Vale: Melville mourns for three-time Player of the Year Wayne Barton

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Wayne Barton, one of Melville AFC’s greats from the early 1990s era, when the club climbed from northern league third division to northern premier league, has died, aged 50.

Barton, or “Big ‘Un” as he was known within the club, passed away on Sunday after a long battle with cancer.

Meville United AFC have offered condolences to Barton’s children Georgia, Keelin, and Joshua, and his partner Michelle, as well as other family members and friends.

The club has published the following tribute on their website:

Big ‘Un was a tall, lean, prolific striker who also made a few Waikato appearances during the tail era of interprovincial football.

Barton was also a three-time winner of Melville’s player of the year, first earning the award in 1991, when Melville won the northern league third division.

The following season he shared the award with Shane Vannin as Melville won promotion to the first division. And in 1993 he shred the award with Darryl Timbers as Melville won the first division.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at Woolerton’s Funeral Home, 8 Railside Place, 11am Thursday September 8.

Wayne Robert Barton

The following notice has appeared in the Waikato Times:

On Sunday 4th September 2022 at Hamilton with family at his side. Aged 50 years. Much loved partner of Michelle. Amazing Dad of Georgia; Keelin and Josh. If our love could have saved him, he would not have died. In appreciation of the wonderful care, donations to www.hospice.org.nz A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at Woolertons’ Funeral Home Chapel, 8 Railside Place, Hamilton, on Thursday 8th September at 11.00am.

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