Walter Gretzky, father of NHL star Wayne Gretzky, dies at 82
(Photo by B Bennett/Getty Images)TORONTO โ Walter Gretzky, the father of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, has died. Wayne Gretzky said in a social media post Thursday night that his father battled Parkinsonโs disease and other health issues the past few years. โItโs with deep sadness that Janet and I share the news of the passing of my dad,โ Wayne Gretzky said. As Wayneโs star ascended, Walter remained a blue-collar symbol of a devoted hockey parent in a country filled with them. โSometimes, I swear to you, I have to pinch myself to make sure Iโm not dreaming,โ Walter wrote in his 2001 autobiography โWalter Gretzky.