Oakwood Village shooting victim was 'a real class act'

CBC
·3 min read
Trevor Dalton John, 31, was killed Tuesday after he was shot in North York. John worked as a security guard. (Submitted by Jesenia Silva - image credit)
Trevor Dalton John, 31, was killed Tuesday after he was shot in North York. John worked as a security guard. (Submitted by Jesenia Silva - image credit)

The family of a man killed in a double shooting earlier this week says they are "grappling with the immense pain of his loss."

Police say Trevor Dalton John, 31, died in hospital after being shot outside a residential building around 1 a.m. Tuesday on Winona Drive near Vaughan Road in Oakwood Village.

"He had an innate ability to uplift spirits with a simple smile and a listening ear. Trevor's presence brought light into our lives, and his absence has left a void that can never be filled," John's immediate family said in a statement to CBC Toronto. They said they're too devastated to speak publicly.

John leaves behind two sons, aged eight and 12, as well as his parents, step-parents, brothers and step-sisters, the family said.

They have launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses, which raised more than $15,000 as of May 10.

John was standing outside the building with a woman when they were approached by an unknown number of people in a vehicle and shot, police said.

The woman was also taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries and survived.



Homicide investigators are canvassing for video and appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Though police said they hoped to provide a description of the suspect vehicle, they told CBC Toronto Friday that they had no update on the case.

John started security company

John worked as a security guard and had started his own security company. He had plans to expand the business this year, because of his "passion for ensuring safety and protection for others," his family said.

"His legacy of kindness and inclusively within the nightlife community will continue to resonate profoundly," they said.

John worked at many venues all over the city, where he ensured patrons felt safe and went out of his way to compliment others on their work, said Chris Reign, a photographer who frequently worked at the same clubs.

Trevor Dalton John worked as a security guard for multiple venues in Toronto.
Trevor Dalton John worked as a security guard for multiple venues in Toronto.

'He had an innate ability to uplift spirits with a simple smile and a listening ear. Trevor's presence brought light into our lives, and his absence has left a void that can never be filled,' John's immediate family said in a statement to CBC Toronto. (Submitted by Jesenia Silva)

Reign said those working in the nightlife community are mourning John. He says he himself stayed home from work Tuesday, as he was shaken by the incident.

"We're all shocked about the news because of the person that he is. We just never thought it would ever happen to him," Reign said.

"He's always chill, level headed, calm and funny. When you see him there, you just know, you just feel like things are going to be OK ... He's a real class act," he said.

Reign said the work John did came with dangers, and he sometimes had to deal with unruly club-goers.

"We work in an industry where somebody that may be having a bad day just might bring it out with them … but Trevor's just a real, sweet guy, you don't feel like you got to be on edge with him around," said Reign.

John's family said they did not want to answer specific questions from CBC Toronto about the circumstances of his death.

"We have placed our trust in the authorities to thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure that justice is served in due time," they said.

In their statement, they thanked the community.

"Thank you for your unwavering support, love, and compassion during this time of profound grief," they said.