Walter Gretzky, the father of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, has died at the age of 82.
Wayne Gretzky confirmed his father’s passing in a statement posted on Twitter.
“He bravely battled Parkinson’s and other health issues these last few years, but he never let it get him down,” Gretzky wrote.
Gretzky said his father was the reason he fell in love with the game of hockey.
He said his dad inspired him to be the best he could not just in hockey, but in life.
“For my sister and my 3 brothers, Dad was our team captain – he guided, protected and led our family every day, every step of the way,” said Gretzky.
“He truly was the Great One and the proudest Canadian we know.”
— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) March 5, 2021
