Broncos' "Barrel Man" has died

[MMXcalibur]

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13934615

Tim "Barrel Man" McKernan, an avid Broncos fan who was known for wearing a barrel, cowboy hat, cowboy boots and not much else, died in his sleep this morning of lung failure. He was 69.

McKernan, a former United Airlines mechanic, began wearing a barrel in 1977 after making a $10 bet with his brother, Scott, that by wearing one he could get on television.

McKernan won the bet and the barrel he had painted to look like an Orange Crush soda can became his signature costume and resulted in him becoming one of the Broncos' most recognized fans and a popular mascot.

"He liked the attention, he loved inspiring the fans and had a take-charge attitude," said Tim's son, Todd McKernan, who said he was 17 when his dad first donned the costume.

"My kids grew up knowing grandpa in the barrel," he added.

The elder McKernan had attended Broncos games since 1967 and had only missed four. In 2003, an aneurysm left him in the intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction . He was confined to a wheelchair and placed on oxygen, but later recovered.

About six years ago, he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or scarring of the lung. this past September, his breathing became more difficult. He was hospitalized, but came home three weeks ago to receive hospice care, his family said.

In 2007, McKernan retired his barrel and was honored by the Broncos during a halftime show where he was presented with a team football and other gifts and lots of fan appreciation that moved him to tears.

A memorial service for McKernan is pending

[Phobia]

Bummer. That guy was a fixture. Gotta respect that.

[chasedude]

Rep to the old guy for staying a true fan to his team, even though he was a donk's fan.

[Pablo]

Cheap funeral. Cremate him and bury him in his barrel.

[ferrarispider95]

RIP

Can't fault his dedication even though it was for the donks

[Bane]

I......................:hmmm:




I hate to hear that........

[Braincase]

Respect.

[SAUTO]

gotta respect that cat, how fucking cold would he have been in that getup? shriveled balls FTW
Posted via Mobile Device

[Param]

That guy was definitely a fan. RIP

[Crush]

RIP

[RJ]

RIP Barrel Man.

[Pablo]

gotta respect that cat, how ****ing cold would he have been in that getup? shriveled clitoris FTW
Posted via Mobile DeviceWe are talking about a Bronco fan after all.

[mlyonsd]

Well that bites. Gotta admire a guy that dedicated. Great story on how he started wearing it.

The donks should ask the family if they can have the outfit and display it at the stadium.

[Reaper16]

His leagcy will live on through NFL Films. RIP, guy.

[Dark Horse]

gotta respect that cat, how ****ing cold would he have been in that getup? shriveled balls FTW
Posted via Mobile Device

Well he did die of lung problems pneumonia I would guess.

[Reaper16]

From now on Invesco Field will be IN-COM-PLETE with out him.

[BigRedChief]

He came to my tailgate one year. Cool dude. Much respect is due to hard core fans of teams, even if they are not Chief fans.

[Pablo]

That's too bad. I heard he was a real barrel of fun.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Well, bye.

http://www.theboxset.com/images/reviewcaptures/612capture_tombstone03.jpg

[Phobia]

If I had more lead-time I'd put together a red barrel for tomorrow's game. Oops. No I wouldn't.

[Bane]

Well, bye.

http://www.theboxset.com/images/reviewcaptures/612capture_tombstone03.jpg

I love that movie!!!!!:clap:

[Slainte]

I guess God needed a Bronco fan in heaven...

Safe home, Mr barrel...

[TrebMaxx]

RIP

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

If only he had jerked off a pig his life would have ben complete .

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Cheap funeral. Cremate him and bury him in his barrel.

ROFLROFL

[Mr. Flopnuts]

I guess God needed a Bronco fan in heaven...

Safe home, Mr barrel...

He needed someone to root with..............

[kcfanXIII]

must... resist... ill timed... tasteless..joke...

rip

[AZChief]

...guy was a legend. rip.

[Dottefan]

MY HATE FOR DENVER WONT ALLOW ME TO SAY SOME THING NICE....OTHER THEN
R.I.P BARRELL MAN...........YOUR TEAM STILL SUCKS BALLS THOUGH...AND THE CITY...AND I STILL HATE DENVER.

[Dottefan]

I guess God needed a Bronco fan in heaven...

Safe home, Mr barrel...

TO TAUNT...


GOD HATES DENVER ALSO...ITS SATAN THAT WORKS HIS MAGIC FOR DENVER ALLOWING THEM TO WIN.

[Buehler445]

RIP

But still, fuck dungver.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Sure-Oz]

That sucks

[notorious]

TO TAUNT...


GOD HATES DENVER ALSO...ITS SATAN THAT WORKS HIS MAGIC FOR DENVER ALLOWING THEM TO WIN.

I would say "This", but the Caps are not cool.....

[shakesthecat]

RIP

[Redrum_69]

I thought maybe "barrel man" got his idea from this:

A recently recruited lumberjack was bemoaning the lack of female companionship at his new outpost in Denver. He asked the foreman what the other men do. The foreman replied: "Up on the hill behind that shed is a barrel with a knothole in it´s side. Most of the guys use that." The lumberjack said that he could never do that, and walked away. But, he soon changed his mind, and late one night, headed up the hill. There, behind the shed, he found the barrel and tried the knothole. To his surprise, the found quite pleasant; in fact, very enjoyable.

Over breakfast the next morning, he remarked to the foreman. "Say, that barrel is truly amazing! Does this mean that any night I want to, I can just go behind the shed and use that knothole?" "Any night but Thursdays". the foreman replied. "Why not Thursdays?" asked the lumberjack. The foreman replied....

... ´cause Thursday´s your night in the barrel!

[stevieray]

Rest In Peace.

[LiL stumppy]

I guess God needed a Bronco fan in heaven...

Safe home, Mr barrel...

wait, you think God would kill innocent people on earth, and put their familys through pain just so he could "use him in heaven?"


wow,shows how blind people really are

[Mile High Mania]

Damn... I've got a picture of me, my buddy and the Barrel Man from 14 years ago. RIP.

[Psyko Tek]

respect for a fallen foe

[alanm]

Rest in peace Barrel Man.

[MahiMike]

it's an omen.