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  THE GREATEST ONE

  by Kingston Georgeff, almost 5 years ago

  THERE IS A BRIGHT NEW STAR OVER GOD’S GOLF COURSE OF LOVE,

  JOINING PHYLLIS IN HER CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL IN HEAVEN ABOVE.

  WALTER OR “WALLY” THE WORLDS ULTIMATE HOCKEY DAD IS GONE,

  BUT FOR HIS FANS AND THE WORLD, HIS MEMORIES LIVE ON.

  
  

  IN THE DRESSING ROOM OF LIFE,WE HANG MEMORIES AND SKATES,

  SIT IN OUR HOCKEY STICK CHAIR AND REMEMBER ALL THE GREATS.

  THANKS WALTER FOR LOVING THE GAME,WHILE SERVING OTHERS,

  GIVING YOUR LIFETIME INSPIRING CHILDREN, DADS AND MOTHERS.

  
  

  EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY WAS NOT ENOUGH IT SEEMS,

  WALTER ASKED HIS FAMILY & WAYNE TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS.

  HOW... Continue reading

  THERE IS A BRIGHT NEW STAR OVER GOD’S GOLF COURSE OF LOVE,

  JOINING PHYLLIS IN HER CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL IN HEAVEN ABOVE.

  WALTER OR “WALLY” THE WORLDS ULTIMATE HOCKEY DAD IS GONE,

  BUT FOR HIS FANS AND THE WORLD, HIS MEMORIES LIVE ON.

  
  

  IN THE DRESSING ROOM OF LIFE,WE HANG MEMORIES AND SKATES,

  SIT IN OUR HOCKEY STICK CHAIR AND REMEMBER ALL THE GREATS.

  THANKS WALTER FOR LOVING THE GAME,WHILE SERVING OTHERS,

  GIVING YOUR LIFETIME INSPIRING CHILDREN, DADS AND MOTHERS.

  
  

  EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY WAS NOT ENOUGH IT SEEMS,

  WALTER ASKED HIS FAMILY & WAYNE TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS.

  HOW MANY LIVES WERE TOUCHED BY THIS EXTRAORDINARY MAN,

  IN HIS BASEMENT IN BRANTFORD, SPREADING JOY TO EACH FAN.

  
  

  THE GRETZKY HOME WASN’T A CASTLE, BUT WALTER WAS KING,

  EVERYONE WAS WELCOME THERE, AND HE SHARED EVERYTHING.

  ON MY BIRTHDAY WALTER GAVE ME A PIECE OF THE BERLIN WALL,

  A GOLF BALL FROM WAYNE, & ONE OF THE BEST MEMORIES OF ALL

  
  

  GOD GAVE HIM A CRAZY SWING AND A SECOND CHANCE AT LIVING,

  THE GREATEST ONE NEVER FORGOT AND NEVER STOPPED GIVING.

  HELPING FAMILIES IN NEED, WHILE HIS HEALTH WAS DECLINING,

  HE RAISED MILLIONS FOR CHARITIES, SMILING AND SIGNING.

  
  

  IN HEAVENS’ ARENA,HIS LEGACY, A LIFE WITH SO MANY CHAPTERS,

  A PROUD CANADIAN, HIS BRIGHT STAR WILL HANG IN THE RAFTERS.

  WE WILL MISS YOU WALTER, BRANTFORD’S SUPER DAD WON’T DIE,

  PROUDLY TAPPING OUR STICKS ON GOD’S HIGHWAY TO THE SKY.

  
  

  
  

  IN MEMORY OF WALTER GRETZKY,

  MARCH 4, 2021

  
  

  DAVID M.GEORGEFF
• Share The Hyde Family 1996 Hockey Tournament in Los Angeles with Walter on Facebook Share The Hyde Family 1996 Hockey Tournament in Los Angeles with Walter on Twitter Share The Hyde Family 1996 Hockey Tournament in Los Angeles with Walter on Linkedin Email The Hyde Family 1996 Hockey Tournament in Los Angeles with Walter link

  The Hyde Family 1996 Hockey Tournament in Los Angeles with Walter

  by Walter Gretzky, almost 5 years ago

  Our family story of Walter happened in 1996 when our son Paul was on Walter's hockey team, two years after he had his aneurism. He was all better and back at the arena coaching. Wayne was so happy his dad was doing great he said "Dad why don't you bring your team to Los Angeles and we can have a tournament. Walter brought this to the next practice to see if we were interested. Everyone was so excited!! Every family was able to go and everyone in the family came too. We played lots of hockey games and Wayne also... Continue reading

  Our family story of Walter happened in 1996 when our son Paul was on Walter's hockey team, two years after he had his aneurism. He was all better and back at the arena coaching. Wayne was so happy his dad was doing great he said "Dad why don't you bring your team to Los Angeles and we can have a tournament. Walter brought this to the next practice to see if we were interested. Everyone was so excited!! Every family was able to go and everyone in the family came too. We played lots of hockey games and Wayne also had lots of tourist things for us to see and do. Whenever we were out touring we would see a crowd of people so we would check it out to see if it was a movie star and it was Walter they were gathered around. We would continue along and come across another crowd and had to check to see who that might be and once again it was Walter. Walter was the star! It was a very special year being with Walter every week but that vacation with all Paul's hockey buddies, all the parents and siblings will always be one of our most special family trips

  
  
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  Quiet Generosity

  by Lynn Christene Bilton, almost 5 years ago

  For many years, I was a volunteer with TEAD – Equestrian Association for the Disabled. Several of our classes included students who attended W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind in Brantford. Staff members from the school always spoke highly of Walter Gretzky’s generosity to the school. When there was a need, it was quietly looked after by Walter and his son Wayne.

  TEAD held a major fundraiser each year called “A Night at the Races” at Marriott Hall on the Ancaster Fairgrounds. One of the evening’s events was a silent auction that Walter always donated to. Often the auction... Continue reading

  For many years, I was a volunteer with TEAD – Equestrian Association for the Disabled. Several of our classes included students who attended W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind in Brantford. Staff members from the school always spoke highly of Walter Gretzky’s generosity to the school. When there was a need, it was quietly looked after by Walter and his son Wayne.

  TEAD held a major fundraiser each year called “A Night at the Races” at Marriott Hall on the Ancaster Fairgrounds. One of the evening’s events was a silent auction that Walter always donated to. Often the auction item was one of his famous “hockey stick benches” which perennially fetched a good dollar in aid of our riding program.

  “Run for Light” is the annual 5 kilometer run and walk held to benefit W. Ross Macdonald School. Most years, a group of TEAD volunteers would participate. It is an event held on a spring evening with runners and walkers all wearing glow-stick necklaces which adds to the magical effect.

  One year our entourage of walkers included a yellow lab owned by a couple in our group. Part way through our walk, we caught up with another group of participants that included Walter. He inquired about the dog who had been schooled as an assistance-dog. We were all wearing TEAD shirts and he wanted to know details about our therapeutic riding program. I had the distinct impression, there was nowhere else he would rather be, nothing else he would rather be doing, and no one else he would rather be with, than our gaggle of friends. His genuine interest plus sincerity shone.

  I had the privilege of meeting Walter at a few other events. Each and every time, I observed that his eyes twinkled. And he was always smiling.

  My encounters with Walter are treasured memories. I am honoured to have met this gentleman, who quietly did good things throughout his life.
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  Hockey Sticks & Friendship!!!!!!!!!

  by Deanna Finch-Smith, almost 5 years ago
  

  I met Walter in 2002 when we ran into each other at the local gas station. I jokingly asked him why he got all the hockey sticks from the local arenas as my husband had been searching for sticks to build an Adirondack chair for a charity event. After several minutes of bantering back and forth joking he told me to follow him home. This was the beginning of our friendship that I will treasure forever. I followed him home, had lunch with Phyllis and Walter and he supplied me with bobbleheads, autographed pictures, calendars and pens to use for... Continue reading

  I met Walter in 2002 when we ran into each other at the local gas station. I jokingly asked him why he got all the hockey sticks from the local arenas as my husband had been searching for sticks to build an Adirondack chair for a charity event. After several minutes of bantering back and forth joking he told me to follow him home. This was the beginning of our friendship that I will treasure forever. I followed him home, had lunch with Phyllis and Walter and he supplied me with bobbleheads, autographed pictures, calendars and pens to use for our charity efforts. Upon leaving he promised to start sharing hockey sticks with Steve to build furniture for charity. Well, he certainly followed through on this promise! At least weekly Walter would show up with truck or sometimes the Jag filled with broken sticks he had collected. As a result Steve built hockey stick chairs, a bar, bar fridges, hockey equipment chest, tables, picture frames and even a personally crafted telephone stand for Phyllis. All creations either went to charity events or personal gifts. We were thrilled to have attended 2 of Wayne's golf tournaments in Collingwood where the hockey stick bar and equipment chest raised $35,000.00 for charity! Not only was Walter generous with this sticks he also made time to accompany me on many speaking engagements for various charities and fundraising events all over Ontario. The charity items were provided to cities as far as Ottawa, North Bay, Clinton, London, Exeter and the Goderich ringette team. We always had an adventure no matter where we were heading, his constant criticizing of my driving abilities, serenading me and his endless jokes kept each trip exciting. We would stop in for surprise home visits to my friends homes so they could meet World's famous hockey dad and of course get a photo opportunity and personalized autograph! I quickly learned that if I had to stop anywhere on route to be prepared for lengthy stops as he would always end up signing autographs or sharing a story with strangers, who would walk away with huge smiles! As my passion is supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and Walter's sister Ellen was the apple of his eye we had a common vision to continue to promote awareness and inclusion for these individuals. So when my husband had a stroke 7 years ago he could no longer build the furniture however Walter continued to visit to encourage Steve to be positive with his recovery and he also continued to bring sticks weekly. A few weeks ago I became aware of a man from London who was seeking sticks for his son who had a developmental disability to build hockey stick flags for charity ! Well, I didn't think twice as we still had hundreds of sticks stored in our backyard and they all went to this amazing cause. I told them that everyone one of these sticks came via Walter and that he would be smiling down on us that day as the sticks are continuing to do the great work they were intended to! Walter would often stop by for campfires, BBQs, birthday parties and even gave up time to attend one of my son's backyard hockey tourneys to drop the puck for some very excited young players, sharing hot chocolate while he shared his latest adventures! With Walter's passing my son was upset... I reassured him how lucky he was to have had a 3rd grandpa in having Walter in our lives, not all kids can say they have the memories of growing up with Walter so involved in their lives and to cherish all these memories. Walter was truly one of the gentlest, kindest humans I have ever had the pleasure of being a friend to. RIP my friend.
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  Wonderful friend

  by sylvia steele, almost 5 years ago
  We have had the pleasure of knowing the family for approximately 30 some odd years. We have so many memories to treasure that we could go on and on . We were given experiences of which we would have never been able to have. Wally took Butch on pretty well all of Wayne's games all over different cities until Wayne retired. Wayne's last games were ones to be treasured. We also had the pleasure of attending Wayne;s induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame and what a wonderful day that was and we were catered to every step of that... Continue reading

  We have had the pleasure of knowing the family for approximately 30 some odd years. We have so many memories to treasure that we could go on and on . We were given experiences of which we would have never been able to have. Wally took Butch on pretty well all of Wayne's games all over different cities until Wayne retired. Wayne's last games were ones to be treasured. We also had the pleasure of attending Wayne;s induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame and what a wonderful day that was and we were catered to every step of that day. They are the most giving generous family and expecting nothing in return except your friendship . I still miss Wally's 11 pm phone calls to say he is outside the house for a visit. He was a wonderful friend and he is certainly missed. Rest in peace our dear friend.

  
  

  Sylvia and Butch Steele
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  Ordinary Poems for an Extraordinary Man

  by CLMota, almost 5 years ago

  I can’t remember the first time I saw Walter. He was always around. In the mall. At the Paris Cenotaph every November 11^th. At the rink. Hamming it up for kids. Telling stories to someone. Signing autographs. Taking time for others. On December 19, 2005, Walter lost his dear wife Phyllis. I remember that day because it was my son’s 5^th birthday. So sad and especially six days before Christmas. I felt sorry for Walter, and I wanted to comfort him somehow. I wrote a poem about Phyllis and the love their family shared, and how she... Continue reading

  I can’t remember the first time I saw Walter. He was always around. In the mall. At the Paris Cenotaph every November 11^th. At the rink. Hamming it up for kids. Telling stories to someone. Signing autographs. Taking time for others. On December 19, 2005, Walter lost his dear wife Phyllis. I remember that day because it was my son’s 5^th birthday. So sad and especially six days before Christmas. I felt sorry for Walter, and I wanted to comfort him somehow. I wrote a poem about Phyllis and the love their family shared, and how she smiles down upon them all until they meet again. I mailed it to Water. Sending mail to Walter was like writing to Santa Claus … one simply had to print “Walter” on the envelope, and it would get to him! I thought nothing of it and time passed. I started getting phone calls from a number I didn’t recognize. I ignored them time and time again. Finally, one night, my curiosity got the better of me and I snatched up the phone and practically shouted, “Hello!”. “Hello,” said the man on the other end of the line, “This is Walter Gretzky. You finally answered!” “Oh, my goodness!” I exclaimed. “I thought you were a telemarketer!” He laughed and we went on to have a heartfelt conversation. The father of the greatest hockey player of all time, phoning me and thanking me for my poem. I’m sure he had received thousands of condolences; but he personally phoned me to thank me and probably personally thanked everyone else also. That is just a hint to the kind of man Walter was. The next time I saw him in Paris, I introduced myself so that Walter could put a face to the woman who had ignored his phone calls. He got his trusty notepad and pen out of his hockey jacket and wrote down my name and address and the word poem. He said he’d come and visit us someday. I smiled, believing he was just being nice, and we parted ways. … Well if Walter didn’t come knocking on our door one evening! Just like we were old friends! He must have stood in our doorway for two hours (refusing to come in and sit down, since he didn’t want to intrude!) Every time he finished one story; he’d start up another one. “Honest to God!” he’d exclaim and on he’d ramble. He had me and my husband in stitches. Walter was extraordinary. Who would take the time to do that? An ordinary person, living a mundane life would struggle to find the time for others like that, never mind a man with thousands of contacts and connections not just across Canada, but across North America and beyond. But Walter remained golden of heart, humble, caring, and giving. I miss you, Walter. We were not best friends and I know I was one of many many people you were kind to. But I miss the fact that there isn’t “Walter out there” anymore. The world needs more Walter. A lot more. This poem is for you.

  Walter

  Brantford’s streets are somehow empty… leaves blowing down Varadi Ave.,

  Restaurants and shops will be missing someone… the nicest patron they were blessed to have,

  Sidewalks without that lively step… local landmarks the man will visit no more,

  And on a peg in a little house… hangs the hockey jacket he always wore.

  
  

  In the little place of Canning… in nineteen thirty-eight,

  Was born a boy named Walter… he grew up loving to skate…

  Out on the frozen Nith… the frost twinkling around his world,

  Who knew then, the future he’d have… and the star that would be unfurled.

  
  

  He married his teenage sweetheart, and with Phyllis made Brantford home,

  He remained in that house the rest of his days, never wanting grandness or needing to roam.

  He worked as telephone cable repairman… and the Gretzky family grew and grew,

  On the backyard rink that Walter made… five kids grew up – loving skating too.

  
  

  Walter loved coaching his young son Wayne – who as we all know, found hockey fame,

  But stardom and greatness took a backseat… Walter and Phyllis remained the same.

  When hard times with ill health threatened to defeat him… Walter would never let it get him down,

  His family and friends were centre of the universe, along with the community of his hometown.

  
  

  Overcoming incredible physical challenges… and in two thousand five, losing his wife,

  Walter remained, optimistic and positive… and for the rest of his days, devoted his life…

  To helping others, giving to charities, supporting minor hockey and the CNIB,

  Making others feel special, taking time to chat, never wanting to see sadness, being all that he could be.

  
  

  Visiting homes and hospital sick beds, making little kids laugh, wanting you to smile,

  Inviting you to visit and see Wayne’s memorabilia, telling you stories, going that extra mile,

  Giving out signatures, stopping you on the sidewalk, touching so many lives - everyone has a story,

  Genuine and humble, contributing to society, making others feel special, without taking any glory.

  
  

  If a standard exists, for being a human being… Walter Gretzky without knowing it, has set the bar high,

  Canada’s “Beloved Hockey Dad”, will always be an example, that the rest of us should follow, or at the very least try,

  The tributes pouring in, are a testament to the man… And reminds us to be giving - of time, kindness, and care,

  Walter was their buddy, their friend, their “dad”, their star… His impact was immense, to thousands everywhere.

  
  

  As the Gretzky’s mourn the loss of their dear patriarch… as they lay their “Team Captain” down to rest,

  In a humble spirit, no doubt inherited… Perhaps his son, has said it best,

  Giving the credit for all that he is - to the man who raised him - who was proud of his son,

  As each of us everywhere will forever miss Walter – Wayne says of his Dad, “HE was the Great One”.
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  Walter's Gift

  by cam59mac, almost 5 years ago

  As a Brantford girl living in Edmonton when Wayne played for the Oilers, I will never forget when my parents were visiting one Christmas. The phone rang and it was Walter. He had arranged tickets for us all to attend an Oiler's game. Do I need to mention that no one believed me when I got off the phone?! My dad worked with someone who was friends with Walter and he mentioned to Walter that my parents would be in Edmonton visiting their daughter. Walter was so generous in arranging this for us since none of us had ever met... Continue reading

  As a Brantford girl living in Edmonton when Wayne played for the Oilers, I will never forget when my parents were visiting one Christmas. The phone rang and it was Walter. He had arranged tickets for us all to attend an Oiler's game. Do I need to mention that no one believed me when I got off the phone?! My dad worked with someone who was friends with Walter and he mentioned to Walter that my parents would be in Edmonton visiting their daughter. Walter was so generous in arranging this for us since none of us had ever met him. At the time and for all those years afterwards I often wondered why Walter would do this for total strangers. However, after reading all the amazing tributes about Walter when he passed, I realized why. I am sad that I never had the pleasure of meeting Walter in person.
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  Walter & World Record Hockey Stick Stilts!

  by Doug Hunt, almost 5 years ago
  In support of Participation Support Services (Participation House Brantford) I led an attempt to break a Guinness World Record for most people on stilts. A committee was developed in partnership with Tourism Brantford to plan this fund-raising event at Cockshutt Park on Canada Day, Friday July 1st, 2005. One of the challeges was to have 600 stilts manufactured measuring one foot in height. Since this was a fund-raiser our comittee searched for product dontation (wood) to build our stilts. That's where our community champion Water Gretzy steps in!

  Walter got word that we needed materials to build these special stilts... Continue reading

  In support of Participation Support Services (Participation House Brantford) I led an attempt to break a Guinness World Record for most people on stilts. A committee was developed in partnership with Tourism Brantford to plan this fund-raising event at Cockshutt Park on Canada Day, Friday July 1st, 2005. One of the challeges was to have 600 stilts manufactured measuring one foot in height. Since this was a fund-raiser our comittee searched for product dontation (wood) to build our stilts. That's where our community champion Water Gretzy steps in!

  Walter got word that we needed materials to build these special stilts. He offered to have broken hockey stilts collected from area arena's. With these broken sticks that Walter collected we did manage to build over 600 sets of "one of a kind" record attempt hockey stilts! Walter told me:

  "kid, if you are going after a stilt World Record in Brantford it best be on Hockey Sticks!"

  What also made these stilts special was Walter autographed each pair! See photo below artical and photo copied from the Expositor. Walter was aways a step above the rest.
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  Near Drowning

  by Brad Horrocks, almost 5 years ago
  When I first was introduced to Wally years ago by my wife Julie, he knew my last name right away. This brought back childhood memories from where he grew up in Canning, Ontario. The story starts when he was maybe around 10 or 11 years old. My father also grew up in Canning not too far from Walter's. My father Russ and his buddies had a rope swing set up in a tree on the Nith River in Canning. They had the rope secured in the tree. One day Wally made a trip down to the river and decided he... Continue reading

  When I first was introduced to Wally years ago by my wife Julie, he knew my last name right away. This brought back childhood memories from where he grew up in Canning, Ontario. The story starts when he was maybe around 10 or 11 years old. My father also grew up in Canning not too far from Walter's. My father Russ and his buddies had a rope swing set up in a tree on the Nith River in Canning. They had the rope secured in the tree. One day Wally made a trip down to the river and decided he would get that rope out of the tree and give it a try. He was all by himself at the time. He went for it, swung out and dropped in the middle of the river. Wally was in a bad situation as he could not swim taking in water. My father just happened to be walking on the bridge over the Nith when he seen Walter struggling in the river. My father ran down the river bank into the water and dragged Walter out as he was going down probably for the last time. So everytime I ran into Wally he mentioned the story amidst others. Later in life my father's name was mentioned in the movie " The Walter Gretzky Story".
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  A Friend When Needed

  by Krista Windsor, almost 5 years ago
  In the early 90's I was a student at Mohawk College. It was my first time away from home, and I was feeling incredibly homesick. I went to the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre to use a payphone to call my Mom, and when I hung up, I was a crying mess. Now being a huge hockey fan, I knew who Walter was and recognized him when he entered the building; what I didn't expect was for him to come right over to me and ask if I was okay. From there, we talked for a little while about things and... Continue reading

  In the early 90's I was a student at Mohawk College. It was my first time away from home, and I was feeling incredibly homesick. I went to the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre to use a payphone to call my Mom, and when I hung up, I was a crying mess. Now being a huge hockey fan, I knew who Walter was and recognized him when he entered the building; what I didn't expect was for him to come right over to me and ask if I was okay. From there, we talked for a little while about things and hockey, and he even offered me a ride back to my Grandmother's house where I was staying. This was after Phyllis had passed away, and I remember seeing her name on the car's passenger door. I felt honoured to be allowed to sit in her seat and his car. Walter was a wonderful man and is dearly missed not only in Brantford but all around the world.