Walter Gretzky, the father of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, has died. He was 82.
Wayne Gretzky said in a social media post Thursday night that his father battled Parkinson’s disease and other health issues the past few years.
“It’s with deep sadness that Janet and I share the news of the passing of my dad,” Wayne Gretzky said. “He bravely battled Parkinson’s and other health issues these last few years, but he never let it get him down.
“For me, he was the reason I fell in love with the game of hockey. He inspired me to be the best I could be not just in the game of hockey, but in life.”
Walter Gretzky, CM, OOnt (October 8, 1938 – March 4, 2021) was a Canadian who is best known as the father of ice hockey star Wayne Gretzky. An avid hockey player as a youth and a keen analyst of the game, he was credited by his son as playing a key role in his success. He coached Wayne continually, starting at age three, building him a backyard rink, devising creative exercises and drills, teaching him profound insights into how to play successfully, and accompanying him to most of his games. He taught his son to go "To where the puck is going, not where it's been."
Gretzky contributed to minor hockey in Canada, and helped many local, provincial, and national charities, for which he was honoured.
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