The community at Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School in Oshawa is reeling after Chris Traynor, a well-respected teacher there, was found murdered alongside three of his family members in their home early Friday.
Noella Gilkes, 20, was a student of Traynor’s in 2016 and 2017 when she took his law class in Grades 11 and 12, respectively.
“Some of my favourite memories of him would be from our mock trials in Grade 11 (when) he was the judge, and how he carried his briefcase to class each morning,” she told the Toronto Sun Saturday via Twitter.
“He was old-school and enjoyed the routine he’d set for class each day. He loved puns and would often say something to make the students giggle or sigh. He was both a coach and ran the Model United Nations Debate Club in 2017. I joined because of him.”
When Gilkes heard the tragic news that Mitchell Lapa, 48, had shot and killed four members of the Traynor family, and wounded his sister Loretta Traynor, Chris’ wife, she broke down.
“He was a very impactful teacher to many students and inspired a lot of kids to keep attending class despite the desire to drop out,” she said. “He was the type of teacher to make you want to succeed. He always shared the opportunity to teach us perseverance.”
Jake Walker, another student of Traynor’s, expressed his grief on Twitter.
“A tragedy like this is always bad, especially in your hometown,” he wrote.
“But when the victims was one of few teachers to impact yourself, along with three of his children it is a harder pill to swallow. I am at a loss of words right now. RIP Mr.Traynor and all who lost their lives far too early.”
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