TORONTO, Ont. – The funeral of a 35-year-old well-liked Grade 2 teacher killed in a hit-and-run in west-end Toronto drew family, friends and the students he loved to teach.

Mourners who spoke at the service said Tom Samson, a father of two, was an outstanding father, husband and teacher.

“He respected every one of his students,” one boy told CityNews. “He was very kind.”

“What happened is a tragedy and we are going to miss him,” a woman said.

Samson was crossing to the north side of Davenport Road from the east side of Lansdowne Avenue shortly before 7 a.m. Friday on his bicycle when he was struck by a minivan travelling westbound. The vehicle fled the scene.

A second vehicle also struck him. The driver stayed at the scene.

He was taken to St. Michael’s hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The 22-year-old driver of the minivan surrendered Saturday.

Miguel Oliveira was charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing death.

He was released on $40,000 bail on Monday