By Bryan Eneas

Mr. Hockey honoured with Fitness Park in Waskesiu

Aug 7, 2018 | 12:00 PM

While he was growing up, Gordie “Mr. Hockey” Howe spent his summers working and golfing at the Waskesiu Golf Course; it was here he met Prince Albert’s own Johnny Bower.

When he wasn’t working or hitting the course, Howe would spend time at the lake swimming and fishing.

Years later, the Waskesiu Foundation honoured the time Howe spent there by unveiling new fitness park bearing his name. Howe was also honoured at various events through the day on Aug. 5.

“Gordie cherished Waskesiu throughout his life, often calling it his ‘favourite place on Earth,’” the plaque explaining the fitness park read.

Howe’s son Dr. Murray Howe noted how much his father loved people, and the people who called Waskesiu home when he spoke at an event at the park.

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“He talked about Waskesiu his entire life, and it wasn’t until I was getting quite a bit older that I realized and said ‘Dad I’ve never even been to Waskesiu, I don’t believe this place exists, you have to show me,’” Murray said. “We came up here in 2012 and I’m so glad I was able to do that with my dad.”

Mr. Hockey’s son noted the fitness park was the perfect way to honour his dad, and said many aspects of the area reminded him of his father. He shared various aspects and anecdotes of the fitness park and the surrounding area with the assembled crowd.

The newly opened fitness park is located next to the tennis courts inside Waskesiu.

–-With files from CKBI’s Ken Landers.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 1:22 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018 to correct an error; a previous version credited the Waskesiu Golf Course with the creation of the fitness park rather than the Waskesiu Foundation.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas