Walter Gretzky, father of “The Great One,” has died at age 82

Walter Gretzky, the man considered Canada’s ultimate hockey dad, has died.

Wayne Gretzky announced the news on social media late Thursday night.

“He bravely battled Parkinson’s and other health issues these last few years, but never let it get him down,” he said on Twitter.

“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.”

In his younger days, Walter became a name in his own right, appearing with his famous son in commercials from Tim Hortons to Coca-Cola.

He was 82.

News of his death prompted swift reaction from the hockey world.

The head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sheldon Keefe, said Walter Gretzky was a great man whose impact on the game looms large.

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

The Edmonton Oilers, Wayne Gretzky’s first NHL team, release a statement saying the sport will miss the Great One’s dad.

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

I wonder how many of these pictures Walter posed for?
1. May 2010 at his charity ball hockey tourney in Brantford
2. Feb 2020 after charity hockey game at First Ontario.
Notice charity in both & insisted to stand in both. What a wonderful man. #RIPwalter #Canadashockeydad pic.twitter.com/UhXKnLTGFh

— Tim Bolen (@timbolen) March 5, 2021