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It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Triple Premiership Tiger Keith "Butch" Thompson after a short illness at 91 years of age.
Keith passed away peacefully on the 16th November in Griffith where he had lived for 53 years. Keith is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Joy, and family in Greg and Maryanne, Gay and Michael Murphy and Neil and Fiona, 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Keith "Butch " Thompson was transferred to Queanbeyan with the NSW Railways in 1953 after playing in Griffith Swans first ever South West League premiership in 1952.
Thompson then played starring roles in Queanbeyan-Acton's Premierships in 1953, 1954, 1956 (undefeated) and in the losing Grand Final team of 1955. He mainly played centre half back and in the ruck. He won two Best and Fairest Awards (1955, 1956) for the Combine in his four years at the club.
He was runner up in Mulrooney Medal for B & F in the ACTAFL by 1 vote in 1954 after missing the last 3 matches due to his mother being quite ill and then passing away.
He also represented the ACTAFL a number of times.
Keith was transferred to Tocumwal at the end of 1956 and spent 11 years there, playing 160 matches and playing in the 1965 and 1966 losing Grand Finals before retiring at 38 years old with a shoulder injury, thereby missing Tocumwal's 1967 flag.
He was a 3 time Best and Fairest winner in 1957, 1958 and 1960 and was a regular representative for Murray League including the legendary Murray League team that defeated St Kilda in 1960.
He moved back to Griffith in 1968 and was Chairman of Selectors in the Griffith Swans second premiership win before taking the reins as President for 6 years in the 1970s.
Butch Thompson won 7 club Best and Fairest and is a Life Member of all three clubs which is testament to his ability as a footballer but also that he gave as much if not more off the field.
He also had a life-long friendship with Tigers legend Alan Muir and his grand-son Kristopher Thompson played for the Tigers for a number of years ago which made him very proud. Grand-sons Matthew and Andrew Thompson both played recently for Ainslie, which disappointed Butch for only a minute or two, and grand-daughters Alexandra and Victoria Thompson are playing for Belconnen. He loved watching them all play when he had a chance.
Butch will be laid to rest at Griffith at 1 pm on Tuesday, November 24th.
Chairman Ron Fowlie - on behalf of the Queanbeyan Tigers Board, players and supporters extends sincere condolences to the Thompson family.