Don Burgess passed away on March 17, 2023. Let’s see more details about the Former WHA left wing and his cause of death in the following paragraphs.
Cause of death
Don Burgess passed away peacefully on March 17, 2023, at the age of 76. Kathy Burgess announced on social media,
Our family is saddened to announce the passing of Don “Bugsy” Burgess, a true legend on and off the ice.
Don was preceded by his mother, father, his brothers Jack and Foster, and his sisters Catharine (Sis) and Barbara. He is survived by his three daughters Kathy, Kelly & Samantha, his brothers and sisters in law Jim and Sharon, and Bill and Judy, grandchildren Duane, Christian, Morgan, Austin, Alissa, Makayla, Sylas, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.
A quick Bio about Don Burgess
Don was a very athletic child and grew up in a small community in Canada, where he learned to play hockey. He was born in Point Edward, Ontario, Canada on August 6, 1946, the youngest child of Gordon and Lila Burgess.
He began playing in his hometown arena, on a pond, or in the street. It became evident at a very young age, he was a natural. He began his hockey career with the Point Edward Blackhawks as soon as he was old enough. He moved up the junior ranks and then to the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he played for the Greensboro Generals. From there he fulfilled his dream of becoming a Professional Hockey Player when he was drafted into the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Philadelphia Blazers/Vancouver Blazers in 1972.
With the WHA he also played for the Indianapolis Racers and the San Diego Mariners. After retiring from the WHA, he moved to Spokane, Washington to play for the Spokane Flyers/Chiefs in the Western Hockey League (WHL). As team captain, he led the Flyers in their win of the Allen Cup in 1980. He retired from the WHL in 1984 but continued to play for the Spokane Oldtimers Hockey Association for several years. After hockey, he moved to Metaline Falls and fell in love with the area and most of all the people.
He was a people person and loved everyone. He loved spending time with his family and friends, playing poker, fishing, golfing, and watching any kind of sporting event. While staying true to his roots in Point Edward he found himself at home in Metaline Falls.
Obituary
Don was known to his family as Donnie and his teammates and fans as Bugsy. He was a kind, giving, simple man who loved well in his life and will be dearly missed by many. He was truly one of the greats on and off the ice.
In lieu of cards and flowers, donations in Don’s honor may be made to the Point Edward Minor Athletic Association (PEMAA) so other youngsters have the ability to follow their dream to play hockey. Donations can be mailed to PEMAA, 31 Louisa Street, Point Edward, Ontario, Canada N7V1W2 or in Canada you may use transfer at [email protected]. A celebration of life will be held in April in Metaline Falls, an announcement will be posted on the Newport Miner and Sherman Campbells website with the details. Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport, WA is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com.
Social Media Condolence
Eastern Hockey League Posted
sorry to hear of the passing of Don Burgess and Brian Elwell both were great players and helped make the EHL a great league may they rest in peace.
David Roberts Posted
Don was known to his family as Donnie and his teammates and fans as Bugsy. He was a kind, giving, simple man who loved well in his life and will be dearly missed by many. He was truly one of the greats on and off the ice.
Frank A Posted
RIP. Played against him as a Charlotte Checker and with him in the WHL Philly Blazers. Great family.
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