Donald Ruben Burgess

Metaline Falls, Washington

Don Burgess passed away peacefully on March 17, 2023 at the age of 76. He was born in Point

Edward, Ontario, Canada on August 6, 1946, the youngest child of Gordon and Lila Burgess.

Don was a very athletic child and grew up in a small community in Canada, where he learned to play

hockey. 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.

He 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.

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 and Sylas and many cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

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 to mailed to PEMAA, 31 Louisa Street, Point Edward, Ontario,

Canada N7V1W2 or in Canada you may use transfer at pemaapaymemt@gmail.com.

Celebration of Life for Don Burgess

A potluck celebration to honor the life of Don Burgess will be held at the 5 ^th Avenue Bar and Grill at 214 East 5 ^th Avenue in Metaline Falls on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 1 pm. Please join us as we come together with family and friends to share our memories.

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