Former CTV Montreal icon Don McGowan has died at 85

Don McGowan, a former weatherman, host and broadcaster at CFCF 12 -- now CTV Montreal -- has died at 85. McGowan was a central figure at the English-language station for over three decades.

Don McGowan, a former weatherman, host and broadcaster at CFCF 12 -- now CTV Montreal -- has died at 85.

McGowan was a central figure at the English-language station for over three decades.

Viewers knew and loved him as the 6 p.m. weatherman, anchor of the late-night Pulse newscast, and host of shows like McGowan's World and Travel, Travel.

According to his son, Don Junior, McGowan passed away peacefully just before midnight Monday.

I learned at a young age to be able to separate what my dad did professionally from the person he was," he told CTV News on Tuesday morning. "And to be honest, that was quite easy because he's just a great guy."

McGowan, who worked at CFCF from 1962 until his retirement in 1998, is remembered as a fun-loving man who wouldn't hesitate to crack a joke or two on the air.