Maple Leaf’s GM Brian Burke is a “Man of his Word”

Generally, when I want to merely forward a story, I simply post the link on this site’s Facebook page.  I usually reserve making an actual post to instances when I have my own thoughts to add.  However, this article written by Michael Farber for Sport Illustrated titled, “Man Of His Word,” referring to Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke, warranted more than a mere forward.

The coming out and passing of his son Brendan Burke has been an emotional roller coaster for those that did not even know Brendan or his family.  Personally, it is the most I’ve ever been affected by the passing of someone I did not know.

Farber’s style of writing is superb, especially displayed in his description of Brian and the influence that Brendan will have, even in death.  I’ll let you read most of the article on your own, but this excerpt is my favorite and must be shared:

“After Brendan publicly revealed his sexual preference, Brian was flooded with requests to do advocacy work on behalf of gays. He told the groups that while he supported his son, he had other causes: land conservation, blood donation and children’s literacy. He didn’t want to dilute that work. This, too, changed on that Friday in February [when Brendan passed].

“Brendan’s causes are Brian’s now. He will do a public-service announcement aimed at eliminating the bullying of gay children. And he plans to march in the Toronto Pride Parade. ‘I’d promised him I would march with him,’ says Burke, who briefly left the Olympics last Friday to attend a memorial service for Brendan at Miami of Ohio. ‘He won’t be there, but I will.’”

Brendan Burke, Brian Burke, Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated, Toronto Maple Leafs