Canadian television veteran Christopher “Kit” Hood has passed away.

The writer, producer and director died on Jan. 20, at home in West Lawrencetown, N.S., according to an obituary published by Cole Harbour Funeral Home and Crematorium.

Hood was best known as the co-creator of the Canadian teen drama Degrassi Junior High, which he produced under his banner Playing With Time with co-creator Linda Schuyler. He won six Gemini awards during its run, including two for his work as a director on the series.

Degrassi went on to become a Canadian staple and enduring franchise, branching into titles such as Degrassi High, Degrassi: The Next Generation, and Degrassi: Next Class.

“With great sadness and a heavy heart I have been tasked with sharing the news of the passing of an incredible man,” said Degrassi Junior High actor Pat Mastroianni in a tweet. “Kit was fundamental in laying the foundation of the Degrassi franchise.”

After leaving the Canadian industry, Hood went on to spend his final two decades “living on Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast, a place where he formed a strong network of friends with a shared love of nature, the ocean and life,” according to his obituary.

Hood was born in English to parents Robert Hood and Eve Jennings before moving to Canada in his mid-20s. He is survived by his daughters Georgia and Fenella; his wife Agnes Malouf and her daughter July; his grandson Sylvester; and his sister Nicola.

Image (L-R): Linda Schuyler, Stacie Mistysyn and Kit Hood