Jim Roepcke's weblog have browser, will travel (est. 1999)

RIP Phyllis Gretzky

TSN: Phyllis Gretzky dies at 64

Our sincerest condolences to the Gretzky family for their loss. Mrs. Gretzky left the world far too soon.

The story mentions she passed at around 10pm eastern (7pm pacific), around the same time I was writing a story about the 9th anniversary of my Grandpa's passing. As we've learned over the years since he left us, Grandpa was the glue that held our family together too. It's very sad, but true, that Grandpa's daughters have not treated themselves (or their nieces and nephews) in a way that would make Grandpa (or Grandma, who is still alive) very proud in the last few years. I don't know if that will ever change. It would be very nice but one thing I know about them is that family holds onto grudges far too strongly.

I firmly believe Mrs. Gretzky's memorial will be a massive deal in Canada. I have no idea what the Gretzky family will do in this regard, but I have no doubt that scores of people across Canada would love to pay their respects in person if possible.

Canadian sports networks are covering the story right now.

9 years ago today

I had my last final exam for the fall term this morning. I went to the wrong building and didn't realize it until 10 minutes before the exam started, and of course the right location was clear across campus. I made it 30 seconds before the exam started.

As I was frantically writing my name and the date on the test, I looked at the date, it stood out in my mind. It only took a second to remember why.

Nine years ago today, my dear Grandpa passed away. I thought, oh no, I'm just starting the exam, and now that's going to be on my mind! I don't know how, but I managed to concentrate for the next three hours.

Now I'm watching the Oilers and Flames playing in Edmonton. Grandpa loved hockey so much, loved the Oilers, and loved the Battle of Alberta. In the months before he died, I tried to get him to one more Oilers game. I asked every week, begged really. But he wasn't up to it. I didn't quite understand then, because I was so young, and he didn't really show how sick he was until a few weeks before he died, but I think I understand now. That should have been a bigger indication for me how bad he was really feeling.

I know Grandpa was getting fed up with the way the NHL was going in the mid-90's, the escalating player salaries and the competitive imbalance they brought. The Oilers weren't very good, and missed the playoffs the years just before he passed away, that sucked.

But I know Grandpa would be extremely happy with what has happened to the NHL in the last two years, but he'd still say they're way overpaid.

I know Grandpa would be enjoying this game tonight. I miss you.