Hawthorn father figure and official Australian Football Hall of Fame legend John Kennedy Snr has died, aged 91.

The Hawks released a statement on Thursday confirming the news on behalf of the family, saying Kennedy had passed away peacefully.

Kennedy was described as a man of extraordinary humility and strong family values.

“It is with deep regret, that our great leader and contributor, John Kennedy Snr; player, coach and educator, has left us,” Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said.

“John will live on within the Hawthorn Football Club forever.

“He set and lived the standards that are the culture of the Family Club.

“I extend the club’s and my condolences to his family.”

Kennedy was a four-time best-and-fairest winner at Hawthorn between 1950-1959 and later coached the Hawks to their first three VFL premierships in 1961, 1971 and 1976.

He also coached North Melbourne for five seasons, and died three days before both clubs are scheduled to meet at Marvel Stadium.

A statue of Kennedy looking over the playing field at Hawthorn’s Waverley Park training base is a constant reminder of his impact on the club.

“John’s impact on the Hawthorn Football Club will be eternal and his legacy will always live on at Hawthorn,” Kennett said.

“So much of what Hawthorn is today, is because of the foundations John laid in yesteryears.

“His booming voice will forever echo in the corridors of the football club and the legend of the man in the brown overcoat, with a heart of gold, will be passed down from generation to generation of the Hawthorn family.”

Kennedy’s grandson, Sydney Swans co-captain Josh Kennedy, is due to play his 250th AFL match against the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night.