Downie, who oversaw the Lions’ historic three-peat of Premierships during his tenure as Club Chairman from 2000-2006, announced his retirement at the Club’s AGM after almost 18 years’ service to the Club as a Board member.
Johnson said Downie’s contribution to the Club’s development and success was unrivalled.
“It’s hard to think of anybody in the history of this football Club who’s made as significant an impact on the Lions as Graeme,” Johnson told members.
“He was the Chairman during the premiership years but also a director and one of the key contributors to the Club during the founding years.
“Graeme has played an absolutely critical role in this Club’s success and we thank him very much for that.
“On behalf of the entire Board I’d like to wish him all the best for the future and look forward to catching up with him at the Gabba in 2012.”
Downie said he was leaving the Club in good hands.
“There are plenty of good people at the helm and I’m sure you’ll see a lot of success in the near future,” said Downie.
Last night’s AGM also saw the motion to change the Club’s Constitution carried, in relation to the number of expertise directors the Board may appoint.
Prior to the AGM, the Club Constitution allowed the Board to appoint two expertise directors. That number was increased to four last night.
Long-serving director, Ms Linda Nash, was last night re-elected unopposed.
