As the world continues mourning former Detroit Tigers and Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch, who died on Feb. 11 at age 87, we’re being reminded of just how far his kindness and goodwill extended.

In particular, there’s a story that’s resurfaced that tells of the lengths Ilitch went to in assisting Rosa Parks, an American civil rights activist who had fallen on hard times after being robbed and assaulted in her central Detroit home in August of 1994.

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According to the story originally reported in the Sports Business Journal back in 2014, and brought back to the forefront by Michigan lieutenant-governor Brian Calley, Ilitch began paying the entirety of Ms. Parks’ rent immediately following the incident, which allowed her to move into a safer apartment complex. He continued this remarkable deed until her death in 2005.

Here’s an excerpt from the original story:

In his chambers in Detroit, Judge Damon Keith holds a copy of a check in his hand and has a story to tell. It’s about the time Mike Ilitch came to the aid of Rosa Parks, whose legendary defiance of segregation in 1955 led to the black civil rights movement.

“It’s for $2,000, dated November the first, 1994. It’s from Little Caesars Enterprises to Riverfront Apartments, and I know it was just one of many,” said Keith, 91, who has been a U.S. Court of Appeals judge in Detroit for the last 46 years. “It’s important that people know what Mr. Mike Ilitch did for Ms. Rosa Parks because it’s symbolic of what he has always done for the people of our city.”

Parks was at the forefront of the modern civil rights movement after refusing to move to the back of a Montgomery, Ala., bus in 1955. It’s one of the most iconic and important moments in United States history, as it paved the way for minorities to feel comfortable and confident standing up for their rights.

In the eyes of many, Ms. Parks was considered a hero and a trailblazer. Ilitch never sought credit or commendation for coming to her aid though. He simply looked out for those around him and in particular those in the Detroit community that meant so much to him. In fact, the story notes this is just one instance that exemplified Ilitch’s kindness. He helped many others along the way, with little to no fanfare.

It’s tough to imagine, but it’s possible Ilitch was even more kind-hearted than the flood of remembrances and honors have suggested these past few days. It’s important that we share them now so that his legacy as an icon and a true champion of the people can be celebrated.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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