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Advance care planning workshop in Comox

Walter Gretzky, the 80-year-old father of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, mentored his son in hockey to be prepared – anticipate where the puck will be rather than following where it has been. And, Walter has also known the importance of being prepared for his health care. He encourages every Canadian to have conversations and make an advance care plan in the event you are ever unable to speak for yourself about the care you would want.

Walter Gretzky, the 80-year-old father of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, mentored his son in hockey to be prepared – anticipate where the puck will be rather than following where it has been. And, Walter has also known the importance of being prepared for his health care. He encourages every Canadian to have conversations and make an advance care plan in the event you are ever unable to speak for yourself about the care you would want.

Walter has had his share of adversity. A workplace accident 50 years ago left him deaf in one ear. In 1991, he nearly died from a brain aneurysm the week he turned 53. He has been a widower since 2005 when wife, Phyllis, who stayed out of the public eye, died from lung cancer.

Walter says advance care planning is for everyone – whether 19 or 99.

In a short video, you can see a conversation between Walter Gretzky, his daughter Kim, and grandson Nathan.

Walter talks about his experience with advance care planning and how this gift of conversation helped his family members know about his wishes and values. His family calls on each of us to start conversations about our wishes with our loved ones. The video can be viewed at https://bit.ly/2YF4KxM

Don’t wait to give it a shot – attend a free Comox Valley Hospice Society advance care planning workshop on Saturday, June 1, 1-3 p.m. at the Comox Legion located at 1825 Comox Ave.

To register call the hospice office at 250-339-5533 or email reception@comoxhospice.com

Additional information and resources are also available at www.AdvanceCarePlanningCV.ca