'Beautiful tribute': Walter Gretzky mural adorns Brantford Fire Department station

Mural memorializing Walter Gretzky From CTV Kitchener's Krista Sharpe: A mural in Brantford is memorializing Walter Gretzky, who died last week.

KITCHENER — The Brantford Fire Department unveiled a touching tribute to Canada's hockey dad on Thursday.

The department shared photos of a Walter Gretzky mural on the garage doors at Station 2.

"Brantford's beloved lord mayor," the mural reads above a photo of him.

Gretzky, who lived in Brantford, died a week ago after sustaining a hip injury a few weeks before. He was 82.

People around the country celebrated his life and the mark he left. Fans lined the streets outside the church where his funeral was held, while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered his condolences.

"Walter Gretzky cared deeply about his family and his community — his kindness was undeniable, his passion was obvious, and his impact was immense," he said.

"My thoughts are with Wayne and the entire Gretzky family, and all who are mourning the loss of Canada’s hockey dad."

Fans posted hundreds of memories on social media, reminiscing of times when he would stop to chat, sign their jerseys and make people laugh.

In Brantford, the fire department thanked Insight Graphics for the "beautiful tribute" on the station's doors.

"Our mechanic, Shawn Cavan, came up with the idea of maybe wrapping one of our bay doors," Brantford Fire Chief Todd Binkley said. "We worked with corporate communications to come up with an image and Insight Graphics to install one on new fire station two door that obviously has a lot of exposure here off the 403."

Insight Graphics, a local company run by two brothers, said they were excited to receive the call.

"It was an honour and privilege because it's someone who was so well liked and respected in the community," Scott Lehigh said.

"While we were installing it, facing the door, everybody driving by was honking their horns and waving," Dallas Lehigh said. "It really showed how Walter was regarded in the community and had full community support."

The brothers said the wrap could last for seven to 10 years