The minor hockey community in Pelham is saddened by the loss of
local icon and major hockey supporter Mr. Doug Burr last week.
The Pelham Minor Hockey Association would like to extend our
collective deepest sympathies to the Burr, McWilliams and Sviergula families
during this time!
Mr.
Burr has been involved in Pelham minor hockey for over two decades, as a local
business owner (Tim Hortons), and most recently as a grandfather of three Pelham Panther players.
He was at the arena morning or night
supporting his/our teams and contributing positivity and good will to all of those
who he crossed paths with. His presence in the stands was always full of smiles and support.
Doug was also a strong supporter of getting Pelham a new arena – Mayor Dave has frequently commented on Doug’s constant little reminders over the years that he gave local politicians about the need for something bigger and better in Pelham for local minor hockey. Doug and his family were witness to this coming to reality with the new Pelham Community Centre, and on May 11 in a private ceremony, there was Doug & Susan and family, front and centre to personally support the facility with a donation!
Here is the photo from that day.
However, Doug’s contributions did not stop there. Larry Frost, current Silver Stick International Commissioner, recalls many stories of Doug in and around the PMHA. Larry stated that Doug was always there to help, even with the little things. “I don’t think we had much need to purchase pucks as they arrived in my garage and sometimes just up against my garage door. All you had to do was to ask and they would appear.”
There was many a Saturday morning, sometimes at 7 am sharp, where coffee would appear for the volunteers, Timbits for the players, and there was Doug just there to thank everyone for playing hockey. During times when Tim Hortons would offer their yearly player gifts, whether it be a Sidney Crosby mini-stick or a specialty mini-Zamboni toy, Doug would deliver the boxes bright and early right in to the dressing room to make sure that every child received their gift. We would thank him for Tim Hortons contributing; but he in turn would thank us for participating in this great sport!
PMHA Past President Byron Sinclair has also had a lengthy relationship with Doug over the years at the Pelham Arena. Byron recalls Doug’s burning desire to see a new facility come to life in the Town of Pelham. “He was a huge advocate in the development for the building of a new twin pad which is now within the Pelham Community Centre. Over the years, he was involved on committees that presented their concerns for a new facility. Doug was also known for dropping in at the Mayor's office on a number of occasions bringing him information on other facilities that had been built. I know that he had gone to a number of meetings that the Mayor had held in regard to the new development as well, and of course he became a major donor for the new project.”
Perhaps Larry Frost sums up the best when encapsulating what Doug Burr brought to our association “He supported PMHA from the minute he opened shop way back when the store was on Hwy #20 at the Plaza. There were cookies for the pizza parties, frequently sponsored the Regional Silver Stick and local Rep teams, was awarded the Mr. Hockey of the PMHA...he did so much to help us.”
The PMHA would like to thank Doug and Susan Burr on all that they brought to our association and the local hockey scene with the years of support and involvement from Doug directly! We will miss seeing his friendly face and great attitude at the arena!
Here is a link to Mr. Burr’s announcement:
http://yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/obituary.asp?oid=1044764
The Family invites friends to St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church, Fonthill on Saturday October 14th where a Funeral Mass will take place at 11 am. Celebration to follow at PLEASANTVIEW FUNERAL HOME , 2000 Merrittville Highway (905 -892-1699), Reception Centre at 12 noon. In lieu of all flowers, donations to Wellspring Niagara or Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research would be appreciated.
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