The Melbourne Football Club is remembering a special person with the passing over the weekend of long time doorman, Arthur Wilkinson, following a brave battle with cancer.

Arthur’s time in the role of doorman spanned the coaching generations from Norm Smith, right through to the current day.  Made a Life Member of the Club in 1992, Arthur was further recognised in 2010 for his special service in a voluntary role, and in 2011 by the AFL Coaches Association with a Support Staff Leadership award.

His love of the Club saw Arthur – along with his entire family, son Mark now also serving in the doorman’s role – become a constant presence for over half a century, literally standing at the door of Melbourne, absorbing and treasuring the people, the stories and the life of the Club.

Born before the Great Depression, a reader of poetry and described by Martin Flanagan as ‘an old bushie’, Arthur was a legend in his own right.  As CEO Cameron Schwab said, ‘Arthur was a huge part of the Club for so many people for such a long time, and a wonderfully rich character in his own right.  People like Arthur help to make up the story of this Club, and he’ll be very much missed.’

Everyone at the Melbourne Football Club shares these sentiments, and we offer our most sincere condolences to Arthur’s wife, Norma, children Diane, David and Mark, family and friends.

The funeral for Arthur Wilkinson will be held at the High Street Road Uniting Church, 478-484 High Street Road, Mount Waverley, on Friday, 25 January 2013, starting at 11 am.