. What remains are the memories, the laughter, the understanding that Dan truly touched the lives of everyone he met. Goodbye my friend, until we meet again. "Those we love never truly leave us. There are things even death cannot touch."
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2017 has been a whirlwind in the Melby household. Between finishing our basement (which still needs floors and doors) to corralling the two doggies, plus work for each of us, it was time for a much-needed getaway. In perfect timing, Fallon's grandparents were celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary in Palm Coast, Florida - the perfect destination for some much needed R&R. Few things are more precious, and important, than family time. It was great to see members from Fallon's side of the family - her grandma and grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins - even the extra hyper dog, Archer. The 63 years of marriage celebrated by Grandma and Grandpa Fauque sets the bar high for the rest of us and it was a joy to hear their tips and tricks to a happy life together, as well as the countless stories they have shared together over the years. Family time wasn't limited to blood-relatives. One of the most important tourist attractions for me to visit was none other than former MTN Sports brother Dan Cimmino, who now calls Florida home. Dan used to work at KTVQ in Billings and KPAX in Missoula before bolting for better weather and to be closer to his brother and a couple of yahoos that call him, "Uncle." Those who know Dan know about his ongoing battle with cancer, but my favorite part about "Cimmy" is he will never let that battle define him. Honestly, there is no friend I would have more faith in to take on that battle. It was great hearing about Dan's job at Fox 35 in Orlando (oh yes, he's big time now!) and all of his amazing co-workers, as well as the adventures with his nephews, who clearly keep him on his toes. Though we miss him in the Treasure State, it's easy to see why he has transitioned to Floridan, Floridian...what the hell do they call themselves down there?! The rest of the adventure was spent soaking up the local attractions - from the local shops at Flagler Beach, to the fresh seafood restaurants and even the Friday morning farmer's market. I was expecting a little more Pike Place ala Seattle, but means were honestly pretty Montana in the sense of fresh fruits and vegetables. Hell, throw in the knife sharpening stand and the puppies for sale and I was certain we were somewhere outside of Fort Benton. It has been years since I woke up before sunrise, packed my lunch and hopped in my pickup for an early morning drive to the farm. After a quick turn of a key, followed by a large plume of black smoke, the tractor would be my office for the next 10 or more hours. It wasn't often I would have to partake in the daily farm work. With as many as five people overseeing operations, there were just too many people and not enough chores. Still, I always enjoyed my time sitting on the tractor, listening to whichever radio station came through without static. There was fencing, feeding cows, branding and sitting in the stuffy cab of a grain truck waiting to haul a load of wheat back to the grain bins in the yard. Those farm days may be behind me now, but they will forever hold a special place in my heart. Make no mistake: farm and ranch kids learn some tough lessons and the majority will bust their butt at everything they do in life. (There is a reason football coaches love those kids with farm and ranch backgrounds.) Farming and ranching runs deep in each side of my family and I will forever respect their hard work and dedication to an ever-changing occupation that continues to present new challenges. I had a chance to head home over the weekend and decided, for old time's sake, to wake up before the sun and head down to the farm to snap a few photos of just what goes on in the non-glamorous life. Wow. Hard to believe Fallon and I have already called Helena home for a couple of months. We each hit the ground running at our new jobs, her at the cancer center and me at the TV station, meaning we haven't had much time to explore. Basketball season officially came to a close this past weekend in the Treasure State, opening up some weekends for exploring our new city and its surroundings.We took full advantage on Saturday and Sunday. Mountains, lakes, rivers and outdoor sports are all a simple drive away from our new home. First up, Canyon Ferry and a little frisbee golf (folf) adventure. “It’s so great having you guys back in Montana…” Fallon and I have heard variations of the sentence above numerous times since our move from Tucson to Helena. Humbled and appreciative, it truly is great being back in Big Sky Country. It’s the second part of the sentence that I felt compelled to address. “…it’s just too bad we can’t watch you on TV in [insert north central Montana town here] anymore.” Many people are excited to have me back on the airwaves, just as I am excited to be back broadcasting sports in the Treasure State. However, it has come to my attention that many viewers are confused as to where I work and where my sportscasts can be seen. A little background: Cordillera, the parent company of the Montana Television Network (MTN), recently bought KTVH-NBC in Helena. That means the same company that owned KRTV in Great Falls, the place I worked for five years before deserting to the desert, also owns this NBC station in Helena. I have worked for Cordillera my entire life, beginning at KTVQ in Billings, the long stay at KRTV in Great Falls and eventually our two-year adventure at KVOA in Tucson, AZ. When this company purchased KTVH in Helena and it was brought to my attention a position was available, it was a near no-brainer. I am clearly biased, but the presentation of the MTN stations across Montana is everything from eye appealing to trusting. The sets look incredible, the product on the air is smooth and the talent do a great job. If you are a loyal viewer to any of the MTN CBS stations, you have likely noticed the transition to high definition television in the past couple of years. That’s the vision of MTN –- bringing you the best-looking product with the most up-to-date news/weather/sports that you care about. Which brings me to the real point of this post. Where can you watch my sportscasts? I’ve conversed with many people here in Helena that are excited with the work we are doing at KTVH. Many have said they watched me during my tenure at KRTV in Great Falls. However, the folks from the Electric City, the Hi-Line and the more northern part of the state have told me they are bummed they can’t get me on TV anymore. That’s not the case. The KTVH signal, particularly on cable or satellite TV, can be seen almost anywhere in north central Montana. If you watched me two years ago from Malta, you can watch me again now from Malta. If you have access to your local NBC (KBGF) in Havre, then you can catch my daily sportscasts – which I highly suggest you do this evening to catch a story on two of your very own Blue Ponies. From Browning to Glasgow, Lewistown to Great Falls, Cascade to Boulder and Townsend, the opportunity to tune in each night is there, so long as your provider has us in your channel line-up. I didn’t move back to Montana because it was comfortable. Fallon and I decided to come back to be closer to the family and friends we care about. I came back to deliver the best sportscast to my ability. It’s my goal to share as many of the incredible stories we have to offer in the Treasure State. My hope is that each night you tune in for a sportscast you feel satisfied with something before you turn off the channel and head to bed. I grew up here. I played sports here. I watched the local news eagerly, hoping to catch a simple score, let alone highlights, from our game earlier in the evening. Montana sports fans are a special breed and are passionate for local athletics. I understand that and will continue to provide it. You may have noticed I’m not alone in this new occupational venture. Long-time friend and colleague Slim Kimmel has joined me here at KTVH and MTN Sports. If you’ve followed any prep sports in the past six years, you’ve come across a story done by Slim. He’s the best in the state at what he does and we’re excited to have him on our side. Two Montana boys, who consider themselves Montana sports fans, working to bring you the kind of stories you go searching for. For now, catch our work on any of the links below, beginning with your local NBC station (KTVH in Helena, KBGF up north) beginning at 5pm, 6pm and 10pm. You will also see our video and stories pop up on other MTN websites, which I have also included below. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we will continue to provide links to stories, scores and some behind-the-scenes fun. Those of you that know us likely know we have a few things up our sleeve for the future as well that we know you will enjoy and appreciate. For that, I say, stay tuned. As always, thank you for watching/reading and allowing us to do this job. Also, Fallon and I appreciate the kind words and are excited to be back home in Big Sky Country. -Richie KTVH Channel (NBC) -Helena -channel 12 over the air -channel 12 or 512 on Charter -channel 12 on Directv and Dish -Great Falls -channel 50 over the air -channel 6 or 506 on Charter -channel 50 on Directv and Dish MTN WEBSITES (click to be directed to website) www.ktvh.com www.kxlh.com www.krtv.com www.ktvq.com www.kbzk.com www.kxlf.com www.kpax.com www.kaj18.com SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS (click to be directed to page) @richiemelby @slimkimmel @MTN_Sports Richie Melby TV MTN Sports TV |
AuthorRichie is a small-town boy chasing big-city dreams. When he's not involved with sports, he's spending time with his wife, Fallon; their yorkie, Tinker; and their Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rosie. Archives
April 2016
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