(left to right) Artist Sandra Ward, Gordie Howe and Sandra’s father, Derek Ward, at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Gordie and Colleen Howe’s contribution to hockey is legendary, earning them the title of “Mr. and Mrs. Hockey”™.
When Colleen lost her battle with dementia in March of 2009, Gordie lost a wife, his children lost a mother, and the world of hockey lost a champion. It was a battle that inspired the Howe family to improve the lives of others affected by the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In pursuit of this mission, they have attached their name to the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s hockey tournament, originally established by the Baycrest Foundation.
Edmonton artist Sandra Ward’s most recent creation, a portrait entitled “Gordie”, is a very personal project: her father suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. It reflects her commitment to help those who face Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and her support for the Baycrest Foundation through the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s.
At the Baycrest Hockey Hall of Fame Induction ceremony held on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, Gordie Howe signed Ward’s original artwork and two lithographs. One was presented to Mr. Howe, the second to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and the original was donated to Baycrest.
Susan Sutton, Baycrest Foundation President and Vice President, Global Institutional Advancement, Baycrest, thanked Ms. Ward for honouring the Howe Family, the Hockey Hall of Fame and Baycrest in such a special and lasting way. She also paid tribute to the Howe Family for sharing their personal story in order to raise awareness and funds to help those who face this illness.
The Baycrest Hockey Hall of Fame event is held each year to recognize outstanding volunteers and fundraisers for the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s.
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