Community mourns ‘club legend’ Grant McKeen who died while playing football

Grant McKeen died while playing a game of football on Saturday. Photo / RNZ / Wellington Phoenix FC

By RNZ

• The Wellington football community mourns Grant McKeen, who died playing football on Saturday.
• Wakefield Park remains partially closed, with no bookings on grass fields until May 12.
• Waterside Karori and Wellington Phoenix praised McKeen’s contributions and expressed condolences to his family.

The Wellington football community is 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 Wellington City Council officials attended a blessing at the site by a Police iwi liaison officer.

The council said no bookings will be taken on the grass fields until May 12, with games and trainings being accommodated elsewhere around the city.

In his obituary, McKeen 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.”

– RNZ