The sale made Matilda Dodge heir to one the wealthiest fortunes in the United States. In 1983 he began a 12-month course of study as an Alfred P. Sloan fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Written on photo back: "Fisher, Charles T." c. From here, leaded glass doors lead to the new owner's suite a vestibule, a sitting room, the sleeping room, a walk-in closet and a lavish bath with a steam shower. Sailing ships built to maximum size for travel through a canal, lock or specific water depth traveled through the Great Lakes. Download size exceeds 350 MB. DETROIT (AP) William Clay Ford was born into a fortune and spent much of his life staying away from fame as he steered the family business and owned an NFL franchise. That . Stamped on photo back: "George D. Mason & Co., architects, 508 Griswold St., Detroit, Mich." 1917, Related:A rare look inside the largest historic Boston-Edison home, the Charles T. Fisher Mansion, "Exterior of Charles T. Fisher's stone and brick Tudor residence. One coffered cherry ceiling is over the serving area and another over the liquor shelf. Stamped on photo back: "George D. Mason & Co., architects, 508 Griswold St., Detroit, Mich." 1917, "Informal living space showing furniture with cane-woven sides and backs and partial view of fireplace, ceramic-tiled floor covered by rug. He started off as treasure before becoming vice chairman for the Lions organization. Ford's restructuring plan, dubbed "The Way Forward", reversed a $1.6 billion loss during 2009 in its North American operations. While he was general manager the division won the Presidents Commission on Environmental Quality Award. After joining the company in 1979 as a product planning analyst, he held positions in manufacturing, sales, marketing, product development and finance. REGISTER HERE. Our vision is to expand on that thinking, using advanced technology and new business models so that personal mobility remains viable in a crowded world. Bill Ford was elected a company vice president and head of the companys Commercial Truck Vehicle Center in 1994. [7] He then attended Princeton University and graduated with an A.B. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Following the war, Ford married Martha Parke Firestone, the granddaughter of Harvey Firestone and Idabelle Smith Firestone, on June 21, 1947. Family [ edit] William married Belgian-American Mary Litogot, together they had six children: William had 6 siblings - 4 sisters, and 2 brothers: Low Resolution Photos. Homes - Celebrity - Business, Homes - Celebrity - Former Links: en.wikipedia.org By: tlp333 Advertisement You can ZOOM and also change the views by clicking on N, E, S or W. To the right is pictures of Bill Ford's house in MI. Ford announced that half of the vehicle lineup would be available with advanced hybrid-electric powerplant options by 2010, although the Company's earlier pledge to build 250,000 hybrid vehicles a year by 2010 proved to be overly optimistic and had to be abandoned. Ford has deep roots in Cork, not only through my familys historical connection, but also through the impact that the Ford factory has had as an engine for prosperity for the area over many decades.. Edsel Ford II, son of Henry Ford II and also a board member, is his first cousin. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Through the years, his vision for the company has remained unchanged. 10 Things You Didnt Know About Sundar Pichai. Designed by Robert O. Derrick for Sidney Trowbridge Miller Jr. 248 Provencal built in 1925 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. See inside the Edsel and Eleanor Ford house now. The Tudor-revival manor cost over $4 million to build and furnish between 1926 and 1929. You must contactmedia@ford.comto obtain approval for advertising, marketing or other commercial users. Motor Company, died early today of an apparent heart attack aboard his yacht, which was docked in the Cheboygan River in Michigan. At Yale%2C he starred in tennis and was also an honorable-mention All-America soccer player. "It's very natural, very woodsy," she said. William Clay Ford Jr. Quick Info. Velvet armchairs and lamps with fringed shades, an Oriental rug and other accoutrements in room. The 48-room estate has 12 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, a pub, a private chapel, a prohibition-style pub and a gymnasium on the third floor. At the time, Howe was an incredible hockey player for the Detroit Red Wings. Ford expanded its lineup of flexible-fuel vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, and dual-fuel vehicles. The factory also produced passenger cars including the iconic Model T. The last Model T ever produced by Ford anywhere in the world rolled off the Cork factory production line in December 1928. She was named for William Clay Ford, Sr., grandson of Henry Ford, Sr. This battle represented an important victory because it changed the tide of the war against Japan during World War II, giving the US control over a series of islands that allowed it to bomb the main islands of Japan. At age 88 years 11 months 23 days, Mr. Ford passed away quietly in his sleep of pneumonia at his home in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan. As Henry Ford said in his own words: My ancestors came from Cork, and that city, with its wonderful harbour, had an abundance of fine industrial sites. Bill had big shoes to fill, but if youre the great-grandson of such business legends, you probably have it in your DNA to succeed. He also established the companys first wildlife habitat at a plant location and the first automotive plant in the world to use 25 percent post-consumer materials in all of its plastic parts. Detroit, Michigan, United States. She was named for William Clay Ford Sr., grandson of Henry Ford. The native of Madurai, India has established himself in the corporate world. During the last industry downturn, Ford invested heavily in fuel economy and technology at a time when many others were pulling back, he says. Pursued Progress Through Politics. The two married in 1983 just after Lisa had finished his undergraduate. The Ford and Firestone family has been established as a true dynasty throughout history. The lower level of the pilot house shares the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald story, and the role that the S.S. William Clay Ford played in its rescue attempt. Microsoft has removed the Birds Eye imagery for this map. Ford also developed new crossover SUVs, such as the Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, and Mazda CX-7. He joined the board of directors in 1988 and has been its chair since January 1999. At the exit of the pilot house, a periscope that came from the submarine, the U.S.S. Freighter design changed for economic reasons. After their wedding, they left on a honeymoon trip out west, going as far as Hawaii. He joined Ford in 1979 and held a variety of positions, beginning in product development and on the financial staff, a grooming ground for future executives. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. We all know the company hes running, but there are probably many things that you dont know about William Bill Clay Ford Jr. According to this article from the New York Times, Bill keeps a guitar in a corner in his office. He happens to be a fan of folk music, and he plays whenever he gets the chance. The 60-room home was perfectly preserved by Eleanor Clay Ford with antiques and furnishing dating back to the late 16th century and artwork from Europe and Great Britain. He has always worked hard, and hes always made his own way. William, then head of the . The 1922 English Tudor-style mansion was built for Charles and Sarah Fisher by architect George D. Mason. The estate starts grandly with a wrought-iron gate set in aged brick walls and a driveway that winds through a park-like setting. Tambor proved instrumental in the U.S. Navys success at the Battle of Midway. Ford added the title of chief executive officer on October 30, 2001, following the ouster of then-CEO Jacques Nasser. It was taken apart, its metal recycled, and a portion the pilot house donated to the museum. |. The family settled in Michigan, where Henry Ford was born in 1863. I am excited and honoured to be coming home to Cork to celebrate 100 years of Ford in Ireland, said Bill Ford. Related:Century-old Henry Ford Fair Lane estate to undergo extensive renovations. c. 1921. He even served as president of the Ivy Club, an eating club at Princeton, while he was still attending. This stately, gated house just off Lake St. Clair was built by a retired general, then bought by Bill Ford, then Kirk Gibson. The Fisher name might be more synonyms today with the grand art-deco Fisher Building that towers over Detroit's New Center. [3][4] Ford is also the vice chairman of the Detroit Lions NFL franchise. On the company's Dearborn test track in 1939, at age 14. We all know the company he's running, but there are probably many things that you don't know about William "Bill" Clay Ford Jr. In fact, his family is still continuing the legacy that Henry Ford began so many decades ago today. The manor is the fourth largest historic house museum in the United States with 88,000 square feet and 110 rooms. CORK, Ireland, Apr. On his father's side, his grandparents are Edsel Ford I and Eleanor Lowthian Clay. Age, Parents, Nationality William was born on 3rd May 1957 in Detroit, Michigan, US. New innovations produced vessels that could keep up with the demand for commerce. Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford, the . "Detail of living room showing carved stone fireplace, portrait of a woman over mantel, velvet-covered chairs and lamps with fringed shades on an Oriental rug in front. Written on photo front: "1921, Charles T. Fisher-Boston Boulvd.-W., 211." The Heinz House, a gift from the H.J. Ford, who died Sunday at age 88, never knew the success on the field that he did at Ford Motors where, as a grandson of the automotive pioneer Henry Ford, he played an integral role in. William Clay Ford Jr. (born May 3, 1957) is an American businessman, serving as executive chairman of Ford Motor Company. Over time, ships got bigger and faster. 20, 2017 - William Clay Ford, Jr., Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company and great-grandson of the company's founder, Henry Ford, today unveiled a plaque and bench in Ballinascarthy, Ireland, to commemorate 100 years of Ford in the country. William C. Ford III joins The Henry Ford Board of Trustees. To create just the right look and one thats historically accurate, StudioEIS studied family photos, portraits and clothing. in management as a Sloan Fellow from the MIT Sloan School of Management.[9]. "Bill Ford" redirects here. William Clay Ford Jr. They created this view too by taking out walls, putting in columns and replacing the old sunroom walls with arching windows. Matilda was also the first woman to sit on the board of a major automotive firm. Home Automakers & Suppliers Bill Ford builds his dream house February 12, 2007 12:00 AM Share Share It is oddly reassuring to learn that Bill Ford Jr. is not immune from the torments of the. Congressman. Over 70,000 visitors are welcomed to the Hall each year. He served several years as a mid-ranking executive in product development. He, along with his father, was instrumental in bringing the Lions back "home" to Detroit when the team made the decision in 1996 . William Clay Ford, Jr. William lived at 396 Provencal until they built a house on Lakeshore in the early 1960s where they reside today. But when Edsel Ford, Henry Fords only child, married Eleanor Lowthian Clay on Nov. 1, 1916, it wasnt a lavish affair. Hudson. In 1979 the hull of William Clay Ford was lengthened 120 feet. A Ford family member has been chairman, CEO, or president of the company for all but nearly 20 years of its 118-year history. But it is the current owners who tore down walls, opened up vistas with arches and columns, built a lavish bar and a lavish owners' suite. The only thing that is driving me is self-satisfaction, self-validation. He was also inducted into the magazine's Irish America Hall of Fame." The ship was a part of the Ford Motor Company fleet of ore carriers and made her home port at Ford's River Rouge Plant, south of Detroit, Michigan. Written on photo back: "Detail res. "Exterior of the Charles T. Fisher residence showing front entrance and steps. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. As executive chair of Ford Motor Company, William Clay Ford Jr. is leading the company that put the world on wheels into the 21st century. Ford has been a vegetarian since 1990, and adopted a vegan diet in 2010.[20]. Embossed on photo front: "Hance." Ford Executive Chairman William Clay Ford, Jr., great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford, unveiled a plaque and bench in the center of Ballinascarthy, a village 25 miles (40 lm) from Cork City. 1921". William retired in 1879. The S.S. William Clay Ford provided years of reliable service transporting iron ore and coal from the upper Great Lakes to the River Rouge Steel Plant, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company. Famously known by the Family name William Clay Ford Jr., is a great businessman.He was born on May 3, 1957, in Michigan. March 9, 2014, 10:35 AM. William Clay Ford Sr. (March 14, 1925 - March 9, 2014) was an American businessman. William Clay Ford {1} 1953-1986 William Clay Ford on the St. Marys River, 1970's. Photo by Roger LeLievre Specs Build Information Year Built: 1953 Builder: Great Lakes Engineering Works, River Rouge, MIi Hull #300 Registry: U.S 266029 IMO #5390142 Laid Down: April 7, 1952 Launch Date: May 5, 1953 Commissioned: August 4, 1953 Construction . Ford, who turns 80 . William Clay Ford was born in 1925, married Martha Firestone in 1947. William Clay Ford Jr. is the current executive chairman of the Ford Motor Company. William Clay Ford Sr., seen here watching Lions minicamp in 2009, bought the team in 1963 for $4.5 million. Quotes. 1957 . SS William Clay Ford was a bulk freighter built for hauling material on the Great Lakes. Embossed on photo front: "Hance." Even though he decided to go into the family automobile business, he was never forced into it. When Bill told his father that he had decided to work for the company, Bill Sr. was ecstatic. Stamped on photo back: "George D. Mason & Co., architects, 508 Griswold St., Detroit, Mich." 1917. Eleanor kept a scrapbook that details their trip. He, like his great-grandfather Henry Ford, is of mainly Irish, English, and Belgian descent. They lived just blocks apart at that time. proporcionarte nuestros sitios y aplicaciones; autenticar usuarios, aplicar medidas de seguridad y evitar el spam y los abusos, y. medir el uso que haces de nuestros sitios y aplicaciones. [1][2] Ford also served as the president, CEO, and COO until turning over those roles to former Boeing executive Alan Mulally in September 2006. The Ford Motor Company is one of Americas most beloved brands. Comprised of stylists and engineers, this new group explored the viability of bringing a new Continental to market. See henryfordestate.orgfor more information. Related:See inside the historic Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, "Edsel Ford, Eleanor Ford, Henry Ford II, William Clay Ford, Benson Ford, Joesphine Ford, family portrait, date unknown.". More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com. The historic mansions of those who created the U.S. auto industry represent a richpart of Michigan's cultural and architectural heritage. Calvin Ford, 29, knew as a child where he would probably wind up working as an adult.But he took his time getting there. is a beautiful and populous city located in Michigan U.S. . The family moved into their home in 1928. When Fisher purchased the home 8 years ago, the front porch had caved in and a leak in the basement had flooded the 1,000 organ pipes and damaged the ballroom. Alternative fuel vehicles operate on non-petroleum fuels, such as methanol, compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, and hydrogen. Stamped on photo back: "George D. Mason & Co., architects, 508 Griswold St., Detroit, Mich." 1917, "Room for dancing with chairs and bences lining walls, mirror at one end, tiled floor. March 9, 2014 8:25 PM PT. The estimated Net Worth of William Clay Jr Ford is at least $118 Million dollars as of 24 March 2022. "It's beautiful in every season. Mr. Ford owns over 267,697 units of Ford Motor Co stock worth over $50,958,768 and over the last 20 years he sold F stock worth over $50,735,709. [17] In January 2010, he announced the launch of a strategic investment firm, Fontinalis Partners, with the purpose of investing in innovative companies developing next-generation mobility solutions. Under his leadership the companys philanthropic arm, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, focused its efforts on helping communities, supporting education and improving safety through driving skills training. The original 1,242-acres were transferred in 2013 to the same non-profit that manages the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House. in history in 1979 after completing a 105-page long senior thesis titled "Henry Ford and Labor: A Reappraisal. Guests can come and go as they please. Charles T. Fisher served as the Vice President of General Motors in Detroit after Fisher Body was sold. The exhibit also will include some video footage unearthed from Edsel and Eleanors rehearsal dinner. Businessperson, CEO of Ford Motor Company, Vice chairman of the Detroit Lions NFL franchise, The great-grandson of Henry Ford. It was Bill who made the Ford Field possible. Wander. William Clay Ford was one of two ships involved in the initial search for the SSEdmund Fitzgerald, along with the SSArthur M. Anderson on 10 November 1975. Embossed on photo front: "Hance." Related:32-acre Clarkston farmhouse once had a buffalo herd. In addition to the Ford Escape, Hybrid Escape, Mercury Mariner, and Mazda Tribute, Ford marketed high efficiency crossover SUVs such as the Ford Freestyle, the Volvo XC70 and the Volvo XC90. Her keel was laid in 1952 at River Rouge, MI by the Great Lakes Engineering Works, and she was launched in 1953. Theyre playing games. Bill was actually three years Lisas senior. The company that Henry Ford legally established in 1917 was entitled Henry Ford & Son Ltd., and that continues to be the legal name of Ford in Ireland to this day the only Ford entity in the world to include the full name of the companys founder in its title. Enter your email below and we'll send a link to help you access your account. As briefly mentioned earlier, Bills parentage is nothing short of impressive. 'Dossin Great Lakes Museum' by William E. Knapp, Belle Isle Aquarium & Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, 'Samuel Francis Smith Memorial Flagpole' by Albert Kahn, Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix start/finish line, 'James Scott Memorial Fountain' by Cass Gilbert. Ford today has the widest network of dealers of any automotive manufacturer in Ireland, with 52 dealerships providing direct and indirect employment to 1,000 people across the country. When you see them three-dimensionally, it creates a whole new experience.. William Clay Ford Jr, executive chairman of the Ford Motor Company, visited the village near Clonakilty this morning alongside his wife, Lisa and their sons William and Nicholas,. Former Ford Motor executive William Clay Ford Sr., the last surviving grandchild of the automaker's founder, Henry Ford, and the longtime owner of the Detroit Lions football team, died on. [10][11], In 2000, he announced that the company would achieve a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency in the company's light truck fleet, including SUVs, by mid-decade.[12]. Biography. "Exterior of the Charles T. Fisher residence showing detail of brickwork. Harvey Firestone was the man that founded the Firestone Tire Company. Born on June 6, 1896 to William Clay and Eliza Hudson in Detroit, Eleanor's schooling took place at the Detroit Home and Day School, now University Liggett School. $1 Billion. Her keel was laid in 1952 at River Rouge, MI by the Great Lakes Engineering Works, and she was launched in 1953. Their schedules were unpredictable because they were depended on wind for propulsion. In 1984 he received an M.S. Ford also worked as the CEO, president, and COO until turning over his duties to former Boeing executive Alan Mulally in 2006. 1921.". Please select individual photos within album for download. Witch House Tattoo is Ferndale's new spooky, secret tattoo studio By Lee DeVito Mar 1, 2023 He also briefly headed the Climate Control Division (since divested from the company as part of the Visteon spinoff). Ford also continued to study Fuel Cell-powered electric powertrains and demonstrated hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine technologies, as well as developing the next-generation hybrid-electric systems. How Does Edward Snowdens New Surveillance App Work? Bill Ford House Pictures Bill Ford, a.k.a. It will include more than 14 wedding dresses from Ford weddings, including Eleanors dress, which was designed in a Russian style by the House of Lucile in New York. He probably committed to veganism because of his love for the environment. You must contact media@ford.com to obtain approval for advertising, marketing or other commercial uses. Bill Ford was born in Detroit in May 1957. In 1975, he graduated from the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, and his name is actually listed on the school website under the list of successful alumni. Select a location. How Much Is the Power Rangers Franchise Worth? William Clay Ford, a billionaire who owned the Detroit Lions and was an heir to the automotive dynasty started by his grandfather Henry Ford, died . All bathrooms have been remodeled. The look of Edsel and Eleanor's house was inspired by Cotswold-style cottages in England. She was a part of the Ford Motor Company fleet of ore carriers and made her home port at the Ford's River Rouge Plant, south of Detroit, Michigan. Designed by Brooklyn, New York-based StudioEIS, the statue depicts the couple arm in arm from roughly 1939-1940. LOGIN OR Hes actually got a photo in his office depicting the day when he broke a stack of six cement patio bricks. Ford was born in Detroit, Michigan, the great-grandson of Henry Ford I and great-grandson of Harvey S. Firestone. Seeinside some of these great Michigan estates now. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Mr. Ford, Jr. owns 1,100,617 shares of Ford Motor stock worth more than $15,177,508 as of February 1st. The Hall opened to the public in 1971. Bill Fords charitable, volunteer and business efforts are highlighted by his commitment to the city of Detroit. William Clay "Bill" Ford Jr. (born May 3, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan), is the great-grandson of Henry Ford, and serves as the executive chairman of Ford Motor Company, Ford also served as the President, CEO, and COO until turning over those roles to former Boeing executive Alan Mulally in September 2006. Stamped on photo back: "George D. Mason & Co., architects, 508 Griswold St., Detroit, Mich." 1917. As design of self-unloading technology was developed, the S.S. William Clay Ford became obsolete. View Bill Ford's home photos. Hes regarded as the, Read More 10 Things You Didnt Know About Sundar PichaiContinue, Edward Snowden, who has earned an (in)famous reputation as an American patriot/traitor, has collaborated with The Guardian Project and Freedom Of The Press to create an app that is intended to help guard against your, Read More How Does Edward Snowdens New Surveillance App Work?Continue, While many celebrities love being in the limelight, others find the media attention an invasion of their privacy. TO VIEW CONTACT DETAILS PLEASE It brings, I think, a real understanding when the visitors come to the estate. SS William Clay Ford was a bulk freighter built for hauling material on the Great Lakes. Its rare that we add anything to the grounds, and this is an extraordinary supplement to the estate, said Edsel B. Ford II, the couples grandson and chairman of the Ford House board of trustees, in a press release. Down the Aisle: 100 Years of Ford Family Weddings. Exhibit opens Sunday and runs through Nov. 6. LOGIN OR You must contact media@ford.com to obtain approval for advertising, marketing or other commercial uses. Download size exceeds 350 MB. This successful businessman may be carrying the surname of his great grandfather, but hes surely made a name for himself in his industry. The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House was the former private residence of Henry and Clara Ford's only child, Edsel, his wife Eleanor and their children: Henry II, Benson, Josephine and William. He was elected chair and managing director of Ford Switzerland in 1987. If you arent familiar with the process, just know that it takes years of training and dedication to the craft before you can even test to become a black belt. Famed-Detroit architect Albert Kahn designed the home. He died of natural causes on March 8, 1905, in his home [5] and was buried in the Ford Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan, USA, Plot: St. Martha's Episcopal Churchyard. Embossed on photo front: "Hance." Download size exceeds 350 MB. After Eleanor passed the house was opened to the public in 1978 to experience the Ford's history and grand estate. It leads to the front door that's three panels wide and set into an arch all glass and wrought iron which the current owners put in. As the next step in these efforts, in 2015 the company announced Ford Smart Mobility, its plan to deliver advances in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and data and analytics. Bill Ford is a member of the Board of Trustees of The Henry Ford and the Henry Ford Health System, and is chair of the New Michigan Initiative of Business Leaders for Michigan. I'm not motivated by money or power or fame. virtual tour of Detroit's historic Boston-Edison neighborhood is available here. Now, 40 years later,. Under Bill Fords leadership Ford Motor Company has taken aggressive steps to improve the efficiency and focus of its traditional automotive business. He also is a founding partner of Fontinalis Partners, LLC, a Michigan-based investment firm that acts as a strategic operating partner to transportation infrastructure technology companies. [3], At the time of his stepping down, Ford was ranked 264th on Forbes' list of top-earning CEOs, at $10 million per year. After being appointed general manager of Climate Control Division in 1992, he led a profit turnaround and a major improvement in product quality. (Dearborn, Mich. - April 26, 2017) - The Henry Ford announced today that William C. Ford III has been elected to serve a three-year term as a member of its Board of Trustees. A young William Clay Ford stands in front of his father, Edsel, in this circa 1929 photo. After rotating hands several times Michael Fisher, a cousin of the Fisher family, decided he wanted to buy the home. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 8 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). He was 59 years old. TO VIEW CONTACT DETAILS PLEASE Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel will officiate. Ford joins 23 other business, civic and education leaders on the institution's board. "Dining room with ornate table with carved legs and velvet chairs with antimacassars, and Oriental rug. You may wish to switch to the. 20 Cities with the Worst Weather in the U.S. How Eiza Gonzalez Achieved a Net Worth of $5 Million. [16], Ford has been a vocal advocate for improvements to be made in all modes of global transportation, having stated that governments and private industry would need to rethink transportation infrastructure and technology as the global population expands and the existing infrastructure is unable to keep pace. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Register at fordhouse.org. Next there's a long view through the foyer to the new living room then the arched windows of the sunroom, finally the yard. He joined the board of directors in 1988 and has been its chair since January 1999. Bill Sr. asked his son to think about a role model he could emulate in his life at that point and later on Bill Jr. didnt even hesitate in answering: Gordie Howe.