Wayne Gretzky Gives Heartfelt Speech At Walter Gretzky's Funeral
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มี.ค. 2021
- Wayne Gretzky gives a heartfelt reading & shares fond memories while reflecting on the life of his father, Walter Gretzky.
----------------------------------------------
Subscribe to Sportsnet on TH-cam - sprtsnt.ca/2paAT2L
Visit Sportsnet.ca for more sports news and highlights - www.sportsnet.ca
Follow Sportsnet on Facebook - sprtsnt.ca/YTFB
Follow Sportsnet on Twitter - sprtsnt.ca/YTTWTR
Follow Sportsnet on Instagram - sprtsnt.ca/YTINST
Follow Sportsnet on Snapchat - sprtsnt.ca/YTSNAP
Watch Sportsnet on Sportsnet Now - sportsnet.ca/now - กีฬา
I remember meeting Walter at the Mcdonald's on King George Road in Brantford, he thought I looked lonely and decided to sit down and eat lunch with me.
I look back on that day with fond nostalgia because here was a total stranger who took the time to brighten my day.
He was an angel on Earth, and Brantford will never be the same now that he's gone.
Wow. This is so emotional for me to watch. My brother is a very good friend of the Jones family. God bless Wayne, Janet and the entire family. The Gretzky's and The Jones families are a class act and both so down to EARTH!!!! Amazing!!!!! Great job Wayne. God bless you all. ❤✝️❤️
Lol he was always there I ran into him a couple of times. But when I was 4 I was at the Gretzky center with my mom learning to skate. I was getting frustrated n started crying an some nice old man taught me how to skate. Turns out the nice old man was Walter lol. I just wish he was still alive to teach me how to stop lmao
Way to keep it together until the end there Wayner.
When he broke there, I broke, too. RIP Walter Gretzky
That's grieving for you. It hits you without notice and there isn't anything you can do about it. Grieve he should as we lost a great person in Walter.
@@livelife4471 oh how insightful thank you I wasn’t aware I had emotions
@@thebaker1549 no one was talking to you.
Moderna or Pfizer?
Walter Gretzky was one of the nicest people around, my condolences to Wayne and the Gretzky family.
I'm a big hockey fan and I would have loved to have met Walter. I've heard nothing but nice things about him as a person and how nice he was to those he met.
Super nice man
All of Brantford loves Walter Gretzky. One of the nicest men anyone could ever meet.
@@victoriabardsley8097 my sister got an autograph from him few years back, she said he was a great guy to meet!
@@frenchboathorn8075 I've heard nothing but nice things about Walter.
Wayne is cut from the same cloth as his father. Wayne's class and character is a testament to Walter's example. RIP Walter Gretzky.
Yup. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Good parents raise good kids, despite what mainstream media likes to push. Wayne could have let his greatness go to his head, but he didn't.
Well said sir
Wayne and his dad have always been a class act. What a real, heartfelt eulogy. Hope your memories heal you.
"He loved life so much. He didn't want to leave." :(
So sad, god bless him
@@jeffreywalker4476 bullshit
@@ddcharron24 Like Wayne said in his speech, the best place is with your family.
@@jeffreywalker4476 is he? So u know for a fact? 🤔
@@jeffreywalker4476 So let me get something straight. I say this as a Christian man myself. If they don't believe in our religion they don't get to go to a better place? Because that's what that last statement you wrote basically says.
Whoever disliked it should be ashamed of themselves
Our country has enemies and will attack us however and wherever they can...sad
@@tommygun19788 there’s also attention starved losers that just have to hate something even tho it’s anonymous. Rip WG
The thumbs up/down needs to be amended. It can be misleading... for example, thumbs down because his father passed it sucks. Or thumbs up because you are supporting the great one. Or thumbs up that the caught a murderer, or thumbs down because your not cool with the murderers Crimes. It's subjective
@@northernpunx1978 those are enemies as well.
@@tommygun19788 they aren't enemies of our country............................they are just attention seeking, uncaring assholes.
Wayne, incredible speech. You did your father proud. Your strength is admirable. Take care of you now moving forward! Your father did us Canadians proud with his humbleness, professionalism and friendliness.
Agreed!!!!
Nicely said.
Twenty years ago Wayne said "Even at my age, I still listen to my parents." A good example for everyone.
I met Walter in Milton Ontario about 20 years ago. He was incredibly friendly and took time to talk for quite awhile - even helped me look for something he could sign! He and Wayne had such an incredible bond, I cant imagine how heart breaking this is for him and his family.
What a great experience that must've been, we'll all miss Walter
Must've been nice to meet him.
@@lukes2254 yep
All those tournaments that Walter took Wayne to when he was a child I bet he never imagined that he was raising the greatest hockey player to have ever laced up a pair of skates.
Hey man. Where did you meet him in Milton. I live in Milton actually so I just think it’ll be cool.
That’s our boy there. Canada’s favourite Son. His Dad was a Great Dad and deserves all the accolades, and this guy has been a Great Son. What a true Champion. Such class and respect.
Living in Brantford for most of my life and playing hockey at the Wayne Gretzky centre for years I ran into Walter Gretzky almost once a week and he was always the most humble honest and sincere person always sociable and always made time to have a quick chat with anyone he came across whether at the rink or the grocery store or the ice cream parlor. Every time I ran into that man I was greeted with a smile.
I agree with Wayne when he said “we would be a way better world if there was so many more people like my dad”...amazing human being! God bless his soul! Humble and down to earth all the way through.
I've never met Walter Gretzky but anyone I know who has says the same thing, he was generous and had time for everyone. People like Walter make Canada the special place it is. RIP
I went to a hockey tournament in brantford Ontario. Now driving there as a 10 year old in the car with my dad I was so excited I knew it was the town Wayne grew up in. Unfortunately he was doing autographs and I never met him. But everyone knows Walter and who he is and he just bring a joy to life. Bring up Walter to anyone and they will say how great he is
Thank you Walter for being Canada's most famous and most kind-hearted hockey dad. Rest in peace and pride.
There’s not a worse time for Canada to lose Walter. We need more like him, now more than ever.
Leaving a leafs game one night, I was heading to the subway near the union station tunnel like thousands of others. Lo and behold there's Walter Gretzky, holding the door open for everyone with a huge grin on his face, high fiving fans as they walked by.
The last seconds of his speech hurt my soul, the emotion in his voice.....
Condolences to the Gretzky family from Russia.
Rest in peace, Walter Gretzky
Gretzky is half Russian
Met him at Disney World when I was younger incredibly nice human being😔
It's too bad he could not have the funeral he deserved.... with 1000's in attendance. RIP Walter.
Stupid Covid rules that don't allow more people to attend.I'm sorry,but if you're afraid,then don't come to the funeral.Government Control.
And i forgot RIP Walter and prayers to the Gretsky Family!!
@@johnrwalker53 there's a time and a place
@@johnrwalker53 Unless I get sick then please Gubermint, take care of me and my dipshit family!!!
This is exactly how Walter would of want it. When he was asked to go to Los Angels, Walter did not want to leave home. An absolute puritan. RIP Walter Gretzky. 👍🥲🥲
As a citizen of Brantford who has met Walter, God Bless him.
My dad past last year in February fighting 5 years with mulitple Myeloma only 72. We all have or had fathers. May they and all fathers that passed recently RIP. I miss him so much!
Wayne as always a true ambassador of Canada and of the game. You can see where he got it.
this is hard to watch ,... bummer for Wayne ,,
Wayne your a tremendous human being. Your dad did a great job!!
What an amazing son of an even more amazing dad. Canada's hockey dad, Mr. Gretzky. RIP
We have Wayne Gretzky because of Walter Gretzky 😌
Thats how conception works 😉
And we have Walter Gretzky because of Anton Gretzky 💆♂️
And his mama🤪😜👍🏻
Bringing my son to the dreaded 6am hockey practice.... I miss it so much now, double double in hand, talking to other parents, I get it Walter, thanks for being Canada's hockey dad. ❤
I live on Brantford, Ontario and this is truly a sad day for the Gretzky family and the Brantford community. We will miss you Walter! You gave us so much and our time with you was special! May you Rest in Peace
Wayne you are a class act and I know where you got it from..RIP Walter Gretzky you made this world a better place.
Walter and Wayne were quite the father Son duo. I'm sorry for his family's loss.
Couldn’t have been a sweeter more genuine human being on this planet. Rest In Peace forever Walter Gretzky. Canada’s Dad
Who cut the onions in here? I myself almost lost it at the end. Walter helped raise a great group of kids. True inspiration to every dad out there!
Rest In Peace and I’m so sorry for your loss
If he believes in Jesus Christ he is in heaven worshiping the Lord :) amen
jesus... that ending... couldnt hold it in anymore. wayne being a legend as always. prayers and thoughts are to him and his family. horrible.
How can 92 people give the thumbs down on this a son grieving his beloved father? Thanks Wayne and Walter for an amazing ride.
Condolences to this iconic Family. These people are family to all Canadians.
RIP canadas hockey dad. wishing all the best to the Gretzky family
The greatest dad ever! Thank you so much for Wayne the best hockey player and professional athlete ever.
I remember my first time visiting Toronto years ago. Decided that after we visited the hockey HOF we would have dinner at Gretzky's. Had a great time at dinner and were satisfied with our evening, and then comes in the legend, Walter Gretzky. We did not approach him, he approached us, realized that we were not from the area and we had a great chat about New Brunswick and the Maritimes. And then he asked if we wanted a picture, without provocation, and we agreed gratefully. Signed my edition of the HOF program and moved on to the next table to greet more fans. Such a humble and genuine man. Sorry for your loss Wayne and family, just glad I got the chance to meet him.
Had the honor of meeting Walter at an Easter Seals Hockey Tournament. He made the time to meet all the teams and never stopped smiling that whole day!! R.I.P. Mr Gretzky Canada's Hockey Dad!! 🥺
Your not only making your Dad proud Wayne but our making every Canadian proud. Just to let you know, you have brought everything your Father wanted out of a son. Rest In Peace Walter all of Canada will walk beside you!
I was just thinking that Wayne was having a tough time, still talking about his dad in the present tense, then, he broke down. Great men, family always first.
Your Dad was a Great One. May you all be comforted. He reminds me of my own Dad, who was born in 1930, but is also gone, now. They were made of great stuff...the end of an era.
Walter Gretzky signed a book. What a great Gentleman...
RIP Walter and condolences to the GRETZKY FAMILY
Walter Gretzky was one of the nicest people around, my condolences to the Gretzky family.
God comfort Wayne and his family. This is one of my favorite quotes from Wayne. "I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been."
I totally agree with Wayne. The world needs more people like his father, Walter. Rest in peace. Mr Gretzky 🙏🙏🙏
Our hearts go to the Gretzky family. We loved him too. Our son and my family had the privilege of seeing him at the Gretzky Centre a lot. He loved to tell stories and they were funny. Our son won mvp of the Gretzky Tournament back a few years ago. Funny his trophy was almost as big has him. Walter laughed so hard and asked our son if he could have a picture with him. We were looking at that photo after we heard of his passing. Through our tears first and then laughter after we realized we had to go to Branford and pay tribute to a man that was the best. We laid flowers at the arena and at his home. We are from Simcoe but it was just what we felt in our hearts to do.
The older Wayne gets, the more he looks like his dad.
That's gotta be one of the best tribute speeches I've ever heard---for one of the best Canadians ever. Make that TWO of the best Canadians ever. RIP Walter
Wayne Gretzky and family is all the evidence you need of his father's contributions and legacy. thank you to the Gretzky family.
Send my prays from Sweden. I now study in palliative care. I wish we all could be as human as Wayne, he was fantastic on ice, but his speak for his father is deep with love and respect. That he cry just show that we all humans, our love for family means more then anything.
For me myself my parents been the best, given me all. Sadly as teenager i was on a deep road, drinkin much, and i ended up at hospital with epelepsy.
That moment i did my only pray ever that i ask god for my life, and i would change. IT not been easy but i'm 43 yr now, single dad too a princess. I Oslo had the chance thank my parents for all they done, its for them i'm here still Olso.
For me help others is my way thanking for my life, i just want you know that we all special, and never miss your chance tell your family you love them.
this has to be one of the saddest videos i ever seen
I met Walter at Audreys Book Store in Edmonton when I was 6 years old in 2001 where he signed my book that he wrote and he was just so kind. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gretzky family. Walter was truly a Canadian inspiration.
I spoke and told stories at my father’s service, man it is hard. I’ve got tears watching Wayne speak and hearing the pain in his heart. Time heals but it’s still tough at times.
Walter Gretzky sets a great example for all us men, Dad's or not. The best gift you can give a child is your time. R.I.P Sir.
I was 14 yes old ( I’m 50 now) and I was at Canadian tire in Calgary with my dad buying a Wayne Gretzky Titan stick , on the way out we bumped into Mr Walter Gretzky and wow what a nice man and he was so I to knowing what position I played and how many goals I had and he signed my Gretzky Stick. Being the kid I was used that stick to play for many many years I wish I had kept it. For Walter to take time out of his day to meet an average kid who plays hockey and talk to me was just so awesome and I was a Calgary fan ha ha in Calgary. He will be missed and this is my one moment in hockey I remember 35 years later 🥲
What an absolutely beautiful trubute to your Dad, Wayne. I send my sincerest condolences to you and your family. xxx
Thank you to the Gretzky family for always graciously sharing their life with the public, even after giving back so much
I would see Walter all around town a lot. He would NEVER shy away from chatting your ears off. Incredibly humble, incredibly caring, and overall just a beautiful soul.
Rest In Peace Walter, and condolences to the Gretzky family.
Very well delivered Wayne. Your father was an icon of Brantford and of Canada. He was there for everyone..especially our youth. He gave them the opportunity to dream..❤
If Wayne is the great,
Walter is the greatest.
Thank you.
You wouldn’t have to know Walt to know how great a person he was. Wayne is such a class act that you know the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
Hockey fans everywhere identified with Walter Gretzky. He was one of us. There was no pretence, no BS, and no attempt to ever be anything but a decent, honest, ordinary man living an extraordinary life. He was a working man with a wonderful wife and family, who just happened to raise a son who is the ultimate hockey superstar of all time. He had a great life and was truly loved and respected by millions of people. What more could you possibly ask?
A wonderful and kind man. I had the privilege to meet Mr.Gretzky at a mall outside of Atlanta . It was just after he recovered from the aneurism . It was a real honour .
Sad the world has lost one of greats! What an amazing man!!! So much love from a fellow Canadian ❤️🌹💐🇨🇦
I was able to meet Walter when I was around 11 years old and talk to him and take a picture. He was a tremendous human being who has impacted many and the sport. RIP.
My brother told me that he’d meet him many times at McDonald’s when he’d be in there hanging out with his friends and water was always incredibly polite and said hi.
Never met Walter, but had the pleasure of meeting Wayne... gracious and classy... If there is anything I can say is that Walter raised one hell of a person let alone an incredible hockey player... RIP Mr. Gretzky
Walter was a saint. One time in high school my buddy’s and I were waiting for a ride home inside of a Brantford McDonald’s on a cold January night and he walked in and insisted on buying us food and gave us his autograph. The most friendly and excepting person you could meet.
My condolences. Walter was Hockey’s dad, and a father to all hockey players and fans alike. Such a kind, generous man. Rest in Peace.
Totally get it when wayne said walter loved life and didn't want to leave. My dad said the same thing to me. He was only 48 but he looked at me and goes I just love being alive it's so amazing, I don't want to die. It hit me in the feels. Knowing someone who loves life so much gets it cut short. Rip walter Gretzky.
Great father , Great Son. I miss my dad everyday since he left us. May peace be upon him
Such a great family. Very humble and grounded. The ultimate Canadian dad.
Great speech.! Outstanding man, exemplary father and Canadian. Sincere condolences to the Gretzky family.
Rest in peace Walter. He sure did a great job in raising Wayne. He's a class act and I'm positive he learned that from his Dad.
Had the pleasure to have a supper with Walter Gretzky at John and Elaine Wilson’s place. Engaged in Ukraine conversation. Such a humble and wonderful man. Rest In Peace Walter. May god welcome you into his kingdom. Our condolences to Wayne and family. 💕🙏🏻
Deepest sympathies to the Gretzky family.
😌RIP Walter Gretzky! Fan from Edmonton so you always felt like family. You raised good kids!🦋
A true Canadian family,rip mr Gretzky much respect
Met Walter a few times...such a nice guy. RIP Mr.Gretzky
My son Ben and I were fortunate to meet Walter Gretzky at a hockey tournament in Branford. He used his voice and status to make a difference in many people’s lives. Kindness is always the best gift and Walter Gretzky gave many gifts.
Whether Wayne or any others losing their family patriarchs like this, my heart goes out to them and I admire them. Tough stuff.
Pure class from the great one
Dear Gretzky family.
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Walter. He was an amazing man. His love and pride for not only his family but the hockey loving Canadians was inspiring.
I met him only once but it was memorable. My son Hunter and I were traveling through Brantford on our way to Team Ontario tryouts for Incline Hockey and we stopped at McDonald's to get a bite to eat. Standing in line neither of us had any hockey garb on but Walter was at the counter waiting for his order. He turned and saw us at the back of the line and directly handed the two BIG bags back to the cashier and told her to put them under the heat lamps.
He then walked up to us and said Hi! He wanted to know what we were doing there that morning. I said we were headed to Team Ontario Incline tryouts. He then turned to my son Hunter and asked him a couple questions. Then he looked at me and said he's going to make the team. Congrats mom. Before I could say anything he took a knee and sang me Let me Call you Sweetheart. Then kissed the back of my hand and said his goodbyes. I wish with all my heart I had gotten a picture or autograph but we were beyond that. Walter was right. My son ended up aging out after playing for Team Ontario for 5 years. Bringing home a slew of silver medals but never the gold.
I am thankful to have met such a great man. My love to you all
I met and spoke with him many times when I was a security supervisor at both Maple Leaf Gardens and the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. He made you feel like you were the only person in the room. A very classy and warm man. RIP.
Walter was a great man with a great family. Rest in peace we will all miss him.
It's sad that the only times we get together as a whole family is when somebody gets married or somebody passes away.
We should cherish each other more often because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
well said
Well, most likely one of the best Father and Son duos in sports history. Always nice to see the Great one carry himself with such class, pride and honour. RIP Mr. Walter Gretzky. ❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦🙏🙏🙏
Walter Gretzky was the person I met at the person airport when I landed as an immigrant. Such a friendly person who was interested in where I was from. I felt so welcome and my worries about the new world just melt away. I appreciate being here as a Canadian. This is my home now. RIP Walter.
Very, very nice! Beautiful words!
What can you say, the Great One lost his best bud his father. God bless him and the family. The HOCKEY Heavens got a special person today...
Well said..
My dad and I stood beside Walter at a Fincups Jr. A game in Hamilton...when my brother was also in the league as an underage 16 year old like Wayne...
Walter was already a well known entity at the time in the hockey world....but suddenly in the middle of the game he turned to my dad...who he had not met before...and proceeded to speak at length about how much he liked my brother as a player...going back to recollections of specific plays even in minor league perhaps a year or two earlier. My dad was thrilled...and we were both in awe of his humility and passion for the game and even individual players. He was a wonderful modest man who became an icon not just because of Wayne but rather because he exuded the qualities we would want to see in everyone. We knew he was growing frail but this cuts deeply for every Canadian..I’m sure.
My team won a contest when I was about 13 years old. We got to fly to Vancouver and meet Wayne and his dad. Watch a Canucks game with him and sit in the press box while watching a Vancouver Giants game. Wayne was in and out he was a very busy man. But the whole time Walter stayed with us kids and played games with us told us stories and was just the kindest human being to all of us. He was truly a remarkable man who will forever be remembered. Rest in peace Walter.
Wowww what a beatiful family I’m so sorry wayne!
first Joey Moss now his dad
man i feel bad for Wayne
And Colby cave🥺
Wayne Gretzky. A true Champion, Canadian, and humble person.🙏
I'm so proud to be Canadian. Walter and Wayne are true canadian heroes. R.I.P. Walter
The Great One and the Greater One.
RIP BIG WALT, GRETZKYS FOREVER
My 11 year old son met you at a book signing here in Barrie and said wow that was the nicest hockey player I have ever met dad. I told my son he gets it from HIS father. God Bless!
Walter is the true meaning of a special human being in Ontario. My condolences to Wayne and your family. Legends...both of you.