Follow Paul on Twitter: @paulstewart22
Words cannot measure how much respect I held for Gordie Howe, not just as a legendary skilled and tough hockey player but as a wonderful human being. He was a family man and a wonderful father who raised his sons the right way. He was a man of charity. A man of humility and kindness.
Gordie was 88 years old and had major health problems. He is with Colleen now. The loss is ours but his legacy and the example he set are immortal.
I have told my favorite on-ice story about Gordie before, but I will share it again. I think it shows just how nasty he was on the ice, but also some of the underlying sense of humor he had. As Mr. Hockey himself used to say, he played Biblical Hockey, where it was better to give than to receive.
I experienced some of Gordie's gift-giving generosity when I played against him in the WHA. He was nearing the end of his brilliant career and I was an opposing rookie in awe of one of the game's greatest legends. We were standing in the faceoff circle, lined up against one another.
"Mr. Howe," I said. "I just want you to know how much I've always admired you. I even named my dog after you."
He glanced at me. As the puck dropped, I was on the receiving end of an elbow that nearly re-arranged my face. There was nothing I could do about it, and we both knew it.
Next time I saw him, I said, "I'm gonna go home and strangle my dog!"
Gordie grinned. "Welcome to the pros, kid."
*********
Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Today, Stewart is the director of officiating for the ECAC.
The longtime referee heads Officiating by Stewart, a consulting, training and evaluation service for officials. Stewart also maintains a busy schedule as a public speaker, fund raiser and master-of-ceremonies for a host of private, corporate and public events. As a non-hockey venture, he is the owner of Lest We Forget.