Timothy Dale Mckernan

Timothy Dale McKernan "the Barrelman," 69, passed from this life at home in Denver Colorado on Saturday, December 5, 2009 from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Born on September 5, 1940 to parents Edward and Elisa McKernan in Tacoma, Washington, Tim was the eldest of their 4 children. He attended Clover Park High School in Tacoma, Washington and then played football for Redlands High School when the family relocated to Southern California in the late 1950's. Tim married Anita Platz in 1959 and had two children before relocating to San Francisco, California to work as a mechanic for United Airlines. After their third child was born, the young family relocated again with United Airlines to Denver, Colorado and added one adopted child and several foster children to the family. Tim was always looking for ways to make a difference in the lives of others and in 1971, he became founder and president of the Colorado Foster Parents Association.

To the community, Tim became known as the Barrelman - the ultimate Broncos fan. He made an impression from his first appearance in the barrel at a Broncos game in 1978 (because of a ten dollar bet with his brother Scott). He continued to attend the games in full Barrelman attire: his orange and blue barrel, suspenders, orange then blue cowboy hat, and under it all: his orange boots. A steadfast representation of true loyalty and dedication, he inspired fans during the 30 seasons he spent cheering the Broncos. He missed only four games due to health problems and braved temperatures of 40 degrees below zero. Fans could always count on him to be there bringing excitement to everyone- yes, even kindness to fans from other teams. He retired in 2008.
Tim met the love of his life, Becky and her daughter Melissa in 2002. In Becky he found true love and companionship as she shared his same passion for football, fishing and traveling. They were married on the steps of Invesco Field on January 4, 2003. They spent the Broncos season tailgating together with friends and the "off-season" traveling to Blue Mesa Reservoir in Gunnison, CO; Mexico, and all over the United States visiting friends and family. An avid fisherman, Tim loved the time spent on his boat as well as the adventures he and Becky shared traveling in their motor home. Tim was an Elks Club member in Gunnison for over 34 years.

Tim will be remembered by his family not as the Barrelman but as a much loved son, husband, dad, brother, grandpa, uncle, and friend. His gentle nature and twinkling eyes, soft-spoken voice and quiet demeanor were so different than his public persona; yet he was still the same fun, funny, kind man the public knew and loved. His family and close friends treasure their memories of Tim just being Tim: smiling, laughing, singing House of the Rising Sun for karaoke, and playing board games over the holidays.

Tim was proud of his accomplishments as the Barrelman- from being inducted to the Hall of Fans section in the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio to being honored on the fifty yard line at Invesco Field- but he was more than just a superfan. Never too busy to stop and sign an autograph or pose for a photo, Tim didn't stop at inspiring fans and practicing kindness on football Sunday. He selflessly gave his time, energy, and money to a multitude of charities. From the Frontline Booster fashion show to food drives, helping at Make a Wish to fundraising for battered women's shelters and countless other organizations, the entire community was and will continue to be touched by Tim's big heart and generosity.

Tim bravely faced his illness with his wife, his family, and his close friends by his side. The last few months of his life were happily spent with family and loved ones.

He is survived by his wife Becky; mother Elisa McKernan; children Todd, Taryn, Troy, Tifani, Melissa, Amber, Darrell, David and John; nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was predeceased by his father Edward McKernan in July 2009.

The Denver Broncos sports-inspired Memorial Celebration on December 19 at 12:30pm for "The Barrelman" has changed it's venue location from the stairs of the Denver City and County Building to the Greek Theater at Civic Center, at 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, CO 80204.

The family requests for all guests to wear their favorite sports memorabilia, preferably the Denver Broncos; and to bring a lawn chair and blanket.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Barrels of love Memorial Fund, FirstBank, 550 South Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80226 (or any FirstBank location).

The entire family has been touched by the outpouring of support and love from the community and would like to thank the countless people who have shared prayers, memories, and well wishes. It wasn't always easy to share him with so many strangers, but there was no denying that he was put here to touch people's lives and the family could not be prouder of Tim's life and legacy. Tim will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans.