Prep work on Gordie Howe’s final resting place continued Monday, as construction crews readied the site where his ashes will be interred.
The hockey legend’s ashes will be buried alongside those of his wife Colleen this weekend at SaskTel Centre, at the foot of the Mr. Hockey statue. A private ceremony involving the Howe family will take place Sunday morning at the arena, and a special plaque will be installed at the base of the statue following the ceremony.
A number of public events are planned for later in the day, including a tribute ceremony and tailgate party ahead of the Saskatoon Blades’ season home opener against Swift Current.
Howe was born in Floral, Sask., but his family moved nine days later to nearby Saskatoon, where he grew up before embarking on a record-setting hockey career. He died on June 10 at the age of 88.
Howe's son, Marty, has said some of his father's ashes will be spread in Michigan's Bear Lake, where a similar service was held for Colleen after her death in 2009.
Howe spent the bulk of his career with the NHL's Detroit Red Wings.
--- with files from The Associated Press
