Alan ‘Tiger’ Nixon mourned by Maroochydore Roos as loyal clubman and life member

‘Always the first to dig in and give a hand’: Maroochydore Roos have mourned the loss of life member and dedicated clubman Alan ‘Tiger’ Nixon who died after a cancer battle.

A dedicated servant and life member of the Maroochydore Roos AFC has died peacefully surrounded by family after a battle with cancer.

Alan ‘Tiger’ Nixon has been remembered as a tireless volunteer and founding member of the Roos, as well as being a loving father and caring husband.

His wife Gail laughed as she described Mr Nixon as being a “bloody good” husband.

The pair were married in 1960 and had four children, Toni, Steven, Danny and Connie, plus six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His eldest daughter Toni said Mr Nixon died on Wednesday, November 3 surrounded by loved ones.

He was 82.

Mrs Nixon said her husband had been a healthy man up until the prostate cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Both Mr and Mrs Nixon were made life members of Maroochydore, having been involved with the club’s grassroots since 1979.

She said from the 1970s to the 1990s their life revolved around the mighty Roos.

“He was best mates to everyone at the club and would manage the bar until he’d get in trouble (from me) for staying so late,” Mrs Nixon said.

“We practically lived at the club in the early days.

“But he was a good father and a good mate, always lending a hand where he could.”

Mrs Nixon said her husband had earned the nickname when he was 13 from the phrase ‘little tiger’.

Fellow life member and former coach Wes Parry said Mr Nixon had played a pivotal role in the construction of the club’s old facility along Wises Road, which eventually made way for an IGA shopping centre.

Mr Parry, 76, said Mr Nixon was a well-respected man who gave his time willingly to help the club and a generation of juniors.

“He was a down to earth fellow, very friendly and just wanted to help out with football,” Mr Parry said.

“Every club is always short of good volunteers and he was always there to help, always the first to dig in and give a hand.

“So many from back in those days are sadly no longer with us.”

Mr Nixon fathered four children and had six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Picture: Contributed

Further tributes flowed on the Roos’ social media channels.

Newly elected Roos president Brad Saunders expressed his sincere condolences to Mr Nixon’s family on behalf of the club, committee and its players.

Mrs Nixon invited anyone who knew her husband or were involved with the club to attend a gathering at their family home in Maroochydore to have a barbecue, a beer and reminisce.

It will be held from 1pm at Maroochydore with full details on the club’s social media.