Birkenhead United members and supporters are mourning the loss of long-time club president Kenny McQuuenie who has died in Auckland, aged 64.
McQueenie served United as a player, administrator and delegate to Northern Football over many years, earning him a Life Membership in 2009.
He died in North Shore Hospital on April 7.
The club is organising a get-together at their clubrooms on Friday April 29 (from 2.30pm) for family members, friends and clubmates to celebrate his life.
Sending their condolences to McQueenie’s wife Valarie and daughter Laura in a posting to Birkenhead United’s Facebook page, the club said:
“In 1991, after a stint playing first-team football across the Kaipataki bridge for the old foe, Kenny brought his talents to Birkenhead where he displayed his skill and mastery of the beautiful game for many seasons with the over-35 team and helped win their league in 1994.
“Kenny was elected club president in 2001 and served in this position for nine terms, as well as championing the club’s cause at Northern Football meetings, where his recall of events meant nothing got past him and he was largely instrumental in pointing the club in the direction to put us where we are today.
“Kenny’s tireless work and devotion to Birkenhead saw him fittingly awarded with life membership to the club in 2009.
‘A wicked sense of humour … with a big grin and twinkle in his eye’
“A staunch supporter of the first team, Kenny missed very few matches and, especially after home games, would love to get around the table with the rest of the “Old Boys” to dissect the game, with his analytical footballing brain and amazing recall, of not only the present game but also previous encounters with the opposition, made for interesting discussion.
“It was also a time where we would see his wicked sense of humour, especially if he was winding someone up, when he would always have a big grin on his face and a mischievous twinkle in his eye, fun times indeed.
“A man of carefully chosen words, he always thought before he spoke and never rushed into making any statements, which always made it worth listening to his thoughts and reasoning.
“A man we were all lucky to have known he will be sorely missed. R.I.P.
A chance to ‘laugh, cry … and to celebrate Kenny’s life’
“In accordance with Kenny’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service; he instead expressed his desire that a gathering of all his family, friends, work colleagues and teammates, where we can all retell our stories, laugh, cry, have a bite to eat, raise a glass or two, whilst listening to a few songs he has chosen and collectively celebrate Kenny’s life.
“This will be held at the Birkenhead Football clubrooms on Friday April 29 commencing from 2.30pm. Look forward to seeing you all there.”
Kenneth William (Kenny) McQueenie
Death notice from the NZ Herald:
MCQUEENIE, Kenneth William (Kenny). Passed peacefully at North Shore Hospital on Thursday 7 April 2022, age 64. Loved husband of Valarie and father of Laura.
Obituaries
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