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Veteran TV anchor Dan McLean has died at the age of 78. The legendary Canadian broadcaster, who spent more than 30 years as the face of CHCH News, passed away in an Owen Sound hospital on Friday (April 24). In a tribute to their former senior anchor, CHCH described McLean's "voice as legendary, his style impeccable and his career unforgettable".

While he worked for CHCH for 37 years, his career in broadcasting began years before that. He landed his first job in radio at just 15-years-old, working part-time in Welland. He later built his experience across other parts of Ontario, including Barrie and Kitchener, before eventually being hired by CHCH.

During his tenure at CHCH, he hosted midday talk programmes and anchored news broadcasts. He was also a key member of the CHCH team that helped raise millions of dollars for McMaster Children's Hospital and other charities.

He co-anchored the CHCH Evening News with Connie Smith for several years.

His work was widely recognised with several honours, including an RTDNA Lifetime Achievement Award and the Queen's Jubilee Medal. In 2001, he was also named Hamilton's Citizen of the Year.

Reflecting on this award years later, McLean said: "Hamilton's Citizen of the Year, that's probably the one I'm the most proud of. When your peers and your neighbours and your community says that you have done enough to warrant this honour, I truly feel honoured."

His final broadcast with CHCH was in December 2008.

Closing off his final show, McLean said: "I would like to say thank you to our viewers for allowing me into your homes year after year. It has been my great honour."

Tributes have flooded in for McLean online, with one writing on Facebook: "He was always a positive, cheerful fella whenever I'd bump into him at the TV station when I'd go in to do voiceovers, or at his McLean-Hanna Studio on Sanford Avenue. He'd take time to have a quick chat or share a story.

"He was a solid news presenter, respected his profession with tidy appearance, was always prepared to help local non-profit organizations with hosting, his image in print, or straight up advocacy for places like Mac Kids especially. He set an example for us other broadcasters to volunteer our time also, and showed a level of professionalism for us to aspire to.

"I'm sorry his life didn't last longer, as he deserved that. Still, it was a life well lived it seems, and he'd want us to remember his contributions, friendliness, and that good smile of his when he greeted you. So long Dan, thanks for all you did for Hamilton and lessons we learned from you. RIP."

Another former colleague of McLean's penned: "Rest in Peace Dan McLean. Really great guy, always a pleasure to work with and be around, lots of fun times and memories."

A third shared: "I had the honours of meeting Dan Mclean about 9 years ago. Little did I know, we were on the same flight to Cuba. Didn't see him til we arrived in Cuba and everybody was getting off the plane. Of course I had to get a pic. We all chatted for a lil bit before we went our separate ways. At one point, I watched CHCH news faithfully just to see him and Connie. Sad to hear you passed. RIP Dan Mclean."

A celebration of McLean's life is being held by his family at a later date. McLean's obituary says memorial donations to the McMaster Children's Hospital, United Way of Canada, Juravinski Cancer Centre or Brightshores Health System Owen Sound Foundation are appreciated.