Gordie Howe's visitation and funeral next week are open to the public.
Fans of the incomparable Hockey Hall of Famer can pay respects Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Joe Louis Arena, home of the Detroit Red Wings., the team announces Saturday. Wednesday's 11 a.m. funeral, also open to the public until pews fill, is at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. 9844 Woodward Ave. in Detroit's North End.
Howe's body will be cremated, son Murray Howe says in a text message to the Associated Press, WXYZ reports.
Detroit Red Wings photo from Gordie Howe's 88th birthday celebration at Joe Louis Arena in March.
► Suggested charities: Rather than sending flowers, Howe's family lists three worthy donation recipients:
- Gordie Howe Traumatic Brain Initiative. Donate online or by check to ProMedica Foundations, 5217 Monroe St., Suite A-1, Toledo, OH 43623.
- The Howe Foundation, 3128 Walton Blvd., Suite 255, Rochester Hills, MI 48309.
- Gordie Howe Fund for Alzheimer's Research: Saskatoon Community Foundation, 101-308 Fourth Ave., Saskatoon, SK | Canada | S7K 2L7.
Original article, Friday:
Gordie Howe, nicknamed "Mr Hockey," who was considered one of the greatest players in NHL history, has died at age 88, CBS Detroit reports.Howe, who was a 23-time All Star, played his first 25 year in the NHL with the Red Wing. He retired in 1971 from the Wings, but he returned to the ice to play with his sons, Marty and Mark, with the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association.
Two years ago, he had a significant stroke. He ended up traveling to Mexico, where he had a stem cell treatment that family members said had given him a miraculous recovery, CBS Detroit recounts.
In March, he celebrated his 88th birthday at Joe Louis Arena.
Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch posted this on Facebook:
“The Red Wings organization and the National Hockey League would not be what they are today without Gordie Howe. There is no nickname more fitting for him than “Mr. Hockey.” He embodied on and off the ice what it meant to be both a Red Wing and a Detroiter. He was tough, skilled, and consistently earned success at the highest level. His achievements are numerous and his accomplishments immeasurable. It is truly a blessing to have had him both in our organization and our city for so many years. He will be deeply missed.”Statement from the Howe family on Facebook:
Hockey Legend Gordie Howe, age 88, passed away peacefully this morning with his family by his side. The Howe family would like to thank friends and fans for their love and support. Gordie had a special connection with Red Wings fans and was always touched by their commitment. We are celebrating the life of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to all. Arrangements will be announced once they are finalized.Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard in article on Red Wing site:
“We were used to seeing Mr. Howe around the room, so not being able to see him every once in a while is going to be strange, it’s going to be different. He was such a great man and touched a lot of people in this hockey world. He’s going to be missed dearly.”Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg (on Red Wing site):
“The first year I was here he came down into the locker room and introduced himself. It was pretty cool because I had never met him before, so to actually meet him in person, shake his hand and to finally meet Mr. Hockey was an unbelievable feeling.”Bob Wojnowski column:
“He was always close to a joke. So for me as a young guy then, not knowing that he was joking was funny. He always told me to shoot more often; if you don’t shoot you don’t score. Both he and Ted spent a lot of time here and that’s one of the things that makes it so special here. Those guys spend a lot of time in the locker room and unfortunately we hadn’t seen Gordie in quite awhile now, but Ted is still around.”
Before sports became glamorized and specialized, before the biggest stars did the flashiest work, Gordie Howe did it all. He did it with magical hands and pointed elbows, with incomparable toughness and irresistible kindness.Mitch Albom colum:
There’s a reason Mr. Hockey stood alone, and stood longer than anyone, spanning 32 seasons across two leagues and multiple generations. He endured longer than anyone could have imagined, past a normal retirement date, past an ordinary mortality date, all the way to Friday, when he passed away at the age of 88
"Superman just bid us farewell. It’s hard to believe, Gordie Howe dying, because for so many years, he seemed immune to all of life’s blows."Lou Mleczko, a former reporter for the Macomb Daily and Detroit News, on Facebook:
"I had the great experience of covering the Red Wings during the 1968-69 season for the Macomb Daily and Red Wings Magazine. Even as a lowly cub reporter, Howe was always accessible for post game interviews even when the Wings lost badly. He could dominate a game like no other player whether it was on the power play, penalty killing, or on his regular shift. Some of his plays were so spectacular that even crusty veteran reporters in the press box would leap to their feet in astonishment after seeing Howe do his magic on the ice. I will always cherish these wonderful memories of Gordie."Steve Yzerman, Tampa Bay Lightning vice president & general manager, and former Detroit Red Wing:
"It was very saddening to hear the news of Gordie's passing this morning. He has been an icon not only in Detroit, but throughout the entire hockey world for as long as I can remember. As one of the greatest players to ever play in the NHL, the majority of his career being in Detroit, it was an honor to wear the same uniform, spend time with, laugh, joke and seek advice from him. Gordie's humility and kindness left a permanent impression on me, greatly influencing how I tried to conduct myself throughout my career.
“His impact on the Red Wings organization is still evident today."
"I travel the world and constantly hear stories from people who love the Wings and share memories of the glory days when Gordie and his teammates ruled the NHL. For all players fortunate enough to play for the Wings, we should take time to thank and honor Gordie, for he is a significant reason why Detroit is such a special place to play."