I actually had my picture taken with Gordie at Center Ice when he was with the Houston Aeros. I was the Aeros 1 millionth fan and I got some prizes, and the photo. Prizes were all pretty lame, but getting to meet Gordie even if only to shake his hand and pose for a photo was pretty cool.
I recall that story. It had to be a very memorable experience. On the radio this morning, I heard Wayne Gretsky tell a story about being with Gordie Howe in a hotel lobby when Muhammad Ali happened to walk in. He went over to Gordie and the two of them engaged in conversation. Gretsky sounded very humble when he said it was one of the greatest experiences of his life. RIP.