Gordie Howe's son remembers the legend off the ice as parents' ashes interred together in Saskatoon

He's known to the world as Mr. Hockey — but Gordie Howe's son Mark says his father is an idol in his eyes for a different reason.

"The hockey and his greatness on the ice put him in the public eye. But the person that he was is, to me, what made him a legend."

• Gordie Howe's ashes laid to rest in Saskatoon
• 'Gordie Howe Bridge' sign up on Saskatoon's Circle Drive South bridge

Sixty-one of Gordie's family members were in Saskatoon Sunday — including his four children —for a ceremony to have his and his wife's ashes interred together in his hometown.

Along with the interment ceremony, the family visited the Gordie Howe Bridge, went to Gordie's childhood home and school, and was part of a special pre-game ceremony at the SaskTel Centre prior to the Saskatoon Blades' home opener. 

Mark said Saskatoon was always special to his father, adding it was Gordie's childhood that shaped him into the man he was.

Mark has many memories of his father involving hockey, including the time spent playing together with Marty Howe in the World Hockey Association, but often he thinks of the times spent going fishing, camping or learning to golf.

In the past few years, since Gordie's wife and Mark's mother died, Gordie had been staying with his children.

The hockey and his greatness on the ice put him in the public eye. But the person that he was is, to me, what made him a legend.- Mark Howe

"We never ever talked hockey. We just talked about everything else in life. We talked family and fun things … those are the days you miss, but those are also the days that you remember and you cherish."

It was a tough summer for Mark, after Gordie's passing on June 10.

"There were a lot of days this summer where [I was just] sad, you just feel like there's a part of you missing."

But the healing has begun and Mark said Sunday's events left him feeling grateful.