Emotional tributes are pouring in for a former Regina resident shot to death Friday by a gunman at the Edmonton car dealership where he worked for many years.

Garth Radons grew up in Regina, but moved away to Edmonton in his adulthood.

'This is TV movie stuff and this doesn't happen.'—Tony Simioni, Edmonton Police Association president

Radons was the parts manager for the Great West Chrysler dealership and had worked there for 15 years.

Police say a man with a gun walked into the service reception area of the dealership at about 7:50 a.m. MT on Friday and started shooting.

He shot and killed Radons, critically wounded another person and then turned the gun on himself.

Sources have identified the shooter as Dave Burns, 55, an employee recently suspended for making racial comments.

Radons's wife is an Edmonton police constable and was one of the first officers on the scene, adding another twist to the tragedy.

"This is TV movie stuff and this doesn't happen," said Edmonton Police Association president Tony Simioni. "This is outside the bounds and depth of anything that any of our officers have ever experienced.

"No one I know of in the police service throughout my 30 years has that experience, thankfully. It's horrific beyond imagination and my heart goes out to her," Simioni said.

Psychological counselling will be made available for Radons's wife and the couple's daughter, Simioni said.

Online tributes pour in

In a memorial page for victims of the shooting on social networking website Facebook, members of Radons's large extended family, friends and and co-workers are expressing shock, grief and condolences.

"I am shocked and saddened by this news. Garth was one of 45 nieces and nephews we have. Although they are spread out wide and far, we still love them all," wrote Bev Radons-Hewson.

"From your many, many extended family members of Saskatoon and area we send our united love, strength and prayers to Mike and his family," said Laurie Schuette.

"We are all close to your hearts and praying for him. We also send our deepest sympathy and prayers to Garth's family and friends for their tragic loss," Schuette wrote.

"I worked at GW in the parts department years ago," wrote former co-worker Jennifer Soltys.

"I was grateful to have met Garth — a truly kind and caring person ... I am still in shock at this senseless tragedy. My condolences go out to everyone. God bless," Soltys said.

Organizers of the Facebook memorial indicated a trust fund will be set up for the victims in the coming days.