Dogma director Kevin Smith drops by the legendary house on Varadi Ave for a tour around the greatest collection of hockey memorabilia this side of the Hall of Fame.
Walter invited me to his house in 88 and allowed me to bring my 2 nephews. I became friends with him after he fixed my Pizza Restaurants Phone . Bell Canada sent 3 different techs to find the problem. None of them could figure it out . After I threatened a law suit they said they will send there best trouble shooter. I had forgotten they were sending someone when I noticed someone hanging around the back and found out it was the TECH from Bell Canada. Anyway to make a long story short it was Walter Gretzky .We became friends after that and kept in touch . A month later I had a tragedy in my family my younger sister had just passed away in a car accident .and left an 11 year old boy grief stricken by losing his mother. He asked if the boy liked Hockey and if he knew who Wayne Was and then invited him to his home .That show of kindness to an 11 year old boy ,helped him in so many ways it's amazing the impact it had on him growing up. All I can say is thank you Walter Gretzky and GOD BLESS YOU
My former fiancé was one of the doctors that saved his life in 91. Her pager going off when we were out at dinner at The Trocadero in Hamilton and didn’t see her for 3 days. Years later, he adored my Son when he was playing in Tournaments in Brantford. We got Great pics of a Great man with my Son whom was my Sons Hero at the time. I met Wayne at Mountain Arena in Hamilton. He was playing for the Soo. After the game as we sat behind the bench my Dad finagled the meeting during the game at the bench. He was 15 at the time and sure glad I met them both.
Walter passed away last night and this is the first thing that came to mind being Canadian and a Kevin Smith fan so I came back to pay my respects to a great father and a greater person.
I have lots of family from Paris and Brantford and they all say the same thing. I guess my dad knew him and Phylis growing up and going to PDHS and from the sounds of it they've always been good people
This man was the ultimate hockey fan who just happened to be Wayne Gretzky's dad. I personally feel so fortunate that I was able to watch Wayne's career play out beginning to end. What a time that was! And Mr. Gretzky appeared to feel the same way. Godspeed Mr. Gretzky.
My father was a freind of walter gretzky and i once went round to their family house back in the eighties and wayne was already in the nhl and i got a chance to meet him while he was playing for the edmonton oilers and i now play in orangeville but wayne himself along with his family are truly amazing people
Worth more money then anything and never changed a thing in that house what a great man and very humble great family I’m proud To be from Brantford god bless Wally.
Very nice man. Good natured, polite, funny, modest, a true Canadian. I would love to visit that basement and just spend a few minutes with Mr Gretzky (senior). I think the great one owes a lot to his dad ;)
In college some friends and I went and knocked on Walters door. The awesome guy invited us inside and he took the time and talked hockey with us for 45 mins. Sent us away with some memorabilia. Will always remember this day for the rest of my life! Great man!
Kevin Smith and Walter Gretzky, it doesn't get much better than that. Watching both Walter and Wayne on tv when I was growing up in Edmonton made me feel as though they were part of my family. RIP Walter. Condolences to the Gretzky family and those affected by the passing of Walter.
Crazy, my old hockey coach told me Gretzky gave him the stick he used after becoming the all time leading scorer. Coach played on team Canada and a couple games for the Canucks (think he got to know Gretzky when he was on team Canada). This video gives that story crazy context.
What is so remarkable is that Walter let anyone into that basement that asked. I know so many people that Walter invited back when families would visit for local tournies. One of my buddies boys was in a tournie in Brantford and they met Walter downtown and he invited the family back to the basement. His son was one of the better players on the team so the coach was upset because he just made it back to the barn in time for the next game and I am sure my buddy was thinking your lucky we even came back. Walter was just a remarkable man and a pretty awesome Dad.
I would be in heaven. I only wish I had half of that Gretzky collection. As a kid i collected 2 players. ROY #33 & GRETZKY #99. Then I got to watch my 2 favourite players play each other in the cup finals. Lucky my favorite player won. But Wayne still played amazing.
What an incredible human being, Walter Gretzky
100%
🙏
Gretzky’s old man was such a sweet guy. So proud of his son yet still so humble.
Walter Gretzky. First ballot Hall of fame hockey dad and human being. The world is a lesser place without him in it
Walter invited me to his house in 88 and allowed me to bring my 2 nephews. I became friends with him after he fixed my Pizza Restaurants Phone . Bell Canada sent 3 different techs to find the problem. None of them could figure it out . After I threatened a law suit they said they will send there best trouble shooter. I had forgotten they were sending someone when I noticed someone hanging around the back and found out it was the TECH from Bell Canada. Anyway to make a long story short it was Walter Gretzky .We became friends after that and kept in touch . A month later I had a tragedy in my family my younger sister had just passed away in a car accident .and left an 11 year old boy grief stricken by losing his mother. He asked if the boy liked Hockey and if he knew who Wayne Was and then invited him to his home .That show of kindness to an 11 year old boy ,helped him in so many ways it's amazing the impact it had on him growing up. All I can say is thank you Walter Gretzky and GOD BLESS YOU
which restaurant?? I'm from Brantford too and knew him very well.
Wow. So kind. So sweet. Thanks for sharing. 🙏
My former fiancé was one of the doctors that saved his life in 91. Her pager going off when we were out at dinner at The Trocadero in Hamilton and didn’t see her for 3 days. Years later, he adored my Son when he was playing in Tournaments in Brantford. We got Great pics of a Great man with my Son whom was my Sons Hero at the time. I met Wayne at Mountain Arena in Hamilton. He was playing for the Soo. After the game as we sat behind the bench my Dad finagled the meeting during the game at the bench. He was 15 at the time and sure glad I met them both.
@@smartprocesssolutions748 : Thanks for sharing your story. 🇨🇦 🍁
RIP Wally you will always be in our hearts. Love from Canada
Walter passed away last night and this is the first thing that came to mind being Canadian and a Kevin Smith fan so I came back to pay my respects to a great father and a greater person.
RIP Walter Gretzky 🙏📿. I went today to pay my respect to Hockey’s dad Walter. What a kind and beautiful soul.
Went to his house in Brantford
He sure was proud of his son. Rest In Peace Mr. Gretzky!
I live around the corner from walter. Going to miss him. Such a great guy
I have lots of family from Paris and Brantford and they all say the same thing. I guess my dad knew him and Phylis growing up and going to PDHS and from the sounds of it they've always been good people
1:52 that hits hard. What a great dad, without Walter, there would be no Wayne.
When Gretzky was playing for LA and a world-wide superstar, Walter was still working at Bell Canada. Talk about a humble family.
This man was the ultimate hockey fan who just happened to be Wayne Gretzky's dad. I personally feel so fortunate that I was able to watch Wayne's career play out beginning to end. What a time that was! And Mr. Gretzky appeared to feel the same way. Godspeed Mr. Gretzky.
God Bless You Walter. Every Canada Day firewrorks in Brantford wont be the same without you spreading your love as Canda's greatest hockey Dad.
Wow I never knew Kevin went to Walters house, pretty cool. Awesome to see Kevin and Walter
Down to earth, humble people. Love it
+landimark999 Yes indeed; and Wally is such a generous man! :-)
Rip Walter 🙏 truly a legend thankful I got to meet him, wonderful man in his 80s at the arena all day giving every kid the time of day.
A family that deserved all the success and respect that they got.
Beautiful man. Rest in peace Wally.
RIP Walter Gretzky......a legendary human being.
I met Mr. Gretzky at the Saint John City Market one day. I was always a huge Wayne Gretzky fan. He was a pretty happy and friendly guy.
What a perfect Dad.
What a beautiful man, he is now a beautiful angel
What an amazing man....RIP, Sir!
The house should be a national treasure. Thank you for this. Mar. 11 2021.
RIP Canada's hockey dad. What a wonderful person.
My father was a freind of walter gretzky and i once went round to their family house back in the eighties and wayne was already in the nhl and i got a chance to meet him while he was playing for the edmonton oilers and i now play in orangeville but wayne himself along with his family are truly amazing people
Love seeing Hockey's Dad. Thank you Walter and Family
Worth more money then anything and never changed a thing in that house what a great man and very humble great family I’m proud To be from Brantford god bless Wally.
Incredible in every way.
Awesome human being Walt was.
Gretzky is just like his old man..humble and respectful. Proud to be Canadian
What an incredible person just full of life and spirit he will be missed
What a beauty, rest in peace Wally.
Amazing proud Dad...
Very nice man. Good natured, polite, funny, modest, a true Canadian.
I would love to visit that basement and just spend a few minutes with Mr Gretzky (senior). I think the great one owes a lot to his dad ;)
In college some friends and I went and knocked on Walters door. The awesome guy invited us inside and he took the time and talked hockey with us for 45 mins. Sent us away with some memorabilia. Will always remember this day for the rest of my life! Great man!
Kevin Smith and Walter Gretzky, it doesn't get much better than that. Watching both Walter and Wayne on tv when I was growing up in Edmonton made me feel as though they were part of my family. RIP Walter. Condolences to the Gretzky family and those affected by the passing of Walter.
All-time great dad!! Never pushed his son, simply guide him!!!
This is in my home town! I see Walter at the grocery store all the time!
Awe, 😌 he was quite a character 🏒🎣 RIP Walter
Wally was one of the best men ever to bless the earth.
A Canadian gem!!
Walter Gretzky was a true treasure. Just the proudest dad and a pleasure to listen to. His stories are amazing
Wally it doesnt get any better it doesnt matter where in town he is he will stop and talk to you Im so glad he calls Brantford home.
Atta boy Walt. RIP - most famous Canadian dad!
R.I.P. met yu in Brantford ,humble,kind,smiling down to earth man 😩to know we lost yu ty for all yu were❤️
Walter rest in peace what a great man
This interview was so genuine thanks for this,much respect
Walt
Great guy ! Can tell where Wayne gets it from ! Makes me proud to be a Canadian and looove the game of hockey 🏒 🇨🇦 rip Walter 🙏
What an adorable man.
The hockey house of fame.....be worth to buy the house and all the stuff with it...
What an awesome dad, so proud of his son. I wish i could have met him. You're very fortunate to been able to meet him. Great video.
Canadian Royalty!
Rest in Paradise Legend..
Crazy, my old hockey coach told me Gretzky gave him the stick he used after becoming the all time leading scorer. Coach played on team Canada and a couple games for the Canucks (think he got to know Gretzky when he was on team Canada). This video gives that story crazy context.
Thanks for the memories
You can see a picture of Keith Gretzky at 1:53 from when he played for the San Diego Gulls.
That dude one awesome funny great guy rip. I never saw this before. That's why they call him the great Gretzky.
RIP Walter Gretzky!
Great guy❤️
rip walter man we will miss him in this city
RIP Any good Father's HERO!!!!!
What is so remarkable is that Walter let anyone into that basement that asked. I know so many people that Walter invited back when families would visit for local tournies. One of my buddies boys was in a tournie in Brantford and they met Walter downtown and he invited the family back to the basement. His son was one of the better players on the team so the coach was upset because he just made it back to the barn in time for the next game and I am sure my buddy was thinking your lucky we even came back.
Walter was just a remarkable man and a pretty awesome Dad.
Fantastic stuff.......fantastic family!!
I would be in heaven. I only wish I had half of that Gretzky collection. As a kid i collected 2 players. ROY #33 & GRETZKY #99. Then I got to watch my 2 favourite players play each other in the cup finals. Lucky my favorite player won. But Wayne still played amazing.
Walter signed our poster that won us a trip to the Playoffs in Philly vs Leafs back in 99. Awesome guy!
Walter was a Great father his life was his kids he’s really at peace he did his job as a father. Top shelf A REAL MAN. God Bless his soul 🙏
I can't even imagine how much that basement is worth.
It’s priceless
@@krazicanuck9045 yeah, I wonder what kind of homeowners insurance they got up there
Shout out to Hespeler! My hometown ❤
wow just wow!
The absolute best
R.I.P. Wally , Canada's Beloved Dad
One of the good ones.
RIP Canada's Hockey Dad.
Wally is a great man..... love him... and Wayne's not too bad either...
WOW .. JUST ...WOW...R.I.P Mr Gretzky
All parents are famous.
You get up in the morning and hug them.
I truly hope the Hockey Hall of Fame makes an entire wing or maybe a basement hall for all these treasures
What honor for Kevin Smith . So lucky R.I.P.
The Great Ones “great one”. We love Wally
RIP Walter 🍁🏒🍁
Rip Walter 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
First time seeing this..... Awesome
Rip remarkable soul
RIP Walter Gretzky.
Can see why Wayne was inspired to be #1
That's a proud father!!!!!!
We did his granite.. Lol... Respect
Walter was the man. So humerus and loveable
Awesome video
RIP Walter🇨🇦🙏
Thanks
Mr hockey dad...
RIP Walter Gretzky
What a nice guy Walter was
R.I.P Walter Gretzky
I wish I could have met Walter and tour the basement
RIP
Gold standard of Father’s
It was all a dream.......🥲
Legend RIP
Wally put his whole life into all three of his boys and he was a beauty of a guy.
R.I.P SIR