Walter Gretzky has died at the age of 82, his family announced on Thursday.
Canada's hockey dad battled "Parkinson's and other health issues" for some time, wrote his son Wayne, the Great One, in a heartfelt Twitter post informing fans of his beloved father's passing.
"It's with deep sadness that Janet and I share the news of the passing of my Dad.
"For my sister and my 3 brothers, Dad was our team captain - he guided, protected and led our family every day, every step of the way. For me, he was the reason I fell in love with the game of hockey.