Hockey great Mike Modano of the Dallas Stars once said, “There were a lot of people trying to answer questions that just weren’t answerable at the time…”

On Friday, June 10, 2022, dedicated Dallas Stars fan Robin Michael Burkart (age 43) passed away from unexpected complications after ankle surgery 10 days earlier from an injury in a recreational hockey league game. Family and friends are shocked and heartbroken, with no answers to why a person with such a larger-than-life personality is suddenly gone from our lives.

When Robin felt shortness of breath at home, Amy, a nurse, immediately suspected blood clots from the surgery in his lungs and rushed him to the ER. They spent their 20th anniversary in the hospital with expectations of Robin going home within a few days.

Robin and Amy—sweethearts since high school—are the picture of an adoring couple. Their love produced two remarkable children: Adam, a gymnast who will be on the University of North Texas cheerleader squad as a freshman in the Fall, and Rhegan, an award-winning performing artist, will be a senior in high school in the Fall. The Burkarts’ love is so bountiful, they welcomed another teen, Emma, into their lives and have supported her through some trying times and circumstances, even as funds were tight after Robin was unemployed for a while due to the pandemic.

With the unimaginable sadness and loss of such a dynamic loved one also comes financial stress.

We are trying to raise money to help Amy with monthly expenses, college financing, and any unforeseen challenges which might arise in the months to come as the family tries to come to grips with this tragic loss.

Any support you can provide as a player on Team Robin for Amy, Adam, Rhegan, and Emma would be greatly appreciated. The entire close-knit family—especially Amy and the kids, Robin’s parents and sister, Debbie, David, and McKenna, and Amy’s McCullough family—and his many, many close friends also value your thoughts and prayers.

A celebration of Robin’s life will commence at 6:30 PM at More Church (formerly Bisbee Baptist Church), 3001 Gertie Barrett Rd., Mansfield, TX 76063. Attendees are encouraged to honor Robin’s memory by wearing a favorite sports jersey or a band t-shirt—very informal gathering as Robin would have wanted it.

Robin – son, husband, father, buddy – so sad to see you leave the ice so soon!