The Kitchener-Waterloo community is mourning the unexpected passing of Mark Naylor, a dedicated school bus driver and trainer whose commitment to safety and compassion touched countless lives. Naylor passed away suddenly on November 2, 2025, leaving behind family, friends, and colleagues who describe his loss as both shocking and deeply heartbreaking.
Mark had been part of the Elliott Coach Lines team at the company’s Breslau, Ontario location since March 2025, but his career as a school bus driver spanned more than a decade. Known for his professionalism and kindness, he was also a certified driver trainer, responsible for mentoring new drivers and instilling in them the same principles of safety and empathy that defined his own work.
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“Mark wasn’t just a driver—he was a teacher, a protector, and a friend to so many children who relied on him each day,” a spokesperson from Elliott Coach Lines said. “His presence made a real difference.”
Naylor’s impact extended well beyond the bus routes he drove. Through his years of training and mentorship, he helped ensure that hundreds of drivers upheld the highest standards of care, indirectly shaping the daily journeys of thousands of students across the region.
Mark is survived by his father Ralph, who lived with him in Kitchener; his son Damian, currently studying in Toronto; and his daughters Chloe and Olivia, who reside in the same apartment building as their family home.
In the wake of his passing, colleagues and community members have launched a fundraising campaign to support Mark’s family as they navigate this difficult time. The effort aims to provide financial and emotional relief to a family that has given so much to the community over the years.
Those who knew Mark remember him as a man of integrity, warmth, and quiet dedication—someone who treated every child on his bus as if they were his own.
“Mark had a heart for people,” one coworker shared. “He taught us that safety isn’t just about rules—it’s about caring for every single life in your hands.”
Details regarding memorial arrangements and the ongoing support campaign will be announced in the coming days.