Walter Gretzky | |
|---|---|
 Walter Gretzky in 2010 | |
| Born | October 8, 1938 |
| Died | March 4, 2021 (aged 82) Brantford, Ontario, Canada |
| Occupation | Bell Canada repairman |
| Spouse |
Phyllis Hockin
(m. 1960; died 2005) |
| Children | 5, including Wayne, Keith and Brent |
Walter Gretzky, CM, OOnt (October 8, 1938 – March 4, 2021) was a Canadian philanthropist who was best known as the father of Canadian ice hockey icon Wayne Gretzky.
An avid hockey player as a youth, and a keen analyst of the game, he built a backyard rink for his children, and coached Wayne continually from the age of three, devising creative exercises and drills, and teaching him profound insights into how to play successfully.[1] Wayne credited his father as playing a key role in his success, citing advice such as "skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been".[2]
Gretzky contributed to minor hockey in Canada, and helped many local, provincial and national charities, for which he was honoured.
- ^ Wayne Gretzky Profile www.famoussportspeople.com/wayne-gretzky Archived May 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Gretzky & Reilly 1990, p. 88.