Tributes flow for Moreton Bay Lions’ Thomas Arthur McKinley

Tributes are flowing for one of the most dedicated timekeepers in Moreton football history after he passed away in his sleep. He has been remembered also as a family man who loved pranks.

Thomas Arthur McKinley, 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 12. Picture: Facebook/Moreton Bay Lions AFC

Perhaps the most dedicated timekeeper in Moreton football history has passed away, leaving behind a huge family who adored him and a club that will never forget him.

Thomas Arthur McKinley, 91, died peacefully in his sleep on June 12.

Better known as Arthur, to the point where friends and some family didn’t realise his first name was Thomas, Mr McKinley had a fiery passion for football and family.

He was a permanent presence at the Moreton Bay Lions Football Club (formerly Caboolture Lions) for many years.

He would timekeep at all the mens home and away games and even sit outside the change rooms on training nights, lending a supportive ear to the players.

Granddaughter Cherie Martin said she would miss the times he spent with her three children, in particular with her oldest son who played AFL.

She said she watched her grandfather and son chat about football for hours.

Thomas Arthur McKinley, 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 12. Picture: Shutter Speed Photography

“He was a real prankster and real joker,” Ms Martin said.

“We knew him as ‘pala’ and he would always pull pala jokes.

“He was always talking football and had AFL on TV.

“He was passionate about family and football.”

Ms Martin said he was a big support in her life and worked jobs in the government and driving taxis.

He had a number of service medals and was a volunteer and supporter of the club since the early days at Alexander Barr Oval in Caboolture before its move to Burpengary.

Former club chairman Peter Smith said he got goosebumps when speaking about his mate, with whom he had a deep connection.

Thomas Arthur McKinley with his great mate Max, who were always around and helping at the football club. Picture: Facebook/Moreton Bay Lions AFC

“It was really sad when I found out he passed away,” Mr Smith said.

“I can’t speak more highly of a man. There was no flamboyance about him, he did his job and made sure what he was doing was right.

“It was like talking to someone who had all this knowledge before I was even born.

“He was a wonderful fellow.”

Mr Smith would drive Mr McKinley and friend Max, also a regular face at the club and inseparable from Mr McKinley, to the senior and reserve grade away games.

Max passed away nearly 12 months ago.

“Despite the age difference and so on, I looked forward to every away game, I looked forward to picking him up and taking him to games,” Mr Smith said.

“He had his briefcase with his own time clock and own gear because he didn’t trust anything else.

“He would set up at the new complex and the girls would run him up lunch so he didn’t miss the action.

Mr McKinley leaves behind five children, 18 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and was a widow to his wife Shirley June who passed away in 2009. Picture: Contributed

“He’d still do the timekeeping at away games and make sure they didn’t cheat.

“When we would come home, we would have a long chat about the game, players, who played well and he had an insight into what could help us.

“Every training night Arthur and Max would turn up and it got to the stage where two seats were put out for them, so they could have a chat to all the players at training. “

Mr Smith recalled visiting and doing odd jobs for Mr McKinley when he moved into an aged care home.

In particular, a resident next door would make meals for Arthur which meant his fridge was always full.

“Those things get away from you and you wonder, I should've went there more,” Mr Smith said.

“I think if he never had footy and his involvement with the club, that he would not have got to 91.

“When his wife passed away it gave him an out, instead of watching TV and nodding off.”

Mr McKinley leaves behind five children, 18 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

His wife Shirley June passed away in 2009.

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, June 26, at Great Northern Garden of Remembrance in Deception Bay, with a viewing beforehand from 10am.