As Gordie Howe Turns 87, Family Grateful for Every Day They Can Spend with Red Wings Legend

DETROIT – Gordie Howe turned 87 on Tuesday. It’s a special birthday for Mr. Hockey because it’s one his family feared four months ago he would not be around to celebrate. Howe’s condition deteriorated steadily after he suffered a major stroke on Oct. 26. He lost 30 pounds over the next several weeks and seemed to lose the will to fight. The situation was so dire on Dec. 1 that son Murray, a radiologist, began making funeral arrangements. But the Detroit Red Wings legend experienced a remarkable recovery following stem cell treatments in Mexico on Dec. 8-9.  “We hoped it would improve his quality of life just a little bit and give him a fighting chance,” son Mark told M-Live.com. “It’s done far more than that.” MORE