NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — It was a send-off as fitting as they come, as hundreds marched down St. Phillip Street in honor of the late broadcaster Eric Paulsen. "When we heard that he died, I mean it was only natural for us to give him the proper second line," said Kim Charbonnet, 6 Ward Steppers president & host of the event. Paulsen built his career in New Orleans. Eric Paulsen, WWL anchor of 40+ years, dies after battle with cancer With more than 40 years as a news anchor and reporter, he was one of the longest-tenured broadcasters in the country. Over that time, thousands of people across the state invited him into their homes through television and grew to love him. "I looked forward every day to watching him on the news, and the way he treated Sally Anne made me feel like they were brother and sister," one fan said. "Eric was family, so you didn't see the news guy. You saw your cousin or uncle and he made you feel like that every single time," another fan said. Those who knew Paulsen personally say he was more than a face on the screen. They say they will remember him for his love for his community and his kind soul. "He was a determined newsman. He was a friend to everyone, whatever the station numbers and alphabets. He was a good man and we are all going to miss him," Alfred Richard, local movie critic & friend of Paulsen said. Jefferson Parish leaders discuss infrastructure improvements during ‘State of Jefferson’ With a legacy as big as his, it seems as though the hole Paulsen is leaving behind will take some time to fill. "You can only try, and everyone I know at the station is going to do the best they can," Richard said. "He will be very loved and very missed by everyone in the nation. Rest in peace Eric. We love you," a fan of Paulsen's said. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Jake Dalmado's position change at Nicholls is one of the most productive moves in the FCS Second line held in Treme to honor legendary New Orleans broadcaster Eric Paulsen Biden suggests Trump supporters are 'garbage' after comic's insult of Puerto Rico Two hospitalized following separate New Orleans shootings Cam Jordan helps to bring food to 'high-need' New Orleans Public Schools