Submitted by Dennis’ neighbours
In March, the Highland Park Community lost a very dear neighbour named Dennis. Dennis was a community connector who lived for 25 years on the 400 block of 37 Ave NW, a cul-de-sac. Dennis came and went in his truck and always had time to smile, wave, or chat with the window rolled down. Dennis was an extraordinary single man who practiced community connections. Dennis was a local landlord who cared about his tenants.
He rented long-term; one woman has been living 22 years in his rental home. Another had just moved to Calgary from England and so appreciates her well-kept basement suite. To a newcomer family of four from Brazil, Dennis provided an affordable home and yard, and even cleared a garage for a workshop for the father to build things to support his family. Dennis babysat their boys while their mother did an online course to get a certification for employment in Calgary.
Dennis assisted a renter when he noticed she was a victim of family violence. Dennis was always there for a senior doing heavy lifting of a garage wall or loading paving stones. He also befriended a Malaysian engineer and introduced him to other male friends and helped him launch his engineering career in the city.
*Trigger warning: the remaining part of this article contains content about suicide.
If you, or someone that you know is struggling with suicide please call Talk Suicide at 1-833-456-4566 or you can call the Calgary Distress Centre at 403-266-4357.
Despite all the good Dennis brought our community, he struggled with depression, and at the age of 59, Dennis died by suicide on March 12, 2023. His struggles are all too common, as middle-aged men (40 to 60) die by suicide more than any other group (American Association of Suicidology 2018). These men may mask their stress and be unable to deal with emotional pain. Dennis was able to share his pain but Alberta’s mental health system response to his needs was not enough.
We can honour Dennis’ journey by learning more about suicide prevention by attending workshops that educate about the warning signs/risks of suicide.
We can also be a proactive community in reducing the stigma around talking about suicide and asking our neighbours how they are really doing.
Calgary Centre for Suicide Prevention informs the public about suicide prevention. They also have programs that may save lives from suicide.
Fort McMurray has a successful Respite House Centre that safely houses men who have lost hope in their lives. If anyone is interested in researching these resources with me, please contact Judy H. jlynn2@shaw.ca.