Tributes pour in as hockey world mourns the loss of Walter Gretzky

March 05, 2021 - 1:11pm

Take a look at the life of Walter Gretzky and his lasting impact on the game of hockey. Stephen Brunt narrates this essay on the life of Walter Gretzky, with interviews by Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille and Mark Messier.

Canadian hockey has lost one of its most beloved icons.

Walter Gretzky — the father of The Great One who became a hockey dad for the whole country — passed away at the age of 82, it was announced Thursday.

A key figure in the sport, whose impact in recent years stemmed primarily from his extensive philanthropic work, Gretzky’s passing prompted a wave of remembrance from across the hockey world.

It is often said that you will be remembered for what you do for others, and Walter Gretzky will be remembered forever. Never too busy to take a photo or sign an autograph, Walter left a lasting impression on everyone he met and he will forever be Canada’s Hockey Dad. pic.twitter.com/NC0VqdBAgV

— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) March 5, 2021

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— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) March 5, 2021

Always the gentleman. Always had a smile and so incredibly generous with his time. Canada’s hockey dad is a very fitting description. Deepest condolences to Wayne and the entire Gretzky family. https://t.co/LShfkb0V7l

— Brendan Shanahan (@brendanshanahan) March 5, 2021

My condolences to the entire Gretzky family.I had some great times with Walter through the years, one of my favs in recent years was watching Cirque de soleil in Las Vegas with him.He was always a kid at heart and spent his life giving to make others lives better.'s hockey dad. https://t.co/wmr3aUvO7p

— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) March 5, 2021

My dad and Wally, just two dads talking hockey, heading to see Cirque in Vegas. As good as they come, we will all miss you Wally. #waltergretzky pic.twitter.com/FLbXsIDDpc

— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) March 5, 2021

Walter Gretzky cared deeply about his family and his community – his kindness was undeniable, his passion was obvious, and his impact was immense. My thoughts are with Wayne and the entire Gretzky family, and all who are mourning the loss of Canada’s hockey dad.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 5, 2021

I’m so sorry to hear of Walter Gretzky’s passing. A legend. A gentleman. A kind soul. He cared about so may others before himself. I think that if we aspired to be half as great as Walter, we would be ok. RIP Walter. My sincere condolences to the entire Family. @WayneGretzky

— Darren R Pang (@Panger40) March 5, 2021

RIP to the greatest hockey dad of all-time, Mr. Walter Gretzky. pic.twitter.com/vwnyTFi5Z7

— Rogers Hometown Hockey (@hometownhockey_) March 5, 2021

My heart goes out to the Gretzky family. He was what we all picture as a proud hockey dad. Rest In Peace. https://t.co/xPZWzweYXC

— Martin Biron (@martybiron43) March 5, 2021

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— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 5, 2021

When I was a just a young kid playing in the Wayne Gretzky Tournament in Brantford. I got the privilege of meeting Walter Gretzky. He took time to say hello to every player and parent, he even signed this mini twig for me, something I have cherished! True Canadian treasure! RIP https://t.co/BCuvfnRAe4 pic.twitter.com/mhnZOKgkXq

— Michael Greco (@michaelgreco82) March 5, 2021

So very sad to learn of the passing of Walter Gretzky this evening. He was 82. As much as he was his son Wayne’s biggest fan Walter was a huge Leaf fan and was seen repeatedly at Leaf home games. Our condolences to @WayneGretzky and the entire extended Gretzky family

— Joe Bowen (@BonsieTweets) March 5, 2021

https://t.co/ff71Gm5D9W pic.twitter.com/YyoQw2bui5

— Roberto Alomar (@Robbiealomar) March 5, 2021

One of the finest people you could ever meet. A true gentleman and a huge reason why Wayne became the greatest player and ambassador hockey has ever seen. Thank you Walter. https://t.co/eP8VFV7b5W

— David Amber (@DavidAmber) March 5, 2021

My heart goes out to the entire Gretzky family at the loss of their beloved Walter. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. https://t.co/XGvyFt7aTR

— Christine Simpson (@SNChrisSimpson) March 5, 2021

RIP Walter Gretzky, the father of Canadian hockey. So sorry for your loss the Gretzky family.

— Esa Tiki Tikkanen (@tikitalk10) March 5, 2021

Walter Gretzky wasn't just the Great One's dad, he was THE hockey dad–the warm, supportive and proud one you'd want for any kid playing the sport. It's impossible to picture him without a smile on his face. If you didn't know him, it still felt like you knew what he was about.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 5, 2021

RIP Walter Gretzky- was always a class act and someone my parents enjoyed running into at Leaf games https://t.co/eAomoHkTqx pic.twitter.com/GunD9pwrZh

— James van Riemsdyk (@JVReemer21) March 5, 2021

The hockey world lost a great ambassador and loving father/grandfather. He always made time for everyone. RIP Walter pic.twitter.com/liOkYNH1ez

— Larry Robinson (@19LarryRobinson) March 5, 2021

Heartbreaking to hear we’ve lost Canada’s Hockey Dad Walter Gretzky. Sending love and condolences to the whole Gretzky family at this difficult time. #RIPWally pic.twitter.com/u1iIhGXEGp

— Doug Gilmour (@douggilmour) March 5, 2021

The Great Ones father had time for everyone. RIP pic.twitter.com/n95DnhlVHs

— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) March 5, 2021

My prayers today are with the @WayneGretzky and the Gretzky family. We lost the father of Canadian Hockey. You will always be a symbol of what every Canadian should be.

Rest in peace Walter Gretzky pic.twitter.com/3bVx8i88TK

— Nav Bhatia Superfan (@superfan_nav) March 5, 2021

Rest In Peace Walter Gretzky. A true hockey dad. Had the good fortune of listening to him at Gretzky Hockey School. He always raved about Wayne’s preparation and how that separated him. Very perceptive man with a huge heart. Thanks for everything you did for our sport

— Pavel Barber (@HeyBarber) March 5, 2021

What a wonderful, warm-hearted genuine man. Thank you Walter for that day you welcomed my boys into your house and had them try on every jersey and hold every stick. #RIPWalter pic.twitter.com/TqvIJbxeEN

— Dave Randorf (@DaveRandorf) March 5, 2021

"Walter was truly everyone's hockey dad. He will be missed by all of us, but the memories created by his tremendous character & passion for our game will remain with us forever."#Oilers statements from Bob Nicholson & Kevin Lowe on Walter Gretzky. https://t.co/hU8SwYOAAI

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 5, 2021

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— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 5, 2021

The LA Kings are deeply saddened by the loss of Walter Gretzky. He was a kind, generous and humble soul to all who were fortunate to know him. Our sincere condolences go out to Wayne, Janet and the entire Gretzky family. pic.twitter.com/H5o2MotbrR

— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 5, 2021

The Maple Leafs join the hockey community in mourning the loss of Canada's hockey dad, Walter Gretzky.

A warm and gracious fixture at Maple Leafs home games for years, Walter made everyone he met feel special. Our condolences to the Gretzky family & Walter's innumerable friends. pic.twitter.com/fytTX7vGb9

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 5, 2021

Hockey has lost a legend in Walter Gretzky.

The #Flames and entire CSEC family extend our deepest condolences to Wayne, Janet and the entire Gretzky family. pic.twitter.com/gT3CxZF9oO

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 5, 2021

The Devils are saddened to hear of the passing of one of the great figures in our game.

Our thoughts are with the Gretzky family at this time. https://t.co/Xekjr63gxB

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) March 5, 2021

The Canadiens are saddened to learn of the passing of Walter Gretzky.

A generous man who was appreciated by all, his positive influence on hockey will long be remembered.

The Canadiens organization extends its most sincere condolences to Walter’s family and close relatives. pic.twitter.com/HTqnrj9QDo

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 5, 2021

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