BRANTFORD, Ontario – Walter Gretzky’s family thought the end would come quickly in mid-February.
The father of the greatest hockey player suffered a serious hip injury and, after battling Parkinson’s disease and other health problems in recent years, his time – something Walter was always willing to give to both his friends and foreigners – seems to be short.
“But he had a love for life and didn’t want to leave,” Wayne Gretzky said Saturday during an emotional eulogy. “We sat with him for 21 days and enjoyed life. We had the chance and the opportunity to tell stories.”
And Walter Gretzky’s life was full of them.
Known as the father of Canadian hockey, Walter Gretzky died on Thursday at the age of 82. His death caused an avalanche of tributes to an authentic, approachable, authentic person who fueled Wayne’s incredible talents on the famous ice rink in the Brantford family’s backyard, but never forgot where he came from. .
“He was a remarkable man who loved life, he loved family,” said Wayne Gretzky. “We would be a much better world if there were as many people as my father. Very special. It hurts us all.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the funeral service was limited to the family. But hundreds of people – including many children dressed in Gretzky T-shirts – gathered in front of the Anglican church of St. Mark of this city, about 60 miles west of Toronto.
“A hard time,” Gretzky said, his voice cracking and tears streaming down his eyes. “I’m so proud that so many people have reached out and paid such a great tribute, because it’s worth it. It has the heart of gold.”
Walter was there every step of the way, while Wayne climbed to a greatness that included four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and became the NHL leader of all time in goals, assists and points.
Engaged with Bell for more than three decades – and long after his son became the biggest star of the sport – Walter remained a loving symbol, with a blue collar of devotion.
“A deeply humble man,” said Dr. Tim Dobbin, who officiated the funeral live on TSN and streamed on Sportsnet.ca. “He told the truth. Wally’s word was his connection.”
A video tribute to the end of the service included images from the early days on the backyard skating rink, Wayne’s triumphs, Walter on ice for learning children, Gretzky’s memories in the family home and important elements of Wayne’s latest NHL games.
While the coffin was about to be taken out of the church and into the sun, the song “The Hockey Theme”, which became famous in “Hockey Night in Canada”, was sung.
And as Walter’s funeral procession moved away from the church — the building’s poster read, “We’ll miss Wally,” some of the T-shirt kids waiting outside were beating their hockey sticks on the sidewalk in unison.
It was a fitting reference for the father of Canadian hockey.