Wayne gives beautiful eulogy at Walter Gretzky's funeral; Brantford residents show respect with sticks

It has been said countless times since Walter Gretzky's death that it feels like he was everyone's hockey father. The dad of The Great One passed away this week at the age of 82. At the funeral Saturday, Wayne gave a eulogy for his father that was both touching and heartbreaking at the same time.

He started off by saying that, as serious as COVID-19 is, it had nothing to do with his father's death. Wayne said Walter broke his hip a few weeks ago and his family thought that was the end. However, they managed to spend another three weeks with him.

"I don't think I ever met a prouder Canadian than my dad,» said Wayne.

"We'd be a way better world if so many more people were like my dad."

"I'm so proud of the fact that so many people have reached out and given him such great tributes, he deserves it. He has a heart of gold, and just wonderful," finished Wayne before breaking off, overcome with emotion.

You can watch the eulogy in full below:

"I don't think I've ever met a prouder Canadian than my Dad."

Wayne Gretzky delivers a heartfelt eulogy for his father, Walter.

Watch Walter Gretzky's memorial service: https://t.co/02L5dEMgr3 pic.twitter.com/74heI5oApY— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 6, 2021

Meanwhile, residents of Brantford, Ontario, where Wayne grew up and his parents still live, lined the street for the funeral procession decked out in hockey jerseys while everyone tapped their sticks on the sidewalk. It's a telling moments that shows just how much Walter Gretzky meant to so many people, whether they were related to him or not.

Brantford residents pay tribute to Walter Gretzky by tapping their hockey sticks on the ground as the funeral procession made its way from the church pic.twitter.com/tqrK6sxAFS— CityNews Toronto (@CityNews) March 6, 2021

Rest in peace Walter. The world's greatest hockey dad.

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