Vale Barry King

[Witches Hat 494]

For those of us old enough to remember, Barry was the doorman from the mid 70's. He formed a dynamic duo alongside Arthur Wilkinson for the best part of four decades until Arthur passed away in 2013. Barry continued on until Covid effectively made the role redundant at the start of 2020.

Awarded Life Membership in 1995 he remained a devoted Demon (and Tasmanian) right up until his passing last week.

Condolences to his family.

[waynewussell 6,976]

RIP Barry. I have fond memories of trying to get past him on the door at several home and some away games. Once he got to know you as a regular, he was more likely to allow you in!

[TassieDevil 156]

His brother used to deliver us firewood in rural TAS - mad dees fans the whole family.

 

[Robbie87 161]

Great Melbourne man - he and Arthur Wilkinson guarded the change room door like their lives depended on it - should be nominated for the Defenders of Team of the Century! Barry had a gruff demeanour when on duty, but was a lovely bloke. Worked out along the way that he lived just near me on those days, so used to give him the occasional lift home after a game, and got to know him a bit better than just his doorman duties. Generally, Barry took public transport to and from games, making for very long days for him, especially in his later days. One of the old-time good guys, Melbourne through and through. RIP Barry, and condolences to friends and family.

[Palace Dees 2,422]

Always sad when one of the good ones leave us. Fond memories of being on his table at my first B & F early 90's.  Schwarta was also sitting with us for a lot of the time, and despite being a little starstruck sitting with #5, it was Barry who left the lasting impression with me of that night. Glad you got to hold the cup, King. 

RIP ❤️ 💙