Latest news with #GrantMcKeen
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Football team pays tribute to 'club legend' who died in the middle of a match
The New Zealand football community is mourning the passing of 'club legend' and 'community man' Grant McKeen. Mr Mckeen tragically died during a match on Saturday at Wakefield park, in Island Bay. The footballer, who played for Waterside Karori AFC, leaves behind his parents, Sheryl and Rob, partner Marissa and son Vincent. Members of the Waterside Karori Football Club and Wellington City Council officials have since attended a blessing at the park. A police iwi liaison officer was also in attendance. The park will not be taking any match bookings until May 12. Tributes have been paid to the footballer by many from the Kiwi footballing community following his sudden passing. In his obituary, Mr McKeen was described as a 'devoted family man', a 'hero dad' and a 'deeply loved partner'. It adds that he died 'playing the sport he loved'. 'Devoted to his family, a passionate, generous and supportive community man. Loved by his family and friends. A true giver in life,' his obituary read. His club, Waterside Karori, published a tribute to Mr McKeen on Facebook, speaking of the incredible impact he had on the club in multiple capacities. 'As many of you will have heard, Grant McKeen – one of our true club legends – passed away on Saturday,' the statement read. 'Grant was a huge presence within the club for many years, as a player, executive committee member, sponsor, and supporter of all grades of football. We are all devastated by Grant's passing and our thoughts are with his wife Marissa and son Vincent, as well as his teammates and all of his wide group of friends and colleagues.' Mr McKeen was also a long-standing supporter and season-ticket holder of A-League side, Wellington Phoenix. 'The footy club also issued their deep condolences to his family, adding that there would be a moment's applause in the 47th minute of their match on Sunday against Perth Glory,' Wellington Phoenix wrote. 'We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Grant McKeen, a long-time Wellington Phoenix season ticket holder, Waterside Karori club legend, and a true servant of the game. 'Grant was a passionate supporter, junior football leader, and beloved member of the Wharfies Masters 2 side. 'Our thoughts are with his family and the wider football community.' Other local footy clubs have been sending their condolences to Mr McKeen's family. 'The Wainuiomata Football Community send their love and thoughts to Grant's whanau, friends and the whole of the football community at Waterside Karori during this time. R.I.P Grant,' Wainuiomata FC wrote on Facebook. The Island Bay United Association Football Club wrote: 'Please know that our thoughts are with Grant's family, friends, and everyone at Waterside Karori during this difficult time.' Mr McKeen's employers, Fusion 5, also paid tribute. 'One of the key contributors to our transformation has been Grant McKeen, who passed away suddenly over the weekend,' Fusion 5 wrote.'Grant and his IntegrationWorks team joined Fusion5 last year and have been influential in evolving our business to the one it is today.'
RNZ News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Community mourns 'club legend' Grant McKeen who died while playing football
Grant McKeen died while playing a game of football on Saturday. Photo: Supplied/Wellington Phoenix FC The Wellington Football community are mourning the loss of a "true club legend" who died doing what he loved over the weekend. Part of Wakefield Park remains closed after Grant McKeen died while playing a game of football on Saturday. On Tuesday, members of Waterside Karori Football Club and Council officials attended a blessing at the site by a Police Iwi Liaison Officer. Wellington City Council said no bookings will be taken on the grass fields until the 12 May, with games and trainings being accommodated elsewhere around the city. In his obituary he was described as a real family man. "Devoted to his family, a passionate, generous and supportive community man. Loved by his family & friends. A true giver in life." His club Waterside Karori Football Club took to social media to inform its members of his death. "Grant was a huge presence within the club for many years, as a player, executive committee member, sponsor, and supporter of all grades of football. "We are all devastated by Grant's passing and our thoughts are with his wife Marissa and son Vincent, as well as his team-mates and all of his wide group of friends and colleagues." The Wellington Phoenix football club also posted about McKeen saying he was a long time Wellington Phoenix season ticket holder and a true servant of the game. "Grant was a passionate supporter, junior football leader, and beloved member of the Wharfies Masters 2 side." His workplace Fusion 5 acknowledged his passing in a business update. "One of the key contributors to our transformation has been Grant McKeen, who passed away suddenly over the weekend. Grant and his IntegrationWorks team joined Fusion5 last year, and have been influential in evolving our business to the one it is today."
