Howe’s legacy as a player is only surpassed by Howe the person. It's impressive he played until he was 52 years old. But it's more impressive that, after retiring, he went on being Mr. Hockey for another 36 years, talking to everyone, signing autographs until there were no more to be signed. That took stamina and heart-felt human kindness. He was the blueprint that every athlete wanted to copy, but few could. No one had the patience or professionalism to do it. That’s why we all have a Gordie Howe story. And they all go like this: “We met. He shook my hand. And we are friends.”

-John Shannon of Sportsnet where you can read more on Gordie Howe.