ALMA – A local teacher involved in a fatal collision is being remembered as “a father, husband, son, teacher, Gryphon and forever friend”.
Robert Bachuk, a teacher at Alma Public School, was pronounced dead at the scene after the SUV he was driving collided with a school bus near Alma at the intersection of 14th Line and Sideroad 21 last Wednesday.
“This is a terrible tragedy,’ said Peter Sovran, UGDSB Director of Education in an emailed statement. “Our thoughts are with Rob’s family and loved ones, students, and the entire Alma Public School community. We will do whatever we can to support the family, students and staff.”
Sovran said additional supports were made available at the school on Thursday and will continue Tuesday. “The Crisis Response Team met with each class on Thursday individually to share this news in an age-appropriate way.” he said.
“Board trauma staff were also at the school on Thursday to support our employees. We also had additional staff at other schools, as this tragedy has far reaching impacts in our board.”
Sovran emphasizes that if parents feel their child needs additional support, to contact their school principal. In addition, parents may access community services, including HERE24/7, the COMPASS distress line, as well as resources for parents on the board website www.ugdsb.on.ca.
As of Monday afternoon, a GoFundMe set up for Bachuk’s family has already surpassed its $10,000 goal.
“Rob was full of laughter, light, music, love and goodness. We will all miss him dearly.” said on the GoFundMe page.
Bachuk, 48-years old from Elora, leaves behind a wife and two children.
A gathering to celebrate Bachuk’s life will take place on Sunday from 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus.
