Paradise honours a champion
By Mark Squibb
The Town of Paradise is commemorating J.D. Trainor with a street named in honour of the young man who inspired so many.
Trainor, 16, died this past January after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Members of J.D.’s family, including his mom and dad Christina and Jerry Trainor, as well as Premier Andrew Furey and other members of government, were on hand for the announcement at the Paradise Double Ice Complex.
“J.D. was a fierce competitor,” said his father, Jerry. “It didn’t matter if it was basketball, volleyball, golf, darts in the garage, or hockey, he wanted to do his best, and he wanted to get better. But he was so much more. He wanted his friends to succeed. J.D. was more impressed by the quality of a person than the quantity. He promoted doing the right thing, and he respected those who tried hard and wanted more from life.”
Jerry said that in the days following his son’s passing, countless folks reached out to the family to offer words of condolences and share their favorite stories, stories of J.D. sitting with a bullied youth or moving his gear aside to make room for a younger player in the dressing room.
“We always knew how amazing J.D. was, but we didn’t know the community knew as well,” said Jerry.
While battling cancer, J.D. received messages of support from the likes of Toronto Maple Leafs star John Tavares, broadcaster Don Cherry, and Leafs’ captain Auston Matthews.
Following his passing, tributes poured in from hocky communities across the province and beyond for the young man, who played for numerous hockey teams in his young life, including the Mount Pearl Senior High Huskies.
“J.D. Trainor was just 16 years old, as we know, but in that short time, he lived life to the fullest,” said Premier Furey. “He was an old soul, and wise beyond his years. Gentle, and truly strong in character, on and off the ice. Those who knew him well speak of his kindness, and his teammates of his loyalty, and of a smile that could light up not just any dressing room, but any room.”
J.D. Trainor Street will be located in the Lakeside Subdivision near Adam’s Pond.
“You don’t get a second chance at raising your kids,” said Christina in closing. “So be present and go hard for them.”