Gordie Howe clearly misses his late wife

Gordie Howe let his emotions show during an appearance in Toronto on Wednesday, April 1, 2009.

TORONTO - Seated on a stage next to his son Marty and an assortment of NHL alumni, Gordie Howe was the picture of strength as details of the annual Baycrest International Pro-Am Hockey tournament were unveiled Wednesday at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

But when his late wife Colleen's name was mentioned, the 81-year-old hockey legend could no longer keep a brave face. The tears started to flow as Marty tenderly rubbed his father's neck and he struggled to regain his composure.

It was a rare emotional public appearance by Howe since Colleen's death less than a month ago.

In addition to unveiling the highlights for the annual charity event, tournament organziers also announced the launch of the Gordie and Colleen Fund for Dementia Research in Toronto. On March 6, Colleen succumbed to Pick's disease, a rare form of dementia similar to Alzheimer's. The fund will support patient outreach programs and clinical drug trials at Baycrest, a city hospital.

Asked how he was holding up, Howe admitted he's having a tough time.

"Not very good," Howe replied. "But I'd be disappointed in me if I wasn't."