Students and colleagues in New Brunswick are mourning a popular and accomplished young science teacher whose life was cut short on the weekend in a motorcycle crash.

Trevor Nason, 27, died just months after winning the prestigious Discovery Channel Iron Science Teacher Award, a national science teacher competition that was held in Calgary in March.

"Learning shouldn't be boring, it shouldn't be a chore," Nason told CTV Calgary back in March. "It should be something that they enjoy and that they want to do."

Nason has taught at many schools in the Moncton area, including Harrison Trimble High School, and he also taught night school at NBCC Moncton.

He was just three weeks into his new assignment as a science teacher at Caledonia Regional High School in Hillsborough when the fatal crash occurred.

"I just love him so much and I'm really going to miss him," his father, Garth Nason, told CTV News.

A bouquet of flowers now sits at the spot where Nason was killed Saturday.

RCMP say Nason was riding his motorcycle on the Hillsborough Road in Riverview on Saturday afternoon when he collided with a pickup truck.

The driver of the pickup truck and a passenger in the truck were not seriously hurt, but Nason died of his injuries.

Moments of silence were held at schools throughout the Moncton area Monday and grief counselors were made available to both students and staff as they mourned the loss of a beloved teacher.

Nason's parents say he was passionate about his job and he was known to entertain students, both inside the classroom and out, as he taught them about the world of science.

"That was such a perfect arena for somebody who wanted to be more than a teacher, because really, that's where his gifting was," says his mother, Lynn Nason.

"The education system was the arena where all of this amazing stuff about Trevor could have full reign because, for somebody who had so many interests, who's respectful of a person just because they're a human being, kind and compassionate, was willing to realize that even if you thought you had done your best, perhaps there might be a reason why you didn't and you deserved a second chance."

Once the news spread of Nason's passing, Facebook pages popped up in his memory and tributes quickly poured in.

"Trevor was not only an amazing teacher he was just a plain amazing person! So approachable, likeable and easy to love!" said one tribute.

"This unique individual made a huge impression on both my kids…always great things to say about Trevor when they came home from school on a daily basis... anyone that can excite kids about learning with his enthusiasm and great teaching skills will truly be missed," said another.

"I'm so grateful for people that have let us know what he meant to them and have expressed their condolences," said Garth Nason of the postings. "It is comforting to know that his life counted for something."

Trevor Nason is also survived by his sister and his wife Claudia. His family says they are not surprised by the outpouring of support and they always knew Trevor was special. As an avid motorcyclist, paintball and softball player, they say his love for teaching was matched by his love for life.

"I never once heard him say he was bored," Lynn Nason told CTV News. "He would always find something to do and he never depended on anybody else to find him something to do."

A funeral service will be held Wednesday at the Wesleyan Church in Moncton. According to Nason's obituary, the public is invited to pay their respects at the church from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m., when the service begins.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Nick Moore