Nick Charles, CNN's First Sports Anchor, Dies

Nick Charles died today after a two-year battle with bladder cancer. The CNN sports anchor and boxing mainstay was 64.

While the world knew Charles for his sportscaster days, it was his battle with cancer that inspired tens of thousands of people. In a recent CNN.com article, he talked openly about the dying process and preparing his family for when he was gone. He made birthday video diaries for his 5-year-old daughter, Giovanna, in the years to come.

"This is a gift from God where I need to build these memories for her, so that I'm not a blur," he said. "I feel that when I go, that I'm going to prepare a place for my daughter and my wife. I'm going to be in their heart and soul. I tell them that every day."

His message, he said, is to "never give up on life."

"It's an imperfect world, but, boy, it's still beautiful."

Renowned CNN sports broadcaster Nick Charles dies at 64 [CNN]

Facing death, CNN's Nick Charles embraces life [WXIA 11]