OT: Gordie Howe Suffers "Serious Stroke"

Submitted by The Wolf on

Unfortunate news to take your mind off the plight of Michigan football and the problems of the athletic department this evening:

Hockey legend Gordie Howe, 86, suffered a serious stroke Sunday in Texas, and has lost some function on one side of his body and has difficulty speaking.

Regardless of your affinity for professional hockey, it's amazing that this man was a pillar of the sporting world for decades.  Hopefully he can remain comfortable, at peace and surrounded by his family during this incredibly difficult time.

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2014/10/28/wings-great-gordie-howe-resting-serious-stroke/18079837/

For reference:

Gordie How named SportsCentury athlete No. 21

marco dane

October 28th, 2014 at 9:29 PM ^

When I was introduced to hockey recall GH capturing my attention how he glided across the ice and commanding the puck. The orginal,Great One...imo.

May you recover sir...

bj dickey

October 28th, 2014 at 10:13 PM ^

A truly gracious person. He's actually a bit lopsided in the shoulders due to all the hits he dished out over the years. I wish you a quick and complete recovery, Mr Howe.

jackw8542

October 28th, 2014 at 9:59 PM ^

famous for helping people out.  Was at Olympia when he scored the goal that tied him for the all-time lead at that time.  Still have the ticket stub!

LSAClassOf2000

October 28th, 2014 at 10:12 PM ^

This suddenly was all over my Twitter feed - very sad to hear. Sending good vibes to Gordie Howe and his family this evening and hopefully he is able to recover from this. We're pulling for you, Mr. Hockey.

Gordon

October 28th, 2014 at 10:36 PM ^

Gordie is surrounded by friends and family. He had a stroke this summer that he recovered from, somewhat, but this one is much worse.

The family is preparing for the end.

(I have connections to the family. Thought you guys would want to know.)

Zoltanrules

October 28th, 2014 at 10:38 PM ^

About 23 years ago, I spent about 10 minutes talking with Gordie one on one at a book trade show in Chicago where he was promoting "And Howe!". He remarkably was alone and I asked for his autograph (which I hardly ever do for anyone). I told him about how my dad took me to my first game at the Olympia, about some die hard Wings stories of mine, and that my dad and I go every year on his bday to a Wings game (the Wings- Lightning in 2 weeks will be his 86th) . Gordie was so genuinely pleased and couldn't have been a nicer gentleman, asking questions, thanking me for being a loyal fan, and then proceded to give me all sorts of signed promotional items for me and my dad. I left dumbstruck with what a kind man he was. He also shook my hands with his Popeye grip and the old man almost crushed me,lol!

btw I had a similar experience with Ted Lindsay who is 89 now and was in good shape. Very charming and gracious.

GET WELL GORDIE!! YOU ARE MR. HOCKEY, THE GREATEST DETROIT ATHLETE !

Zoltanrules

October 29th, 2014 at 9:49 AM ^

My dad is the same age as Gordie and in terrific shape, thank God. We've talked about everything under the sun and sometimes agree to disagree, but one topic that is always fun to talk about are the Red Wings and comparing players/ teams from different eras during his annual birthday game.

I feel the same way when we have family over for Thanksgiving or Christmas. It's just awesome to stop and appreciate what you have while they are alive and hopefully healthy.

 

MileHighAnnArborite

October 29th, 2014 at 2:00 PM ^

Me too!  When I was a kid in the '80s, my dad played on an adult league team that won some contest for him to skate with them for a practice.  My mom, brother, and I had to wait for over an hour after the practice, because Gordie not only skated with the team, but also sat in the locker with them drinking beer and telling stories for as long as anyone was willing to stay and listen.  Then he came out and spent a bunch of time talking to all the kids and families too.  Really a nice guy.

CoverZero

October 28th, 2014 at 10:43 PM ^

Prayers for Gordie.  I had read that he has been sufferering from dementia as well lately. Getting old sucks.  Gordie is Mr. Hockey for good reason.

MoJo Rising

October 28th, 2014 at 10:45 PM ^

I hoped he didn't have while watching the game on Saturday. That would have been yet another reason to fire Hoke! I hope he is able to recover from it. Strokes are horrible. 

rob f

October 28th, 2014 at 11:41 PM ^

to strap on the skates for the Red Wings, and arguably the best hockey player ever, playing most of his career when there were only 6 NHL teams (compared to the watered-down NHL of the last few decades).

My prayers are with Gordie and the entire Howe Family during this difficult time. 

On a lighter note, Gordie also starred in one of my favorite-ever Simpsons episodes as "Woodrow"

GordieHowe.jpg 

 

the love interest of Bart's teacher,  Miss Krabappel.  So not only do I smile as I remember the great skill of Gordie on the ice, I also smile as I recall that wonderful Simpsons episode.  Thank you, Gordie, for the joy you've brought so many of us!

User -not THAT user

October 29th, 2014 at 9:10 AM ^

Back in the '90's I worked with a woman who had moved to the Atlanta area from Hartford, CT.  She went to the same church as the Howe's during his AHL days there and still kept in touch with them.  When she found out I was a hockey fan and I got all saucer-eyed to hear that she had services with "Mr. Hockey" she surprised me with a personalized, autographed picture from him for my birthday.

Of course I still have it...it will never leave my family.  And I always thought it was cool that he signed his first name "Gordon"...I imagined it being a sign of respect for his parents who gave the name of the person he was, instead of "Gordie", the name of the legend he became.  He never seemed to act like he was anyone other than "Gordon", the big farm kid from the Canadian prairie (the stereotypical "western Canada" tough guy Barry Melrose always gushes over) who just happened to be for decades the biggest star the game of hockey had ever known.

He has always been the epitome of pure class.  My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.