Okanagan Sun General Manager Jay Christensen is saddened by the news of Don Matthews death.
The legendary CFL passed away today at the age of 77.
Jay Christensen played 10 seasons in the CFL with four teams, including the BC Lions.
Matthews was the coach of the Lions in 1985 when Christensen first met him.
"Don was obviously a great coach. His record speaks for itself. He was such a personable guy. He took time to get to know me as an underage guy and got some advice for me that certainly helped launch my pro career. Unfortunatley, I was unable to play under him at the CFL level, but he was a really good mentor."
Matthews died Tuesday of cancer at his home in Oregon.
"There was obviously times where you have to get a little gruff with somebody. Don treated you like a man and expected you to preform like one", Christensen added.
Matthews made 9 appearances in the Grey Cup, winning it five times over his 22 year career.