BRANTFORD, Ontario – Walter Gretzky’s family thought the end was coming quickly in mid-February.
The father of the best hockey player suffered a severe hip injury and, after battling Parkinson’s and other health problems in recent years, his time – something that Walter was always willing to give to friends and strangers – seemed to be running out.
“But he had a love for life and he didn’t want to leave,” said Wayne Gretzky during an emotional compliment on Saturday. “We spent 21 days sitting with him and just enjoying 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 hockey in Canada, Walter Gretzky died on Thursday at the age of 82. His death sparked an avalanche of tributes to a genuine, approachable and authentic person who cultivated Wayne’s incredible talents at the family’s famous backyard rink in Brantford, but he also never forgot where he came from.
“He was a remarkable man who loved life, loved the family,” said Wayne Gretzky. “We would be a much better world if there were as many people as my father. Very special. We are all suffering.”
Due to the restrictions of COVID-19, the funeral service was limited to the family. But hundreds of people – including many children wearing Gretzky T-shirts – gathered in front of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, in this city about 60 miles west of Toronto.
“A difficult time,” said Gretzky, his voice starting to break and tears welling up in his eyes. “I am very proud of the fact that so many people reached out and gave him so many tributes, because he deserves it. He has a heart of gold.”
Walter was present every step of the way as Wayne ascended to greatness that included four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and became the all-time leader in the NHL’s career in goals, assists and points.
Bell employee for more than three decades – and long after his son became the sport’s biggest star – Walter remained a symbol of loving, hardworking devotion.
“A deeply humble man,” said Rev. Dr. Tim Dobbin, who officiated the broadcast of the funeral live on TSN and Sportsnet.ca. “He spoke the truth. Wally’s word was his duty.”
A video tribute at the end of the service included photos of the early days on the backyard track, Wayne’s triumphs, Walter on the ice teaching children, Gretzky’s memories at the family home and highlights from Wayne’s final games in the NHL.
When the coffin was about to be taken out of the church into the sun, the song “The Hockey Theme”, made famous in “Hockey Night in Canada”, was played.
And the moment Walter’s funeral procession moved away from the church – the building’s sign said “We will miss you Wally” – some of the boys dressed in shirts who waited outside beat their hockey sticks on the sidewalk in unison.
It was a fitting farewell for Canada’s hockey father.