Brendan Burke Obituary

Miami University student Brendan Burke, 21, a manager for the RedHawks' hockey team and son of Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager and President Brian Burke, died Friday, Feb. 5, from injuries sustained in a two-car accident in Indiana.

Published by Journal-News from Feb. 6 to Feb. 11, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Brendan Burke

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87 Entries

dear brendan although we will never know each other you are part of the glbt community and i am so proud of what you did for other hockey players and any sports player for that matter,coming out and being proud of who you are.
you are up in heaven god was there for you with open arms.

Billy Brown

billy brown

March 23, 2010

Prayers and thoughts to the Burke Family during such a difficult period.

Don Guthrie

March 1, 2010

I can't imagine how difficult this time has been for you and your family. I admire your dedication to US Hockey, and I'm sure Brendan is very proud of you and the team, no matter what color medal you received. My sincere condolences, and thank you for being such a great example of strength in the face of terrible tragedy.

February 28, 2010

Brian, my sympathies to you and your family. I think it is incredible how you have decided to honor your son's memory and am certain from what I have read about your son, that he would be proud of you as well.

Kathryn

February 28, 2010

Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Mark and Sue Ohnstad, Bloomington, MN

Sue and Mark Ohnstad

February 28, 2010

Very sorry to hear of your loss.
Baldermann family Atco, NJ

Fred Baldermann

February 28, 2010

We are sorry to hear about your loss. My son David was a good friend of Brendan's during their freshman year at Miami. I was stunned to read about it today in the paper. My condolences to your family.

Andy Licherdell

February 28, 2010

My condolances.

d c

February 27, 2010

God bless you and your family during this difficult time. As we gather to cheer on our boys and celebrate our great sport, your family is in my prayers. Kevin Hanson (Colonia, NJ)

February 26, 2010

Such a tragedy. My condolences to the Burke family from hockey fan in Oklahoma. My hockey friends and I were stunned to hear of Brendan's death. We had read about him on John Buccigross's column on espn.com. Brendan sounded like a true hero for fighting for what he believed in. How refreshing in an era of people who hate so much to find a young man who fought FOR something. And something noble at that. His work doesn't end with his death. Others will carry on fighting for equality even if it makes some folks uncomfortable. Again, sorry for your loss.

Doug Wood

February 22, 2010

So very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

Miriam Brainard

February 21, 2010

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Peck Family (Long Island, NY)

February 21, 2010

Very heart-felt condolences on the loss of Brendan. My prayers are with the family in this very difficult time.
Respectfully,

J.K. Mathews

February 18, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. As the hockey world gathers to celebrate our great sport know that Brendan will be remembered.

Dan Bresnahan

February 16, 2010

Dear Burke Family, You are in our prayers as is Brendan. May you find comfort in God's love during this difficult time.

Maureen Ibbetson

February 16, 2010

Dear Burke family,

Our deepest condolences. May you find comfort in your faith.
Respect and God Bless

Rich De Lisle

February 16, 2010

May the Lord give him skates istead of wings. His gifts and spirit to the game, may they live on forever. God Bless

Jake Supple

February 15, 2010

Our hearts and prayers are with Brian and the Burke family at this time. Brendan was an inspiration. God Bless.
-Andrea, Team USA and Anaheim Ducks fan

Andrea

February 15, 2010

Brian:

I am very sorry for your loss and will remember your son in my prayers.

Jon T. (Terry) Moody
PC Class of '76

Jon Moody

February 15, 2010

To The Burke family

I will say a Rosary for you and your son. I will offer a Chaplet of the Divine Mercy in his name.. May he rest in Peace! I hope your family sees and pursues the silver lining GOD has offered your Family in his Honor.
May your family appreciate the Joy your son is enjoying in eternal Happiness! God Bless Keep Smiling

Kevin McCarthy

February 15, 2010

I would like to send my condolences to the entire Burke family. Please take comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your grief and the prayers and well wishes of my family and the hockey community are with you in your time of sorrow.

John Shartzer

February 15, 2010

Our hearts are with each of you as are our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Catherine, Marly and James

Catherine Babcock

February 15, 2010

Brendan Burke was a hero to many people in the United States and Canada. Certain people radiate integrity when they speak, and heroism through their actions. Brendan was obviously one of those people.

Please know that Brendan's family and friends are in the thoughts and prayers of people all over the world during this difficult time.

I shared Brendan's story with my own father. Brendan positively effected the lives of people he never even knew. If the words of a stranger can offer any comfort at all, please know that we have tremendous sympathy for your grief.

Luke Phelps

February 11, 2010

Thoughts and prayers for the Burke family. Everything I have read about Brendan talks about what a great kid he was and what a great friend and teamate he was to many.

Casey Jorgensen

February 11, 2010

A hearty thought for Brendan and all your family in this sad moment. May the Lord help you all to find the way to go on. From Daniela, an Italian USA team fan

DANIELA BERNARD

February 11, 2010

Dear Burke Family,

I had the pleasure of meeting Brendan two weekends ago at Miami of Ohio and spent time with him this past weekend at Michigan State. I recognized how amazing he was from the moment I met him. I feel blessed to have been apart of his life for the few short weeks that I have known him. Know that my thoughts are with you.

Olivia Enright

February 11, 2010

stay united and strong, just as your son was
xo
white rock bc

February 10, 2010

Dear Brian Burke and Family, you have our condolences in your time of grieving. We're so sorry to hear about your loss. Our deepest sympathies are with the whole family. You and your family are in our prayers.

Jim Cembrook

February 10, 2010

Dear Brian,
We were deeply saddened on the sudden passing of your son, Brendan. We know this is a difficult time for you and your family. May you all find the strength and courage to get through the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Jeff and Nancy Nixon

February 9, 2010

I am so sorry for the loss of your son; something no parent should have to suffer through. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. From all of the articles I've read about Brendan, he was an oustanding young man who will be missed on earth but leading from heaven!

Kate Eberle

February 9, 2010

Dear Burke Family,
Our deepest sympathy to each of you. Brendan touched the lifes of many and will be missed by all of us. May the Lord comfort you during this time and know that he loves you and will get you through this tough time. Our family will be praying for you.

The Saksa Family

February 9, 2010

Dear Brian and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy is with you at your time of sorrow. Brendan and your entire family will remain in my prayers.

Pete Merkle (Orangeburg, NY)

February 9, 2010

Dear Burke Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today to express my sincere sorrow on the news of Brendan's passing. He was a courageous young man who blessed and benefited the lives of countless parents and children through his honesty and love. We are all better people having learned from him.
May each of you be able to be rely on the support of your many friends and your family in this most difficult time. My wish is that you take some comfort in knowing the positive impact that he had on the lives of others and that your lives will cherish the fond and positives memories of his time spent with you.

Joe Mallen

February 9, 2010

Mr. Burke,
This devastating loss can only be answered through the enduring grace of one day at a time. I offer my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Craig Heaslip

February 9, 2010

Hi Brian and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss and offer our deepest condolences. Brendan will be remembered as a young man of tremendous courage. Our prayers will be with you and your family.

The Heap Family

February 9, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to you. The great legacy of your son will live on in sport and in society. He was truly loved by all those who came in contact with him.
It was hard to fight back tears during the moment of silence at Steve Cady Arena. Your son was a great man.

John Lintner

February 9, 2010

i went to undergrad at ohio state and grad school at boston university. close friends of my family played hockey for miami (oh) about 4 decades ago. the 2009 frozen four championship game was one of the greatest sporting events i've ever witnessed - a miraculous win for bu, and a hard-fought loss by a very talented miami team. i was so inspired, and proud, when i first read the espn.com story a few months ago, and have tried to follow any more news since - and was (and am still) so looking forward to watching brendan's dad with team usa in vancouver! brendan had such an amazing path ahead of him, it would have been incredible to follow his career into the nhl. i am confident that the trail he began blazing so courageously will be continued. to the burke family, i hope you continue to smile when you think of how many people nationwide (and beyond) were so encouraged and inspired by brendan, even never having met him. hockey, and hockey fans, are better because of him. we will only move forward, and carry on in his honor.

jenn

February 9, 2010

My deepest sympathy goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Burke and family as I know exactly what you are experiencing as I lost my 21 year old son this past May when an automobile accident off campus the last day at Baylor University claimed Brendon's life. I am going to tell you it's going to be difficult to cope with Brendan's death the first year as I am currently experiencing this very moment. Your son's death brought tears to my eyes Saturday when I read the story as our son's had so much in common: both were 21, both passed away in a traffic fatality, both were away at University, both had the same name but spelled differently, and both were the drivers and had a passenger. Brian, I miss my son every day but with my faith in God and with the support of my friends through work and through friendship, I know my son would want me to continue living life to the fullest and to be an ambassador to those that have unexpectedly lost a son or daughter. It's not right for a parent to have to bury their sibling but my words of advice to the Burke family is to continually speak about Brendan in your conversations and to grasp hold of the fond memories you hold of him. I had a family send a sympathy card letting me know how sorry they were to hear of our son's death which touched my heart and I am reaching out to your family letting you know true friends will be there to support and assist you through this tragic ordeal. It is not wrong for a dad to cry as I do quite often when something very minute suddenly triggers a thought about my son. I also pass along my deepest sympathy to Mark Reedy's family and will continue to keep both families in my prayers. God Bless You and may you find peace.

Richard Mooney

February 8, 2010

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.

Heather Thompson & WPCUK.com Family

February 8, 2010

Brian
Bob and I will write. We're absolutely devastated for you. You know. Much love, Joan Cayer

February 8, 2010

It seems that Brendan was a beautiful shining light in your family. A courageous & wonderful son. I wish you peace.

Barbara MacDougall

February 8, 2010

May God watch over you and your family durring this very hard time in your life, and show you his light through the tragedy. The Hockey world is with you.

Troy

February 8, 2010

The Abounaoum's Family send their deepest condolences

February 8, 2010

God Bless..

Frank Mack

February 8, 2010

It was with a great sense of loss when we/I heard of Brendan's passing. We/I wanted to let you know that you have our/my greatest sympathy, and our/my heart(s) are/is truly saddened. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.

With our deepest sympathy,

Russ Bitely & Family
Webster Youth Hockey Association

Russ Bitely

February 8, 2010

The Regan's from Potsdam, New York want to send our deepest sympathies to the Burke Family and your prayers are with you and Brendan.

Gavin Regan

February 8, 2010

My deepest sympathies and caring thoughts to Brendan's family, his friends, and his Miami hockey family. Brendan will be sorely missed...but we are all better for having known him.

Debbie Mason

February 8, 2010

The Olson family originally out of Marquette,Michigan wants to send our sincere condolences to the Burke family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Sincerely, Mike Olson( Peoria,Il.)

Mike Olson

February 8, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this terribly difficult time. May Brendan rest peacefully.

Providence College Women's Ice Hockey

February 7, 2010

Deepest sympathies to the Burke family on their loss. I watched the story on Brian and Brendan a couple of months ago on HNIC and thought they did a great job. You could certainly tell that Brian is a very proud father. He seemed like a wonderful son and young man.

Denise Smith

February 7, 2010

My sincere condolences to the Burke family, from all of the players in USA Hockey nationwide.

-Bill Weihman: Gilroy, CA

February 7, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this terribly difficult time. We will play for you and your son's memory for the rest of this season! God Bless

Burlington Youth Hockey

February 7, 2010

Thoughts and prayers are with the Burke family from all across this land, including here in NC. God Bless you all.

Pete Peters

February 7, 2010

Brian,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.

Don Adam

Don Adam

February 7, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Doug Rodgers

February 7, 2010

From some Anaheim Ducks fans in Southern California, our thoughts and prayers are with the Burke's family. May Brendan rest in peace.

Eric Sears

February 7, 2010

Dear Burke Family,

I can't imagine the pain that Brendan's loss has brought you. My prayer is that you all will find serenity during this time. May Christ bring you all strength and peace now and forever.

Evan Baker

February 7, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burke family during this time of sorrow.

May God Bless

The Kristo's

February 7, 2010

On behalf of California Amateur Hockey Association and the entire California hockey family, may God bless you and your family during your time of grief and sorrow.
Steve Laing, President
California Amateur Hockey Association

Steven Laing

February 7, 2010

My Prayers Our With The Family,

God Bless You,
Susan

Susan

February 7, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this tragic loss.

Paul Jakubowski
Executive Director
Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois

February 7, 2010

My heart goes out to the Burke family for their loss. He had done a lot for equality on and off the ice, and would have continued to show that dignity and strength throughout his career. Anthony and Susan Garcia(Lansdale, PA)

February 7, 2010

To the family of Brendan Burke AND Mark Reedy, our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this horrible time of pain. God Bless.

Whitfield's

February 7, 2010

To the family of Brendan Burke. I want to pass along my deepest sympathies, along with those of my family, to you during this sad time. Although I do not personally know any of you, I have been touched by unexpected tragedy in my life and although I know that right now no words can comfort you, as time passes the sympathetic words of others will help you as you heal. You are in my thoughts and prayers and may God bless you all.

Michael Keefe

February 7, 2010

My prayers are with you
Karen Ruggiero

Karen Ruggiero

February 7, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you,
in the loss of your son. I will miss
seeing Brendan when he would walk by the parking garage on his way to the Ice Arena because , He would always smile and wave to me and this really meant alot.May your memories of Brendan
bring you comfort at this time.

Sincerely,

Kathy Reynolds

February 7, 2010

Brian and family:

My sincere condolences for your loss, god bless you and your family at this time.

jim regan, toronto, brandon (son) Seattle, Hazrah(mom) WINNIPEG MA

JAMES REGAN AND FAMILY

February 7, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peter Johnson, Madison, WI

February 7, 2010

My deepest sympathy, may you find peace in your lives, God Bless, John Siehl

John Siehl

February 7, 2010

To the entire Burke Family,

My sincerest condolences , there are no words that can express the loss of a son. People caring has been known to be a spiratual support during one's period of bereavement.To this I offer my prayers to the Burke Family.

Dan Esdale

February 7, 2010

Mr.Burke,

I am very sorry for the loss of your son. My hopes and prayers are with you and your family during this very tough time.I did not know your son personally . But he had a great father to help him through his young life.

Burke Hill

February 7, 2010

Dear Burke Family, Please accept my heart felt condolences. Being a father, I coudl not imagine the loss of a child. Please hang tough and know all of the american hockey people are behind you. I read Brendan's story by John Buccigross and felt his courage and your famlies acceptance and love. I thought that is a true American story. One that reflects what this country is about and the trials and tribulations that all Americans overcome. I wish the Burke family the best.
Jeff Speroff and family Chicago, Il.

February 7, 2010

Dear Brian Burke and Family,

My heartfelt condolences on your family's terrible loss. There is no greater tragedy than losing a child in the prime of his life. When your grief wanes, may the fond and enduring memories of Brendan's leadership and accomplishments in his short life enable you to inspire hockey fans even more and better than you already do so admirably.

How bittersweet life is. One minute we are focussed to obsession on goals, great saves and Olympics and the next minute, tragedy strikes and it all becomes, at least for a while, banal and unimportant.

May tou all live a long, health life and may your family be spared further sorrow,

Sincerely

Igor Ellyn

February 7, 2010

Dear Brian:

You helped us kick off true high school hockey in California in 2008 and we have not forgotten. The JSerra Catholic High School Community and the Ice Lions have our thoughts and prayers with you and your family.

JSerra Ice Lions

February 6, 2010

Dear Brian:

You helped us kick off true high school hockey in southern California in 2008 and we have not forgotten. The JSerra Catholic High School Community and the Ice Lions have our thoughts and prayers with you and your family.

JSerra Ice Lions

Dave Pauluzzi

February 6, 2010

Dear Mr. Burke,

My family of 5 boys, and my wife, offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family in your moment of sorrow. Though I know your recent professional successes through trades, and your preparation of our U.S team for the Olympic Games in Vancouver, are definite highlights, nothing is more important than the family. We lost my sister at 24 some 15 years ago. The experience of a loss like this does not fade away amidst our triumphs over the years but always provides motivation and comfort as we move forward on this greatest journey of life. Best wishes sir.

Kevin O'Connor

February 6, 2010

Mr. and Mrs. Burke and family,

Please accept our deepest sympathy at the loss of your son Brendan. We had the distinct pleasure of meeting you and your family a few years back at Notre Dame hockey camp.
My son enjoyed the opportunity of getting to know you and the boys, great times of which we still speak of today.
Please know that USA Hockey and the hockey community in general is saddened by a heavy heart today.
The Burke family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Chuck Peters

February 6, 2010

Deepest sympathies during this sad time. As a former athlete, alumni and current Miami employee and fan of Miami hockey, I'm very saddened to hear this news. Everyone will miss this important link in the Miami brotherhood of hockey.

February 6, 2010

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Cathy Baker

February 6, 2010

You and your dad were heroes and role models to me. I am so sorry to hear this news. You and your family are in my prayers.

L.J. Mitchell

February 6, 2010

Mr.& Mrs. Burke and family.
Please accept my sincere condolences for your unfathomable loss.
Your dear son Brendan's personal courage and the unconditional love he received from you all will long stand as a cornerstone for the importance of family in times of challenge.In his honor let's all make that extra effort to work towards a world where his experience is universal.

Dylan Rivis

February 6, 2010

Dear Burke Family,

I am a close friend of Rylan at Ohio Wesleyan University. I was deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of such a brave young man. I cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling at this time, but please know you are in are thoughts and prayers. Please find hope in the mirror of such a tragedy and allow Brendan's legacy to live on.

Jason Walsh

February 6, 2010

I pray that God will comfort you with his love in this difficult time.

Geoff

February 6, 2010

Dear Burke Family,

I am a close friend of Rylan at Ohio Wesleyan University. I was terribly saddened to hear the news of such a brave young man who was taken far too soon. No words can help the pain you must be feeling right now, but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Jason Walsh

February 6, 2010

The thoughts and prayers of the worldwide hockey community are with you and your family as you grieve the loss of your son

Leslie, Virginia

February 6, 2010

I am deeply saddened to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

Lauren Pasquale

February 6, 2010

Sorry for the loss to your family. You are in my thoughts today.

Cameron Eickmeyer

February 6, 2010

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