Former Tampa Tribune sports editor and columnist Tom McEwen died Sunday morning at his home in Davis Island, Fla. He was 88.
McEwen had battled cancer and poor blood circulation that led to one of his legs being amputated a year ago, according to his son, Rick McEwen.
“He’s not suffering anymore,” said his wife of 41 years, Linda. “He has been through a lot. We were pals. We had so many adventures together. We’re all going to miss him so much.”
He served as sports editor from 1962 until 1992 and wrote six columns a week for much of his career. McEwen’s final column appeared in 2001 and he wrote more than 10,000 during his career.
The 19-time Florida Sportswriter of the Year had a blog for TBO.com, where he wrote his final entry on June 3.
At least two press boxes were named for him, as was a street near Raymond James Stadium, where the Buccaneers play. McEwan was named Florida Sportswriter of the Year a record 19 times and won The Associated Press Sports Editors’ Red Smith Award for lifetime achievement in 1993. He also was a member of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.