Stuart McLean, host of 'Vinyl Cafe,' has died

Author and humorist Stuart McLean, of Toronto, is presented with the Officer of the Order of Canada medal by Governor General David Johnston during a ceremony at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General, in Ottawa on Friday, September 28, 2012. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Fred Chartrand)

Stuart McLean, a bestselling author, journalist and humorist who entertained millions as host of the popular CBC Radio program "The Vinyl Cafe," has died. He was 68.

His death was confirmed by CBC.

In December, McLean announced he was suspending the long-running program to focus on treatment for melanoma, which he was diagnosed with in late 2015.

He said his first round of immunotherapy treatment that winter was not completely successful and he needed to undergo another round this year.

The "Vinyl Cafe" radio show, which featured a mix of stories, essays and musical performances, was spun-off into bestselling books and became a touring production in 2008.

The show's stories centred on Dave, the owner of a second-hand record store, and also feature Dave's wife, Morley, their two children, Sam and Stephanie, and various friends and neighbours.

McLean was an officer of the Order of Canada and a professor emeritus at Ryerson University in Toronto.

He was upbeat about his cancer setback last December and told fans in an online message that he expected to return to work.

"I don't want you to worry about me. A year ago I told you that I expected this to be just a bump in the road, not the end of the road. I still believe that to be true. I hope we will meet up again -- on the radio or in theatres. We'll make sure to tell you before that happens," McLean wrote.

"In the meantime, look after yourselves and each other. And know that this isn't goodbye. It's just so long for now."