Walter Gretzky, Father Of The Great One, Passes Away At 82

Walter Gretzky is Canada's most beloved hockey dad. He coached his son, Wayne Gretzky, who is statistically the greatest player of all time. He will be remembered for his community involvement, charity, and that man who raised The Great One.

Wayne Gretzky is a 2nd generation Canadian as Walter was born in Canning, Ontario to Belarusian immigrants. Walter aspired to be an NHL'er as he was a prolific goal scorer as a teenager with the Woodstock Warriors Junior B team. However, a 5'9", 140 stature wouldn't cut it for his time. Instead, as a consolation, he raised the greatest hockey player of all time.

Wayne's mother and Walter's wife, Phyllis Hockin passed away in 2005 shortly after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Walter has lived with a number of health concerns for some time, but he has battled as hard as Wayne did on the ice.

Wayne is one of five children, but Walter was there to foster Wayne's skills since the age of three.

He taught me the basics of life as far as schooling, as far as how I treated people. I don't think there's any question in my mind I wouldn't be playing professional hockey if it wasn't for him, Wayne said in a 1996 interview.

Walter was a man of community and charity and will be grieved by the entire hockey world. Many of us commoners among his royal status will have stories to tell for generations to come.