Jack Matheson, an icon in Canadian sports journalism, has died in Winnipeg at age 86. (Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame)

Jack Matheson, an icon in Canadian sports journalism who was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame, has died.

Matheson was 86.

He had a long and distinguished career as a sportswriter, editor and broadcaster. It all began in 1946 at the Winnipeg Tribune, where Matheson became the sports editor in 1959 — a position he held until the newspaper ceased publication in 1980.

Matheson was also a broadcaster for local radio station CJOB and is most noted for his coverage of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

His name became synonymous with the team and in 1986, he was awarded a place in the CFL hall of fame. In 1999, he was also inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Jack Matheson Award is annually presented by the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association to aspiring students in sports communications.

Matheson had been battling a series of illnesses during the past number of years and was bedridden.

He died at the Grace Hospital Monday night.

He leaves behind his wife, Peggy, and their two sons and daughter.

Matheson's grandson will coincidently receive the Jack Matheson Award this weekend.