Tim McKernan was known for wearing a barrel, a cowboy hat, cowboy boots and not much else.

But it was enough to make him an icon at Denver Broncos games.

McKernan, better known as Barrel Man, died in his sleep Saturday morning of lung failure. He was 69.

The former mechanic for United Airlines began wearing a barrel in 1977 after making a $10 bet with his brother, Scott, that by wearing one during a Broncos game, 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. It resulted in him becoming one of the Broncos’ most recognized fans.

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

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

Tim McKernan had attended Broncos games since 1967 and had missed only 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 he recovered.

About six years ago, he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, scarring of the lung, but in September 2009, his breathing worsened. He was hospitalized, but came home three weeks ago to receive hospice care, his family said.

Not about the money

“I’ve known Tim since 1978,” said Broncos spokesman Jim Saccamano. “The No. 1 neat thing about him was that he was not about using this as a tool for making money. It was all about supporting the team. . . . Tim was a was a model of decorum. He will be missed.”

The McKernan family spent Saturday morning reminiscing about their legendary father, who they said was very proud to have been nicotine-free and alcohol-free for more than 25 years.

Todd McKernan said his father’s first barrel was one that had been emptied of cleaning solvent, and over the years, he had acquired 21 different barrels, including one that was sold on Ebay in 2006 for $30,000.

Family members spoke of how honored he felt when he got a black-tie invitation to attend John Elway’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, and his off-the-field friendships with former Broncos Rick Upchurch and Billy Thompson.

Tim McKernan witnessed many changes within the Broncos organization over the years, including a new football stadium and coaching changes. His family said he called former Broncos coach Lou Saban “Half-a-loaf Lou” after the Broncos played a game against Miami, tied the score at 10-10, and sat on the ball while not trying to score. McKernan said, “Lou had said, ‘A half a loaf better than none.’ “

Todd McKernan also said his father admired Broncos coaches Mike Shanahan and new-kid-on-the-block Josh McDaniels.

In 2007, Tim 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 received lots of fan appreciation that moved him to tears.

But it was his experiences as Barrel Man that made him transform into a loud and boisterous mascot. His children spoke of how some opposing fans treated Barrel Man with respect while others weren’t quite so friendly.

“His worst experience was in San Diego, when someone tried to shove him down the stairs, but he loved going to Oakland Raiders’ games where he would get to hang out with Raider Ron and other mascots in the Black Hole. They protected him to the point of escorting him to the rest room,” Todd McKernan said.

At home in fan Hall of Fame

Tim McKernan was the first Broncos fan to be inducted into the Visa Hall of Fans, which recognizes costume-wearing, face-painted, avid National Football League fans, in a ceremony held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“Outside the barrel, my father was very quiet, an introverted calm person,” Todd McKernan said. “But when he put it on, he talked differently. He swaggered and was transformed. It allowed him to express himself.”

Tim McKernan is survived by his wife, Becky; nine children, Todd, Troy, Taryn, Tiffani, Melissa, Amber, David, Darryl and John; 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

A memorial service for McKernan is pending.

Annette Espinoza: 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com