Wayne Gretzky Gives Heartfelt Speech At Walter Gretzky's Funeral 

I remember meeting Walter at the Mcdonald's on King George Road in Brantford, he thought I looked lonely and decided to sit down and eat lunch with me. I look back on that day with fond nostalgia because here was a total stranger who took the time to brighten my day. He was an angel on Earth, and Brantford will never be the same now that he's gone.

Way to keep it together until the end there Wayner.

Walter Gretzky was one of the nicest people around, my condolences to Wayne and the Gretzky family.

Wayne is cut from the same cloth as his father. Wayne's class and character is a testament to Walter's example. RIP Walter Gretzky.

Twenty years ago Wayne said "Even at my age, I still listen to my parents." A good example for everyone.

"He loved life so much. He didn't want to leave." :(

I met Walter in Milton Ontario about 20 years ago. He was incredibly friendly and took time to talk for quite awhile - even helped me look for something he could sign! He and Wayne had such an incredible bond, I cant imagine how heart breaking this is for him and his family.

Wayne, incredible speech. You did your father proud. Your strength is admirable. Take care of you now moving forward! Your father did us Canadians proud with his humbleness, professionalism and friendliness.

That’s our boy there. Canada’s favourite Son. His Dad was a Great Dad and deserves all the accolades, and this guy has been a Great Son. What a true Champion. Such class and respect.

I've never met Walter Gretzky but anyone I know who has says the same thing, he was generous and had time for everyone. People like Walter make Canada the special place it is. RIP

I agree with Wayne when he said “we would be a way better world if there was so many more people like my dad”...amazing human being! God bless his soul! Humble and down to earth all the way through.

Living in Brantford for most of my life and playing hockey at the Wayne Gretzky centre for years I ran into Walter Gretzky almost once a week and he was always the most humble honest and sincere person always sociable and always made time to have a quick chat with anyone he came across whether at the rink or the grocery store or the ice cream parlor. Every time I ran into that man I was greeted with a smile.

Thank you Walter for being Canada's most famous and most kind-hearted hockey dad. Rest in peace and pride.

Send my prays from Sweden. I now study in palliative care. I wish we all could be as human as Wayne, he was fantastic on ice, but his speak for his father is deep with love and respect. That he cry just show that we all humans, our love for family means more then anything. For me myself my parents been the best, given me all. Sadly as teenager i was on a deep road, drinkin much, and i ended up at hospital with epelepsy. That moment i did my only pray ever that i ask god for my life, and i would change. IT not been easy but i'm 43 yr now, single dad too a princess. I Oslo had the chance thank my parents for all they done, its for them i'm here still Olso. For me help others is my way thanking for my life, i just want you know that we all special, and never miss your chance tell your family you love them.

The last seconds of his speech hurt my soul, the emotion in his voice.....

I would see Walter all around town a lot. He would NEVER shy away from chatting your ears off. Incredibly humble, incredibly caring, and overall just a beautiful soul. Rest In Peace Walter, and condolences to the Gretzky family.

Rest In Peace and I’m so sorry for your loss

Our hearts go to the Gretzky family. We loved him too. Our son and my family had the privilege of seeing him at the Gretzky Centre a lot. He loved to tell stories and they were funny. Our son won mvp of the Gretzky Tournament back a few years ago. Funny his trophy was almost as big has him. Walter laughed so hard and asked our son if he could have a picture with him. We were looking at that photo after we heard of his passing. Through our tears first and then laughter after we realized we had to go to Branford and pay tribute to a man that was the best. We laid flowers at the arena and at his home. We are from Simcoe but it was just what we felt in our hearts to do.

Whoever disliked it should be ashamed of themselves

My dad and I stood beside Walter at a Fincups Jr. A game in Hamilton...when my brother was also in the league as an underage 16 year old like Wayne... Walter was already a well known entity at the time in the hockey world....but suddenly in the middle of the game he turned to my dad...who he had not met before...and proceeded to speak at length about how much he liked my brother as a player...going back to recollections of specific plays even in minor league perhaps a year or two earlier. My dad was thrilled...and we were both in awe of his humility and passion for the game and even individual players. He was a wonderful modest man who became an icon not just because of Wayne but rather because he exuded the qualities we would want to see in everyone. We knew he was growing frail but this cuts deeply for every Canadian..I’m sure.

There’s not a worse time for Canada to lose Walter. We need more like him, now more than ever.

How can 92 people give the thumbs down on this a son grieving his beloved father? Thanks Wayne and Walter for an amazing ride.

As a citizen of Brantford who has met Walter, God Bless him.

There really isn't enough tributes and kind, loving words you can say about Walter. He has touched many, many people and their lives. A truly remarkable, beautiful and soulful human being. May he rest in eternal peace. They don't make them like that anymore.

What an amazing son of an even more amazing dad. Canada's hockey dad, Mr. Gretzky. RIP

I totally agree with Wayne. The world needs more people like his father, Walter. Rest in peace. Mr Gretzky 🙏🙏🙏

I live on Brantford, Ontario and this is truly a sad day for the Gretzky family and the Brantford community. We will miss you Walter! You gave us so much and our time with you was special! May you Rest in Peace

My son Ben and I were fortunate to meet Walter Gretzky at a hockey tournament in Branford. He used his voice and status to make a difference in many people’s lives. Kindness is always the best gift and Walter Gretzky gave many gifts.

Wayne you are a class act and I know where you got it from..RIP Walter Gretzky you made this world a better place.

My 11 year old son met you at a book signing here in Barrie and said wow that was the nicest hockey player I have ever met dad. I told my son he gets it from HIS father. God Bless!

Your not only making your Dad proud Wayne but our making every Canadian proud. Just to let you know, you have brought everything your Father wanted out of a son. Rest In Peace Walter all of Canada will walk beside you!

I met and spoke with him many times when I was a security supervisor at both Maple Leaf Gardens and the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. He made you feel like you were the only person in the room. A very classy and warm man. RIP.

Walter and Wayne were quite the father Son duo. I'm sorry for his family's loss.

My sister lives in Brandford and said Walter was as nice, kind and a true gentleman as anyone that knew him said he was. Helped sister to her car with groceries, held doors open, friendly,... Rest in peace Walter

My dad past last year in February fighting 5 years with mulitple Myeloma only 72. We all have or had fathers. May they and all fathers that passed recently RIP. I miss him so much!

Very well delivered Wayne. Your father was an icon of Brantford and of Canada. He was there for everyone..especially our youth. He gave them the opportunity to dream..❤

Condolences to the Gretzky family from Russia. Rest in peace, Walter Gretzky

Walter Gretzky was the person I met at the person airport when I landed as an immigrant. Such a friendly person who was interested in where I was from. I felt so welcome and my worries about the new world just melt away. I appreciate being here as a Canadian. This is my home now. RIP Walter.

I spoke and told stories at my father’s service, man it is hard. I’ve got tears watching Wayne speak and hearing the pain in his heart. Time heals but it’s still tough at times.

I met Walter at the Jets vs leafs game on January 8th 2020 just before the pandemic and was sitting 3 seats over from him and I had the privilege to take a photo with him and have a short conversation. One of the nicest people I’ve ever met and am so glad to have met him at some point in my life. May he Rest In Peace

RIP canadas hockey dad. wishing all the best to the Gretzky family

I’ve never met Mr. Walter Gretzky, but Wayne painted a beautiful picture of gentlemen loved by many. A touching tribute from his son. Sending lots of love, encouragement, and comfort to the entire Gretzky family. Rest in a well deserved peace, sir.

That's gotta be one of the best tribute speeches I've ever heard---for one of the best Canadians ever. Make that TWO of the best Canadians ever. RIP Walter

Couldn’t have been a sweeter more genuine human being on this planet. Rest In Peace forever Walter Gretzky. Canada’s Dad

jesus... that ending... couldnt hold it in anymore. wayne being a legend as always. prayers and thoughts are to him and his family. horrible.

i have no words here

The greatest dad ever! Thank you so much for Wayne the best hockey player and professional athlete ever.

A wonderful and kind man. I had the privilege to meet Mr.Gretzky at a mall outside of Atlanta . It was just after he recovered from the aneurism . It was a real honour .

I met Walter at Audreys Book Store in Edmonton when I was 6 years old in 2001 where he signed my book that he wrote and he was just so kind. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gretzky family. Walter was truly a Canadian inspiration.

I remember my first time visiting Toronto years ago. Decided that after we visited the hockey HOF we would have dinner at Gretzky's. Had a great time at dinner and were satisfied with our evening, and then comes in the legend, Walter Gretzky. We did not approach him, he approached us, realized that we were not from the area and we had a great chat about New Brunswick and the Maritimes. And then he asked if we wanted a picture, without provocation, and we agreed gratefully. Signed my edition of the HOF program and moved on to the next table to greet more fans. Such a humble and genuine man. Sorry for your loss Wayne and family, just glad I got the chance to meet him.

Thank you RU-vid, would not have missed these tender stories for the world. You have big shoes to fill W, we grieve your loss, feel empowered by the greatness your Dad delivered during his spectacular and humble life. Well done paying tribute with strength and passion.

It's too bad he could not have the funeral he deserved.... with 1000's in attendance. RIP Walter.

He will be missed! I count myself proud to be able to have been able to meet and hang out with Walter on plenty of occasions in Brantford Growing up. He made every hockey tournament feel so special like we could all be like Wayne one day. He was a great man and will be missed!

Leaving a leafs game one night, I was heading to the subway near the union station tunnel like thousands of others. Lo and behold there's Walter Gretzky, holding the door open for everyone with a huge grin on his face, high fiving fans as they walked by.

Thank You Gretzky family for allowing us fans to watch and listen. Waynes story reflects why we were able. Thank You.

What an absolutely beautiful trubute to your Dad, Wayne. I send my sincerest condolences to you and your family. xxx

So sorry for you loss. I loved your dad. I used to hate going to my brothers hockey tournaments but then I met your dad. He was the sweetest man everytime that us little kids would come running to him. He was like family. He will be greatly missed. I had never seen a tough side to him. Only kind and gentle. Sweet with the most loving smile and always cheering on the kids

Thank you to the Gretzky family for always graciously sharing their life with the public, even after giving back so much

A very heartfelt thank you for sharing a few of your treasured memories of your father. He truly was a very special man and a wonderful example of what a father should be to his children. God bless you and your family with His love, peace and strength in this very tender and difficult time.

Sad the world has lost one of greats! What an amazing man!!! So much love from a fellow Canadian ❤️🌹💐🇨🇦

i remember talking to him at a leaf game before hockey shut down for covid, I had met him a few times at this point, he always left a great impression on you and you would be smiling as you watched the rest of the game. Super nice man and he will be sorely missed. RIP Hockey Dad!!

Totally get it when wayne said walter loved life and didn't want to leave. My dad said the same thing to me. He was only 48 but he looked at me and goes I just love being alive it's so amazing, I don't want to die. It hit me in the feels. Knowing someone who loves life so much gets it cut short. Rip walter Gretzky.

Great example of a father. Your effort and 99’s effort gave me so many wonderful memories during my childhood. Many Canadian fathers are like this, love for their kids. Many fathers from other poor or war-torn countries either don’t want to or can’t spend time with their kids. What if the entire world was made up of people like him?

The older Wayne gets, the more he looks like his dad.

My deepest condolences to you all. It was heart breaking to watch the emotional reality of your loss Wayne. It was my great privilege to meet you all. Walter, yourself, Keith in Edmonton with Michael Barnett 20 years ago. Or Michael, or 'Barney' as Walter called him had arranged a get together. I had made a Polar Bear sculpture for you calling it the second best Canadian on ice and Mike figured you'd like getting it in person. A wonderful meeting it was indeed. My nephew had asked if I could ask Walter to sign a puck for his dad, my brother in law. I asked and Walter said absolutely and took extra care as to not let my brother in law witness him signing and risk spoiling the 'Fathers Day' for my nephew. So great a gesture to a stranger, and a young man. Walter Gretzky was a wonderful man, his kindness was genuine. You Wayne are an incredible Hockey Player, no question, you got it all from your Father... 'The Original Great One' May God bless you all with the Peace of knowing he is safe and welcomed in Heaven by all those he loved and lost. 'Rest In Peace' Mr. Walter Gretzky❤️ Keith Sandulak and Family

I was able to meet Walter when I was around 11 years old and talk to him and take a picture. He was a tremendous human being who has impacted many and the sport. RIP.

Such a wonderful man,I didnt have the opportunity to ever meet him but knew people who spent some time with him.There comments to me were,he is the real deal and then some.Very down to earth and humble and grateful and lucky to have such a wonderful example of humanity.Condolences to the Gretzy family.

Great speech.! Outstanding man, exemplary father and Canadian. Sincere condolences to the Gretzky family.

Hockey fans everywhere identified with Walter Gretzky. He was one of us. There was no pretence, no BS, and no attempt to ever be anything but a decent, honest, ordinary man living an extraordinary life. He was a working man with a wonderful wife and family, who just happened to raise a son who is the ultimate hockey superstar of all time. He had a great life and was truly loved and respected by millions of people. What more could you possibly ask?

😌RIP Walter Gretzky! Fan from Edmonton so you always felt like family. You raised good kids!🦋

I was 14 yes old ( I’m 50 now) and I was at Canadian tire in Calgary with my dad buying a Wayne Gretzky Titan stick , on the way out we bumped into Mr Walter Gretzky and wow what a nice man and he was so I to knowing what position I played and how many goals I had and he signed my Gretzky Stick. Being the kid I was used that stick to play for many many years I wish I had kept it. For Walter to take time out of his day to meet an average kid who plays hockey and talk to me was just so awesome and I was a Calgary fan ha ha in Calgary. He will be missed and this is my one moment in hockey I remember 35 years later 🥲

God comfort Wayne and his family. This is one of my favorite quotes from Wayne. "I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been."

Such a tragic loss. My condolences to the Gretzky family. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Walter and driving him home from Church in Milton and he beamed with such pride when he showed me Wayne's shrine downstairs in his house. Never to be forgotten. Rest in peace fine sir.

We have Wayne Gretzky because of Walter Gretzky 😌

Wayne is such a hero to so many. His father is the heart of that hero. We love you Walter Gretzky you will be missed.

I was just thinking that Wayne was having a tough time, still talking about his dad in the present tense, then, he broke down. Great men, family always first.

Walter Gretzky was so nice. One year about 7-8 years ago my son's team played a tournament in Brantford. It was first class all the way, the facilities, the organization. His team won the tournament in their age group. The best for the kids and the parents was meeting Walter who was patiently signing for hours and having a few words. You could tell he was not 100% but NOTHING would take him away. RIP Walter.

You wouldn’t have to know Walt to know how great a person he was. Wayne is such a class act that you know the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

Walter volunteered at the church I used to live beside, and I used to rake leaves with him when I was in grades 1 & 2. I remember being in awe at his kindness. He had a very strong presence that he carried with gentleness, grace and humility. A real legend, those memories will stick with me forever! Rest In Peace.

Rest in peace Walter. He sure did a great job in raising Wayne. He's a class act and I'm positive he learned that from his Dad.

Your right about family Wayne , I met your dad in Detroit one night and we talked a bit about life and family. He was a great person . God speed Walter .

My condolences. Walter was Hockey’s dad, and a father to all hockey players and fans alike. Such a kind, generous man. Rest in Peace.

Met him at Disney World when I was younger incredibly nice human being😔

Whether Wayne or any others losing their family patriarchs like this, my heart goes out to them and I admire them. Tough stuff.

God I lost my mom on Sept 11 a few months back to cancer and the fast she passed on 9/11 made sense cause she was a great nurse of over 40 years and just cared about helping others her whole life..it kills me to watch this but Walter touched all of us indirectly many years ago so of course I had to watch this..sincere condolonces to the Gretzky family 😥

If Wayne is the great, Walter is the greatest. Thank you.

Bringing my son to the dreaded 6am hockey practice.... I miss it so much now, double double in hand, talking to other parents, I get it Walter, thanks for being Canada's hockey dad. ❤

A true Canadian family,rip mr Gretzky much respect

Wayne your father raised you well. My sincere condolences on your Dads passing. Great memories of your dad will never leave you. Prayers coming your way from Michigan.

Walter was a great man with a great family. Rest in peace we will all miss him.

Such a wonderful heartfelt moment shared..so sorry for your loss..he touched so many of us Canadians with his pride and dedication for his family and the national game that we all share as Canadians. Hockey is the glue that keeps us with humility and humor..dedication and community for our fellow Canadians. Your dad was an amazing man...like so many of our own dads he will be greatly missed.

Pure class from the great one

Such a great family. Very humble and grounded. The ultimate Canadian dad.

Very, very nice! Beautiful words!

My team won a contest when I was about 13 years old. We got to fly to Vancouver and meet Wayne and his dad. Watch a Canucks game with him and sit in the press box while watching a Vancouver Giants game. Wayne was in and out he was a very busy man. But the whole time Walter stayed with us kids and played games with us told us stories and was just the kindest human being to all of us. He was truly a remarkable man who will forever be remembered. Rest in peace Walter.

Wowww what a beatiful family I’m so sorry wayne!

Your Dad was a Great One. May you all be comforted. He reminds me of my own Dad, who was born in 1930, but is also gone, now. They were made of great stuff...the end of an era.

What can you say, the Great One lost his best bud his father. God bless him and the family. The HOCKEY Heavens got a special person today...

Great father , Great Son. I miss my dad everyday since he left us. May peace be upon him

God bless you Wayne and family