BRANTFORD, Ontario – Walter Gretzky’s family thought the end would come quickly in mid-February.
The father of the greatest player in hockey has suffered a serious hip injury and after struggling with Parkinson’s disease and other health problems for the past few years, it seemed like his time – something Walter was always willing to give to friends and strangers – deficit shooting.
“But he had a love for life and he did not want to leave,” Wayne Gretzky said on Saturday during an emotional eulogy. “We sat with him for 21 days and just enjoyed life. We had a chance and an opportunity to tell stories.”
And Walter Gretzky’s life was full of them.
Walter Gretzky, known as Canada’s hockey father, passed away on Thursday at the age of 82. .
“He was a remarkable man who loved life, and loved family,” Wayne Gretzky said. “We would be a better world if there were so many more people like my father. Very special. We are all hurt.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the funeral service was restricted to family. But hundreds of people – including many children wearing Gretzky sweaters – marched outside the St. Mark’s Anglican Church gathered in this city about 60 miles west of Toronto.
“A difficult time,” Gretzky says, his voice starting to crack and tears welling in his eyes. “I’m so proud of the fact that so many people have issued such great tributes because he deserves it. He has the heart of gold.”
Walter was there every step of the way, while Wayne ascended to a greatness that included four Stanley Cups along with the Edmonton Oilers and became the NHL’s career leader of all time in goals, assists and points.
Walter was an employee at Bell for more than three decades – and long after his son became the biggest star of the sport – Walter remained a loving blue-collar symbol of dedication.
“A very humble man,” says Rev. Dr. Tim Dobbin, who broadcast the funeral live on TSN and on Sportsnet.ca. “He spoke the truth. Wally’s word was his band. ‘
A video tribute at the end of the service included photos of the early days on the track in the backyard, Wayne’s triumph, Walter on the ice that kids learned, the Gretzky memorabilia in the family home and highlights from Wayne’s last games in the NHL.
While the coffin would be led out of the church and into the sunlight, the song “The Hockey Theme”, released on “Hockey Night in Canada”, was played.
And the moment Walter’s funeral procession pulled away from the church – the building’s sign “We Will Miss You Wally”, some of the jersey-clad children waiting outside tapped their hockey sticks on the pavement.
It was a fitting delivery for Canada’s hockey dad.