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BRANTFORD, Ontario – Walter Gretzky’s family believed the end was quickly approaching in mid-February.
The father of hockey’s greatest player had suffered a serious hip injury and, after battling Parkinson’s and other health issues in recent years, his time – something Walter was always willing to give to the friends and strangers – seemed to be missing.
“But he had a love for life and he didn’t want to leave,” Wayne Gretzky said in a eulogy on Saturday. “We were 21 days sitting with him and enjoying life. We have had the chance and the opportunity to tell stories.
And Walter Gretzky’s life was full of it.
Known as Canada’s father of hockey, Walter Gretzky died Thursday at the age of 82. His death sparked an avalanche of tributes for a genuine, approachable and genuine person who nurtured Wayne’s incredible talents on the family’s famous ice rink in Brantford, but never forgot where he came from.
“He was a remarkable man who loved life, loved family,” said Wayne Gretzky. “We would be a much better world if there were so many people like my father. Very special. We are all in pain.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, funeral service was limited to family. But hundreds of people – including many children wearing Gretzky sweaters – gathered outside St. Mark’s Anglican Church in that city about 60 miles west of Toronto.
“A tough time,” Gretzky said, his voice starting to crack and tears welling in his eyes. “I’m so proud that so many people have reached out and paid such great tribute to him, because he deserves it. He has a heart of gold.”
Walter was there every step of the way as Wayne reached a greatness that included four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and became the NHL’s all-time career leader in goals, assists and points.
Employed at Bell for more than three decades – and long after his son became the sport’s biggest star – Walter has remained a symbol of loving, blue-collar dedication.
“A deeply humble man,” said Reverend Dr. Tim Dobbin, who presided over the funeral, which was broadcast live on TSN and aired on Sportsnet.ca. “He told the truth. Wally’s word was his link.
A video tribute towards the end of the service included photos of the early days on the ice, Wayne’s triumphs, Walter on the ice teaching the children, memories of Gretzky in the family home, and highlights of Wayne’s last games in the NHL.
As the coffin was about to be led out of the church and into the sun, the song “The Hockey Theme”, made famous on “Hockey Night in Canada”, was played.
And as Walter’s funeral procession pulled away from the church – the building sign read “We Will Miss You Wally” – some of the jersey-clad children waiting outside were patting their hockey sticks on the sidewalk in unison.
It was a good start for the father of hockey in Canada.
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