Gordie Howe funeral in Detroit honours Mr. Hockey before hundreds

Hundreds of family members,friends and fans of Gordie Howe including sports icons like Wayne Gretzky,Steve Yzermanand Frank Mahovlichsaidgoodbye to Mr. Hockeyat his funeral services today at Detroit's Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

People began filing into the cathedral in the light rain early in the morning, hoping to get a seat to see their idol one last time. By the end of the funeral around 1 p.m. ET, the sun was shining as pallbearers carried the coffin with No. 9 to a hearse.

Howe, who was born in Floral, Sask.,died Friday in Ohio at age 88.

• Gordie Howe's old Saskatoon school pays its respects on day of his funeral

"I still pinch myself knowing that Mr. Hockey was my father," his son,Dr. Murray Howe, said in opening the funeral service with the eulogyfor his father. "There are endless superlatives that come to mind when describing my dad.

"Mr. Hockey had no regrets. Even though he didn't lead the league in church attendance, his life hasbeen the model of the faithful servant."

Howe remembered his dad as a kind, humble, helpful man with a sharp wit and strong sense of knowingbetween right and wrong.

"He never accepted credit for his accomplishment. He thanked God, his family, his coaches, trainers and his family," Murray Howesaid. "The only people he didn't like were referees."

When Howespokewith his dad a few years ago about the planned eulogy, the hockey superstartold his sonto say:"'Finally, the end of the third period;I hope there's a hockey team in heaven."

Thousands at public memorial

The funeral followedTuesday's visitation at Joe Louis Arena thatdrew thousands of people who paid their respects to the Hall of Famer known as Mr. Hockey. Members of Howe's family were there to greet the visitors.

The home of the Detroit Red Wings, Howe's team for more than two decades and four Stanley Cup championships, was opened at 9 a.m. ET andscheduled to close at 9 p.m. for No. 9, of course but so many people showed up that the visitation lasted longer than planned.

Howe shattered records, threw elbows and fists, and became an idol toGretzky and many others while elevating the profile the NHL had in the U.S. With strength, speed and grit, Howeset NHL records with 801 goals and 1,850 points that stood until Brantford, Ont.-bornGretzky came along.

"Not everybody gets to meet their hero or their idol," saidGretzky, among those attending the visitation and funeral, where hesatbeside his wife Janet Gretzky. "And sometimes when you meet them, it wasn't as good as you thought it would be. I got so lucky that the guy I chose happened to be so special."

Gretzky was also among thepallbearers, who alsoincluded formercoaching greatScotty Bowman, now in the ChicagoBlackhawkshead office,and ex-Detroit Tigers outfielder AlKaline.