It was with shock and heavy hearts that we heard yesterday that Robin Williams has made his last curtain call and left this world behind. It is even more shocking to hear that it is suspected that this fabulous actor/comic took his own life. If you are a follower of my blog, you may recognize that I write/post from an emotional standpoint, inspired by things that happen around me, that stir my emotions. Well yesterday was certainly a day and event that fits into this category.

Managing to win the hearts of generations:

Having grown up with Mork and Mindy as a hit sit-com, taken our middle child Zack to his first movie with Robin playing that great blue Genie, and being moved by Robin William’s great performances in The Dead Poets’ Society and Goodwill Hunting, it seems like I have lost a part of my family. However, after returning home to discuss it with my wife and kids yesterday, I was surprised to hear Jared, our 20-year-old youngest child, say “This is the first Hollywood actor’s death that has really affected me; it’s like I grew up with him.” It seems that Robin Williams has sufficiently captured more than two full generations, as Jared and I are separated by 34 years.

An outrageous talent:

Of course we all loved Williams’ performance in his big hit movies like Poets’ and Doubtfire but there were less popular gems that were monstrously hilarious. Being a hacker golfer, his outsider view of the game of golf, from one of his stand-up comic engagements, is quintessential Robin Williams for me. It’s a little off-colour so be forewarned, but if you can take the cuss-words, it is a great display of how quick his mind works and how flawless is his delivery.

The tragedy of mental illness:

While losing Robin Williams is a tragedy on its own, understanding how such a talented man can suffer sufficiently from mental illness and depression that he was (allegedly) compelled to take his own life, brings attention to how challenging this ruthless disease can be. Unfortunately, even within the small realm of my friends, coworkers and extend family, I can recall no fewer than a dozen cases where family members, struggling with the same ailments, decided to end their lives. The fact that someone as talented, successful, and with access to as many resources, as Robin Williams cannot overcome the depths of this disease is extremely discouraging. My heart goes out to all who are plagued by this ailment and to their family members who are doing their best so support them and get them the help that they need.

In our area, I know that the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is a tremendous facility offering help in with such issues. Through my employer, I have had the opportunity to support CAMH over the last few years as a charity. If you are not aware of them or if you have the opportunity to support their efforts, I urge you to investigate and/or support their programs. Bell has come out as a huge supporter of CAMH for years now and for that, I’m sure many are grateful.

I have had the good fortune of not having lost many immediate family members, so it is with heavy heart, not much lighter than when I lost my Dad or with the death of our long-time family pets, that I will remember and cherish the life and work of Robin Williams. Goodbye our TV and movie friend; we hope you lighten the hearts where you are now, where other troubled souls who have gone before you, greet you with warm and loving arms.

Rest In Peace Robin Williams; Nanu-Nanu.