Wayne Gretzky Gives Heartfelt Speech At Walter Gretzky's Funeral

[@davidkraft314]

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.

[@Californiadreamin715]

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. ❤✝️❤️

[@Stxyker]

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

[@kiker0909]

Way to keep it together until the end there Wayner.

[@jimb.7523]

When he broke there, I broke, too. RIP Walter Gretzky

[@livelife4471]

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.

[@thebaker1549]

@@livelife4471 oh how insightful thank you I wasn’t aware I had emotions

[@williams428]

@@thebaker1549 no one was talking to you.

[@thebaker1549]

Moderna or Pfizer?

[@connormitchell8048]

Walter Gretzky was one of the nicest people around, my condolences to Wayne and the Gretzky family.

[@victoriabardsley8097]

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.

[@jimbreslin2209]

Super nice man

[@NickCADA]

All of Brantford loves Walter Gretzky. One of the nicest men anyone could ever meet.

[@Frenchboathorn1]

@@victoriabardsley8097 my sister got an autograph from him few years back, she said he was a great guy to meet!

[@victoriabardsley8097]

@@Frenchboathorn1 I've heard nothing but nice things about Walter.

[@clemlowes2112]

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.

[@canadianroot]

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.

[@michaelarojas]

Well said sir

[@loriharrod2147]

Wayne and his dad have always been a class act. What a real, heartfelt eulogy. Hope your memories heal you.

[@mikeadcock1985]

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.

[@ice711real]

What a great experience that must've been, we'll all miss Walter

[@lukes2254]

Must've been nice to meet him.

[@LTisKing]

@@lukes2254 yep

[@victoriabardsley8097]

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.

[@liammannell4595]

Hey man. Where did you meet him in Milton. I live in Milton actually so I just think it’ll be cool.

[@rygy20]

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.

[@adamdorgant9454]

Agreed!!!!

[@JohnJohnson-ql8mx]

Nicely said.

[@ralphwiggum250N]

Twenty years ago Wayne said "Even at my age, I still listen to my parents." A good example for everyone.

[@SugaryHobgoblin]

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

[@colester27816]

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

[@rav7563]

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.

[@Johnny-Rock-Star]

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.

[@chocolatemoose7761]

"He loved life so much. He didn't want to leave." :(

[@allgasnobrakes4296]

So sad, god bless him

[@ddcharron24]

@@jeffreywalker4476 bullshit

[@loganbeazley8675]

@@ddcharron24 Like Wayne said in his speech, the best place is with your family.

[@carriemiranda130]

@@jeffreywalker4476 is he? So u know for a fact? 🤔

[@Xenophontes]

@@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.

[@jaekalldaygames7607]

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.

[@PotPoet]

Thank you Walter for being Canada's most famous and most kind-hearted hockey dad. Rest in peace and pride.

[@trisgilmour]

Rest In Peace and I’m so sorry for your loss

[@Frenchboathorn1]

If he believes in Jesus Christ he is in heaven worshiping the Lord :) amen

[@Mattrsx]

Walter and Wayne were quite the father Son duo. I'm sorry for his family's loss.

[@NickCADA]

As a citizen of Brantford who has met Walter, God Bless him.

[@PQV-8898]

What an amazing son of an even more amazing dad. Canada's hockey dad, Mr. Gretzky. RIP

[@DuboisxP]

The last seconds of his speech hurt my soul, the emotion in his voice.....

[@polkhigh3333]

There’s not a worse time for Canada to lose Walter. We need more like him, now more than ever.

[@KodieGregory]

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.

[@alexrowdyrodrigues9716]

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

[@777RockNRollin]

i have no words here

[@kevinkeenan6078]

Wayne you are a class act and I know where you got it from..RIP Walter Gretzky you made this world a better place.

[@y3ee3e]

RIP canadas hockey dad. wishing all the best to the Gretzky family

[@bcampbell185]

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

[@Fhyper]

Whoever disliked it should be ashamed of themselves

[@tommygun19788]

Our country has enemies and will attack us however and wherever they can...sad

[@northernpunx1978]

@@tommygun19788 there’s also attention starved losers that just have to hate something even tho it’s anonymous. Rip WG

[@silentpulls7447]

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

[@tommygun19788]

@@northernpunx1978 those are enemies as well.

[@entertainmentforthedead]

@@tommygun19788 they aren't enemies of our country............................they are just attention seeking, uncaring assholes.

[@Garegearhy]

jesus... that ending... couldnt hold it in anymore. wayne being a legend as always. prayers and thoughts are to him and his family. horrible.

[@laurieatkinson1942]

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.

[@truenorth1355]

The greatest dad ever! Thank you so much for Wayne the best hockey player and professional athlete ever.

[@fredrikochlinnea2297]

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.

[@privatejets9992]

this has to be one of the saddest videos i ever seen

[@poohbear4130]

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!

[@henridesjarlais3927]

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.

[@TheJugga21]

Thank you to the Gretzky family for always graciously sharing their life with the public, even after giving back so much

[@tdunph4250]

There really isn't enough tributes and kind, loving words you can say about Walter. He has touched many, many people and their lives. A truly remarkable, beautiful and soulful human being. May he rest in eternal peace. They don't make them like that anymore.

[@zeroceiling]

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.

[@richardcalisi9188]

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!

[@peekaboo4390]

How can 92 people give the thumbs down on this a son grieving his beloved father? Thanks Wayne and Walter for an amazing ride.

[@germainewright7348]

What an absolutely beautiful trubute to your Dad, Wayne. I send my sincerest condolences to you and your family. xxx

[@rocketman1773]

I totally agree with Wayne. The world needs more people like his father, Walter. Rest in peace. Mr Gretzky 🙏🙏🙏

[@turnbullgarage88]

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.

[@greysea4841]

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.

[@wigrek]

Condolences to the Gretzky family from Russia. Rest in peace, Walter Gretzky

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

Gretzky is half Russian

[@skylarforrest1849]

Met him at Disney World when I was younger incredibly nice human being😔

[@marcschuler8583]

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.

[@NickCADA]

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.

[@SaZooCaballero]

My sister lives in Brandford and said Walter was as nice, kind and a true gentleman as anyone that knew him said he was. Helped sister to her car with groceries, held doors open, friendly,... Rest in peace Walter

[@kiddysinclaire5831]

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."

[@jeradmills1510]

Sad the world has lost one of greats! What an amazing man!!! So much love from a fellow Canadian ❤️🌹💐🇨🇦

[@ItsTheMunz]

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.

[@joycealdrich]

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.

[@SandyJohnson-ur6xi]

We have Wayne Gretzky because of Walter Gretzky 😌

[@birdiec]

Thats how conception works 😉

[@Forever-ry1nr]

And we have Walter Gretzky because of Anton Gretzky 💆‍♂️

[@forfuxakes6814]

And his mama🤪😜👍🏻

[@joepalooka2145]

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?

[@andyc9979]

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.

[@yvettebrand2034]

😌RIP Walter Gretzky! Fan from Edmonton so you always felt like family. You raised good kids!🦋

[@germainst-denis8601]

Great speech.! Outstanding man, exemplary father and Canadian. Sincere condolences to the Gretzky family.

[@kevinkarbonik2928]

It's too bad he could not have the funeral he deserved.... with 1000's in attendance. RIP Walter.

[@johnrwalker53]

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.

[@johnrwalker53]

And i forgot RIP Walter and prayers to the Gretsky Family!!

[@tyefoster4935]

@@johnrwalker53 there's a time and a place

[@gingerd2098]

@@johnrwalker53 Unless I get sick then please Gubermint, take care of me and my dipshit family!!!

[@carlgois8579]

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. 👍🥲🥲

[@davidh4131]

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.

[@carryhall2043]

Such a wonderful heartfelt moment shared..so sorry for your loss..he touched so many of us Canadians with his pride and dedication for his family and the national game that we all share as Canadians. Hockey is the glue that keeps us with humility and humor..dedication and community for our fellow Canadians. Your dad was an amazing man...like so many of our own dads he will be greatly missed.

[@privatejets9992]

hard to watch this, very sad,.. ; (

[@johnnyjoey]

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.

[@seanhart9706]

Wayne is such a hero to so many. His father is the heart of that hero. We love you Walter Gretzky you will be missed.

[@alexe606]

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.

[@deancoleta1791]

Wayne as always a true ambassador of Canada and of the game. You can see where he got it.

[@privatejets9992]

this is hard to watch ,... bummer for Wayne ,,

[@topsuperseven7910]

Whether Wayne or any others losing their family patriarchs like this, my heart goes out to them and I admire them. Tough stuff.

[@Maple93Syrup]

I’ve never met Mr. Walter Gretzky, but Wayne painted a beautiful picture of gentlemen loved by many. A touching tribute from his son. Sending lots of love, encouragement, and comfort to the entire Gretzky family. Rest in a well deserved peace, sir.

[@jasonbrophy7921]

A true Canadian family,rip mr Gretzky much respect

[@capichow]

Your the best 🏆 you still are It’s hard family members that pass away But you did exactly what you were supposed to do Be a good son. Your a legend man

[@Hayyden]

If Wayne is the great, Walter is the greatest. Thank you.

[@rezwan9329]

Great father , Great Son. I miss my dad everyday since he left us. May peace be upon him

[@jimriley3089]

Walter was a great man with a great family. Rest in peace we will all miss him.

[@jf6728]

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.

[@SouthernSkeptic]

The older Wayne gets, the more he looks like his dad.

[@danielstark3564]

He will be missed! I count myself proud to be able to have been able to meet and hang out with Walter on plenty of occasions in Brantford Growing up. He made every hockey tournament feel so special like we could all be like Wayne one day. He was a great man and will be missed!

[@davidedelman4536]

Wowww what a beatiful family I’m so sorry wayne!

[@charlenegareau9302]

A very heartfelt thank you for sharing a few of your treasured memories of your father. He truly was a very special man and a wonderful example of what a father should be to his children. God bless you and your family with His love, peace and strength in this very tender and difficult time.

[@privatejets9992]

Very sad to watch this but we know Wayne is strong ,,

[@matthuzzi37]

Pure class from the great one

[@iDrem072]

I met Walter at the Jets vs leafs game on January 8th 2020 just before the pandemic and was sitting 3 seats over from him and I had the privilege to take a photo with him and have a short conversation. One of the nicest people I’ve ever met and am so glad to have met him at some point in my life. May he Rest In Peace

[@kevinparks5220]

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...

[@hockeyfan2022]

Well said..

[@gordbeardwood6627]

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..❤

[@TheFlightLevel]

Very, very nice! Beautiful words!

[@Dan-nt2yb]

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.

[@johnnylove9662]

God bless you Wayne and family

[@brentlittle8075]

Condolences to this iconic Family. These people are family to all Canadians.

[@DavosSeaworth]

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.

[@aquaIungg]

well said

[@dronester7672]

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!

[@onlineguy1984]

RIP BIG WALT, GRETZKYS FOREVER

[@lornams75]

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.

[@MicBergsma]

😢🙏🏼

[@TSRExtra]

Hi

[@faithwoodley6065]

That was a very touching tribute to Walter Gretzky's life. 💜

[@deenam5125]

My heartfelt condolences 💔🙏💜

[@aaronvivier8393]

With all the deaths over the year this one hit me the hardest, Rip Walter, that was a nice speech Wayne., I was crying like a baby I hope i can one day do the same for my dad when he passes away not anytime soon of course.

[@N_Z_A_2573]

first Joey Moss now his dad man i feel bad for Wayne

[@Mtarabein86]

And Colby cave🥺

[@joecampbell4199]

Thank you so much Wayne, you where such a big part of my childhood and I know your dad was instrumental in your success. He's in a better place right now with the Lord so take comfort in that.

[@surerockco.models3452]

The Great One and the Greater One.

[@nothingbutice3833]

Thank You Gretzky family for allowing us fans to watch and listen. Waynes story reflects why we were able. Thank You.

[@GoldCraft55]

I feel Waynes sadness in the end when he could'nt do it anymore, strong guy and may his dad Rest In Peace!

[@williamlegge2167]

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 .

[@richardrozales1356]

Just noticed that there were 99 comments before me

[@wnsbug]

99 problems but a wayne aint one

[@michaelmusgrove-fq2ld]

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. ❤

[@bryguyb1884]

Rest In Peace Walter Gretzky

[@mikeburke5320]

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.

[@bigmike9158]

Why are there dislikes on this. Whoever they are should be ashamed