I saw Gordie Howe signing autographs for a bunch of kids at a fund-raiser called Skate With The Greats, put on by Bobby Orr. (I had lunch with Bobby but that's another story.)
Some guy pushes his way in front of the kids asking for an photo.
Gordie looks at the guy and his wife, who is standing with camera pointed.
Then he smiles and says, "I'll count to three. Take the picure when I say three."
He stands beside the pushy guy and counts, "One, two, three," and just as he says three and the wife takes the photo, Gordie elbows him hard right in the face.
The guy's head snaps back and he has a shocked look on his face for a second. Then a grin that grows to a full blown smile.
"Thanks Gordie!" he said, and skated away with his wife. Gordie winked at me and went back to signing autographs for the kids.
I waited until they were all done and Gordie patted my shoulder to say thanks.
I've met a lot of famous people, but that was a day I'll remember all my life.