GoFundMe campaign raises large amount for Traynor family after tragedy

The Traynor family was active in Oshawa’s minor baseball program. Photo: Baseball Oshawa

September 13, 2020

By Danny Gallagher

Canadian Baseball Network

More than to $168,000 has been raised in a GoFundMe campaign in aid of the surviving members of the Traynor family in Oshawa, Ont.

Chris Traynor was not only was a revered teacher in Oshawa but a valued member of the city's minor baseball program.

Traynor was shot and killed by his brother-in-law Mitchell Sapa of Winnipeg on Sept. 4 in an incident that also left three of Traynor's three children and Sapa dead.

The children that were lost in the tragedy were sons Bradley and Joey and daughter Adelaide. Joey played on Oshawa's 12 and under Rep team. Lorraine Traynor, Chris' wife, survived, while another son, Sam, was not at home at the time of the shooting.

The GoFundMe campaign was organized by Claire Dennis, a longtime friend of the Traynor family.

"We will miss you so much, Chris, Brad, Adelaide and Captain Joey. We will love you forever and are here always sending prayers, love and strength to Loretta and Sam,'' said Shantal Woolsey in a GoFundMe message.

"On behalf of Baseball Oshawa's board, executive, coaches, players and families, I wish to extend the most sincere and heartfelt prayers to the entire Traynor family and to all those affected by this horrible tragedy.'' said Ken Babcock, president of Baseball Oshawa, in a statement on Facebook.

In an interview with CTV News, Babcock said Chris Traynor was a mentor to many of the players on the team.

"Chris was always energetic, always had a high level of energy and I think that was passed on to the kids he coached,'' Babcock said.

The Sept. 13th edition of the Toronto Star revealed that a drive-by visitation will take place from 10 a.m.to 8 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Oshawa Funeral Home located at 847 King St. W. During this time, you can offer a prayer or expression of condolence for the four deceased.

People are asked to stay in their vehicles due to the Covid situation until you are invited to exit your vehicle by a parking attendant.

A private family funeral mass will be held at St. Mary of the People Church on Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. with a private interment to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.