The public is invited to pay tribute this week to the Toronto teacher struck and killed in a hit-and-run Friday.
Tomer Samson was struck by two vehicles while cycling through the intersection of Lansdowne Avenue and Davenport Road.
Police said Samson was crossing in a pedestrian crosswalk when he was struck and dragged.
The second driver who hit Samson remained at the scene, but police said the driver of the first vehicle did not.
Miguel Oliveira, a 22-year-old Toronto resident, turned himself into police on Saturday night in connection with the hit-and-run. He has since been charged with failure to remain at the scene of an accident causing death. After a brief court appearance Sunday, Oliveira was remanded into custody.
In a statement, Samson's family said the married father of two young children will be missed.
“Tom was a beloved father, husband, son, brother, friend and teacher. He lived his life to the fullest and without regrets. He loved his wife and children very much, and was passionate about his calling as an elementary school teacher,” the statement read.
The public is invited to a celebration of the popular Swansea Public School Grade 2 teacher's life at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Artscape Wychwood Barns near St. Clair Avenue West and Christie Street.
He will be buried in a private funeral immediately afterward.
Anyone who wants to show support for Samson's family is being asked to contribute to a trust fund established by the Swansea School Council. The account has been set up at the Bank of Montreal branch located near Windermere and Bloor. Donations should be made to account No. 8980907, transit No. 0367. Alternately, cheques payable to "SSC -– Tom Samson Memorial Fund" can be left with the school located at 207 Windermere Avenue.
Samson's family is also asking anyone who wants to make a charitable donations in his honour to direct their generosity to the Toronto Public Library Foundation.
