Walter Gretzky, father of NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, and himself one of the most beloved figures in the sport, has died at the age of 82.

“It’s with deep sadness that Janet and I share the news of the passing of my Dad,” a statement tweeted out Thursday via Wayne Gretzky’s account read. “He bravely battled Parkinson’s and other health issues these last few years, but he never let it get him down.

“…He was truly the Great One and the proudest Canadian we know.”