“He Didn’t Want to Leave”: Wayne Gretzky Paid Emotional Tribute to Father Walter Following His Demise in 2021

The Gretzky family experienced their toughest moment in 2021. Canada’s hockey dad, Walter Gretzky left the world on the 4th of March that year. Fans respected the 82-year-old for nurturing his son’s exceptional hockey talent. Moreover, after his death, an emotional Wayne Gretzky appeared at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Ontario to speak a few words about his father. 

The hockey legend was immensely close to Walter. It was his father’s support that lead Gretzky to practice in the backyard where his father had built an ice rink for him. The world would not have a legend like Wayne Gretzky if it was not for his father. 

Wayne Gretzky’s emotional speech for his father

After paying his last tribute to his father on 6th March 2021, Gretzky walked down the St. Mark’s Anglican Church aisle to deliver a heart-touching speech about Walter Gretzky. 

Since his father passed during the COVID era, Gretzky clarified that his demise had nothing to do with the virus. The family had taken ample measures to avoid contracting it. In the video shared on Sportsnet’s Facebook page, the hockey legend talks about his father’s zeal for life. Gretzky remarked, “He had a love for life and he didn’t want to leave” .

The 82-year-old had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and other health problems. Moreover, three weeks before his demise, he suffered a serious hip injury. 

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Walter’s funeral took place only with family in attendance, due to Covid restrictions. However, fans wore Gretzky’s jersey in front of St. Mark’s Anglican Church to show respect and empathy for the hockey legend. 

Walter Gretzky’s impeccable support for Wayne Gretzky

One of the driving forces in Wayne Gretzky’s hockey career was his father. Walter Gretzky supported his son throughout his ups and downs. When Gretzky started his hockey career and failed to win any titles or trophies, he was disheartened. However, his father encouraged him saying; 

“Wayne, keep practicing and one day you’re going have so many trophies we’re not going to have room for them all.”

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Indeed Gretzky’s pillar was his father who picked him up whenever he was down. The world should always remember the Canadian hockey dad for his contribution.