St. Clair Shores Remembers Former Red Wing Shawn Burr

The Detroit Red Wings lost a popular alumnus Monday with the death of Shawn Burr, and St. Clair Shores lost a supporter of numerous charitable events.

Burr played 16 years in the NHL, the majority with the Detroit Red Wings, and was a fan favorite for his hard-working, grind-it-out style of hockey. But it was his work after he took off hockey sweater as a professional that St. Clair Shores residents got to know him personally.

For seven of the past nine years he was the celebrity guest at the St. Clair Shores Special Needs Golf Outing.

"Not only was he a fun person, he was a good guy," said Esler, who added that Burr never asked for a "dime" to attend. "That showed me what kind of person he was."

During each of his visits to the outings, Esler said Burr was approachable and would share stories with other participants.

"You always left talking to him feeling good," he added. 

In addition to giving back on the links, Burr also would lace up the skates and play with the Red Wings Alumni at games including a 2011 game at Civic Arena against the Team GTJ/David Livernois’ All Stars  to raise money to fight Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). More than $5,000 was raised for the cause.

Brandon T. Johnson, president and CEO of the GTJ Foundation, enjoyed playing against his childhood idol - and even wears number 11 to honor Burr.

"He was so helpful ... it was our first charity hockey game," said Johnson, who added that he still had his hockey skills despite being retired. "He was so down to earth, a great guy and so strong. He was still strong as an ox."

According to the Detroit Free Press, donations or memorials can be made to the Shawn Burr Foundation, P.O. Box 610812, Port Huron, MI 48061.