Estate Planning

Pat Burns Memorabilia Stolen

By Hull and Hull LLP

We see a lot in this area of the law. Often, what we see reflects humanity when it is not at its most exemplary. Squabbling family members; the elderly being taken advantage of; survivors turning their backs on commitments they made to the deceased: estate litigation can have it all.

However, a story from the Toronto Star may set the bar at a new low.

On Tuesday, the Toronto Star reported that a thief had broken into Pat Burns' widow's car, and stole a significant amount of Mr. Burns' personal property, including a collection of hockey memorabilia.

Pat Burns died on November 19, 2010. He coached for the Montreal Canadiens, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils. In his first year of coaching with Montreal, he made it to the Stanley Cup finals. While with the New Jersey Devils in 2002-2003, he won the Stanley Cup.

Mr. Burns fought a lengthy battle with cancer, before succumbing on November 19, 2010.

Following his funeral on Monday, which attracted a 'who's who' of hockey, the car of Mr. Burns' widow, Line Burns, was broken into. Amongst the items taken were 30 autographed hockey sweaters, jewellery, and a number of family photos. Police report that the thief would have known that the items belonged to the late Mr. Burns.

Mr. Burns was remembered by players as being as much a friend as a boss, who was uncompromising in his demand for complete effort.    Unfortunately, it seems that in death, humanity may have let him down.

We extend our condolences to Mr. Burns' family and friends.

Thank you for reading,

Paul E. Trudelle - Click here for more information on Paul Trudelle.

Full post as published by Toronto Estate Law Blog on December 01, 2010 (boomark / email).