Walter Gretzky equally as great as The Great One
On my walk through Farringdon Burial Grounds in Brantford, I visited the grave of a truly beloved Canadian figure—Walter Gretzky, father of the Great One, Wayne Gretzky.
Walter was raised on his parents’ cucumber farm in Canning, Ontario, just outside of Paris. Born to Ukrainian and Polish immigrants, he grew up in humble surroundings—but like his famous son, he had a passion for hockey.
Walter Gretzky could score goals too. He was a prolific forward during his five years with the Junior B Woodstock Warriors. A tryout with a Junior A team hinted at a future in the game, but a brief illness ended his hopes of a professional hockey career.
After hanging up his skates, Walter found a career with Bell Canada as an installer and repairman, where he worked for 34 years before retiring in 1991. Retirement, for Walter, meant more time for family—and for giving back.
A defining moment came when Wayne was just 19. Two completely blind boys approached him, one recognizing him only by his voice. That moment of compassion inspired Wayne to ask his father to organize a golf tournament to support the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind). Walter said yes—and that yes turned into decades of charitable work and advocacy.
For his tireless volunteerism and kind heart, Walter Gretzky was awarded some of Canada’s highest honours:
Walter receiving honours from Polish veterans and support to his Polish-Ukrainian heritage. Governor General Michelle Jean, awarding Walter with the Order of Canada in 2007.
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Member of the Order of Ontario
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Member of the Order of Canada
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Honorary Doctorates from Wilfrid Laurier, Nipissing, and McMaster Universities
Walter became a symbol of humility, family, and community spirit—often referred to as “Canada’s hockey dad.”
He passed away on March 4, 2021, at the age of 82. He is buried beside his beloved wife, Phyllis, who died in 2005.
1938-1921
After my visit to Walter’s grave, I drove to The Great One’s childhood home, Brantford, Ontario.
