I was in the middle of fettling the latest Bialaddin 300X with the brass hood when I heard a howl of anguish from inside the house. I found out that my daughter had just received a call - her boyfriend Leon had taken his own life. He had battled with severe depression for years but his demons finally won the battle last Saturday afternoon. He leaves a huge hole in all our lives and thanks to his skills in creating stunning graphical illustrations his loss is reverberating not just in Scotland or the UK, but as far afield as the US, Canada and all over Europe where people knew his work. Young Leon is in the middle, between my daughter on the left and my middle boy on the right. I swear, no father could have wanted for a better young man to look after his daughter. He was loyal, strong, compassionate and cared deeply about everyone, especially my daughter. His loss is a massive tragedy but unfortunately it was one that had been looming on the horizon for some time, despite the love and devotion my daughter gave him willingly. My heart will remain heavy for a very long time. Rest easy Leon my boy.
I want to offer a warning. If you know anyone who suffers from depression, be very very careful if they are prescribed anti-depressants. For some they must work or no-one would take them (would they?) but for a large number of people the feeling of numbness they create can leave them numb to the idea of committing suicide and therefore at greater risk of giving in and this is hugely dangerous! He had been taking his meds for 3 weeks and we all saw him beginning to drift away which was terrifying. He was offered no counselling, no psychiatric help... nothing to guide him through the terrors and was left with only my daughter to try to look after him, but she simply wasn't able to provide 24hr, round the clock care and for a 17yo, the burden of trying has been taking its toll, even though she's a tough cookie. Leon was 19 and they have been deeply in love for 4 years and in time they became the most devoted pair I have ever seen. In case the photo of the lamp makes him look too stern... here's another of him out shopping...
Oh my, that's terrible. My heart goes out to all of you, and especially to your daughter. Please be hyper-vigilant of those in your group in the coming months, and especially your daughter. Suicide contagion is a real phenomenon. Copycat suicide - Wikipedia
Thank you Marc, and yes, we are all being very watchful because this 'epidemic' seems to be made so much worse via social media.
@ColinG I offer my sincere condolences. The tragedy is enormous and the impact on you and your family must be immense. Keep strong. Tony
I am so sorry for your tragic loss - will light a lantern for your beautiful Leon this weekend. My brother in law suffers from severe depression and is currently on the merry-go-round of trialling different drugs...... Late night phone calls strike fear into my heart...... I hope I never have to take that call. I shed a tear reading your eloquent, heartfelt words.....hold your daughter close and stay strong...all your lantern brothers are thinking of you.
My sincere condolences. Also an interesting insight into the effects of these medications. Thanks for the small glimpse of the psyche.
Thank you everyone for your words, they really mean a great deal. After the official funeral is over my we are going to have our own private sending off ceremony in one of his favourite places and we'll all say some words and find different little ways to celebrate his short but very important life.
That seems very fitting. If it will help you, your daughter, or anyone else, I'm sure we'd all be happy to light our lamps(and stoves) in solidarity and support. Say the word.
On Thursday, me and my family will come here and remember a very special young man in the place he probably loved the best.
Thursday night, I will light all my English lamps (wicks and pressure) in memory of Leon. May God keep you all. ( Sorry for my english, i'm french guy ). Kind regards, Gilles
Hi Colin, my condolences to Leons family, and to yours. A terrible loss for the parents. Will light an English Aladdin for his memory. Regards
Tonight we're going down to the shore to pay our respects and light a lantern in his honour. If anyone else wants to light one too there will be a ring of lights around the world.
Closest I have to English lamps(not at all), a kero converted 200 and an Embury Air Pilot. Leon, I hope you have peace and tranquility now. Godspeed, sir.
Had a Tilley demonstration session last night, 10 Tilleys burning bright with your story in my mind. Be close to the ones you love.
