Walter Gretzky, father to hockey legend dies
Creating functional, socially-distanced entertaining venues
Walter Gretzky, father to Canadian hockey legend and former Oilers player Wayne Gretzky, has died at the age of 82.
Gretzky announced his father’s death on Twitter Thursday night.
“He bravely battled Parkinson’s and other health issues these last few years, but he never let it get him down,” Wayne Gretzky wrote in a statement.
Walter Gretzky was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012, two years after noticing a tremor in his left hand. At the time, in an interview with the Stratford Beacon-herald, the elder Gretzky said he was taking things in stride.
“It doesn’t get in the way,” he said. “I do everything with my right hand anyway.”
Parkinson’s disease kills dopamine-generating cells in the brain, which causes shaking and, later, difficulty with walking as well as cognitive problems.
His wife, Phyllis, died of lung cancer in 2005.
Wayne Gretzky said his father was his family’s team captain. The elder Gretzky coached Wayne beginning at the age of three, building him a hockey rink.
“For me, he was the reason I fell in love with the game of hockey. He inspired me to be the best I could be not just in the game of hockey, but in life,” Gretzky said.
“He truly was the Great One and the proudest Canadian we know.”
Soon we’ll be spending more of our at-home time outside. For those lucky enough to have a terrace or backyard, you’ll appreciate the can’t-come-soonenough warm weather and how it will give us a break from the seemingly forever winter in lockdown indoors.
That’s why creating functional, attractive outdoor spaces is more important than ever; they will become our relaxation and workspace, and our socially distanced entertaining venue.
If you’re looking for inspiration in how to spruce up your outdoor space with on-trend style, look to interior decor trends.
You’ll find similar design styles emerging for both spaces, especially mid-century modern furniture, the punch of black and white accents, and tribal or exotic prints.
This summer, make your outside space as stylish and chic as the rest of your home.
RETRO MODERN FURNISHINGS
Just as it is indoors, late 1950s and ’60s furniture is a hit in the great outdoors.
Look for hairpin and boomerang retro style legs, thin arms and natural materials like wood, rattan and perforated metal. These defining characteristics will be combined in different ways to create sturdy, simple, stylish pieces.
The furniture has a masculine look and might be thought of as commercial (styles you might see in public places like parks or cafes) thanks to its inherent durability.
Furnishings are generally grouped in sets for an overall clean, uncomplicated look.
Colours are fairly neutral with pops being introduced on outdoor cushions, rugs and umbrellas.
The style mantra here is retro, neutral and durable.
BLACK AND WHITE ACCESSORIES
Black with white is making a style statement outside. Because colour trends change every year, the lack of colour in this duo creates a timeless look. This summer, black and white will be incorporated with the look of handmade pots, mud-cloth-inspired print fabrics and woven outdoor carpets — all of which would look (and perform) just as effectively inside the home.
This look will be especially hot in exotic patterns that suggest items have been collected on your travels.
Style tip: If choosing the black and white combo for accessories, choose it for all the accessories in your outdoor space, including other objects like lighting fixtures, window planters, outdoor curtain rods and barbecues.
INCORPORATING BLACK INTO YOUR DECOR
Not sure about using black — this season’s biggest colour trend — outside? Here’s how to easily incorporate it:
• Combine black with white to create an overall balance of light and dark.
• Use black cushions and seating in shaded areas so they don’t get too hot.
• Choose black in a patterned fabric or awning to incorporate it without committing to all black.
• Use black tablecloths and dining accessories at night for a chic midnight meal under the stars. (Be sure to bring candles and lanterns so you can see!)
Karl has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years and is the Editor At Large at Style At Home.