I'm sure most people here who knew Jack/PositivePressure already know, but unfortunately, he lost his fight with depression. RIP


http://www.uer.ca/...=search&currpage=1

I'm still in shock and can't believe it. This is a massive loss not only to this community but everyone. Jack was an amazing guy and he is going to be sorely missed.

RIP Jack
All smiles by ZensLens, on Flickr

Sorry,
but I'm relatively new here, and that sounds grave. Can you you tell us what happened? I agree that depression kills. Ain't no way out of that one.

I don't know the details, so I'd only be speculating other than to say he took his life.

There has been discussion over the years to create a forum for mental health support here on UER. It's never surfaced as of yet, and I'm not sure how you'd even have a safe place to have such a discussion without someone out there throwing it in your face at a later date.

I remember one user being quite open and honest about his personal struggles only to have some use it against him.

But regardless, condolences to the family. I didn't know him but I knew of him.

Edit: redacted

For a short while Jack was like a part of my family. He was a truly wonderful person, I had hoped that he would find happiness. Maybe now he has.

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Thanks for starting this thread Yokes.

It's been a tough day. Jack was one of the kindest people I've ever met and a true friend. I can't believe he's gone. We spoke just last week and he sounded pretty good. Things were going well for him and I never would have guessed this was coming, to him of all people. He was so good at so many things, and he always seemed to inspire those around him. He was the bravest guy I've ever met and yet managed to make it all look so easy. I've said it so many times today I don't want to say it anymore, but RIP Jack, we love you and will see you again someday.

I didn't know him, but I wish I'd had a chance to. There have been too many deaths here lately.

well shit. R.I.P. man.

I hope it is better for you where you are now for we are now the ones that hurt.

I met with Jack a couple of times about 4 years back when I was exploring the idea rappelling to learn a bit about rope work. He took time, chatted over coffees and after it was over he offered equipment and some tutoring if I decided to go further. I never took him up on it but I can't say I've met anyone more personable or open. I had no idea he was struggling with this horrific disease. I know we all wish we could reach out to help Jack or others going through what he was living.

Hopefully he's looking down and hoping all of us will listen for hints and offer a hand even when someone isn't asking for it. Just a hand. I'm going to try.

Godspeed Jack

Always sad to hear of a fellow explorer passing.
RIP

Posted by Intrinsic There has been discussion over the years to create a forum for mental health support here on UER.

I know the threads are archived, but it might be nice to have a memorial section on UER where threads can be stored.

The Cave Clan started a memorial section & one or two members thought it was morbid, but now it's a great way to remember them.

People post birthday greetings, new found photos or videos, messages from families, links to their websites or social media pages.

Ninj, Predator, dozens of others... what do others think?

Edit. I might start a new thread.

I'd never met him, but judging by what I've seen in this thread, he had some great adventures and was responsible for some great photos, and those aren't bad things by which to be remembered. That said, it's sad that it was apparently so bad for him that he couldn't see any other options. I've known several people who either seriously considered suicide or attempted it, including a friend who succeeded, and the world was never a better place when they did.

Posted by Doug Edit. I might start a new thread.

Private forum, invite only. Most definitely. Otherwise you're going to have the armchair critics, the voyeurs and the ones who'll throw it back in your face when you're down. We've seen it all before.

Edit: My response is with regards to a support group, NOT a thread about explorers who've passed away.

I am deeply saddened to hear of this.

Posted by Intrinsic There has been discussion over the years to create a forum for mental health support here on UER. It's never surfaced as of yet, and I'm not sure how you'd even have a safe place to have such a discussion without someone out there throwing it in your face at a later date. I remember one user being quite open and honest about his personal struggles only to have some use it against him.

I think you are absolutely right. I've created a thread in Other to help people who may need support find others who are caring and willing to listen:
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=118440

So very sorry to hear about this, and my condolences to his friends and family.

I'd never met Jack personally, but a few years ago I spoke with him a few times regarding one of the Bison Campout weekends. He was hoping to come, and willing to cart in first aid supplies and offer medical if needed - that being his field of expertise. Unfortunately something came up and he wasn't able to make it, but the few interactions I had with him stood out in my mind because of the caring and selfless person he seemed to be.

I regret not meeting him, and given all of the stand up tributes spoken about him here and on facebook, it seems like he was a truly wonderful, caring and talented person, and he will be missed by many.

RIP Jack.

Posted by Match Girl I regret not meeting him, and given all of the stand up tributes spoken about him here and on facebook, it seems like he was a truly wonderful, caring and talented person, and he will be missed by many. RIP Jack.

So much this.

I never personally met him but do remember him being very active here at one time.
My thoughts are with his friends and family.
May he rest in peace.

UER has lost way too many lately.

Jack/ Positive Pressure was one of the nicest people I have met off this site. He was greatly competent with high angle stuff, was an extremely talented photographer and was always willing to explain things he was passionate about. Medics who worked with him all said the same about him from work. We talked about doing a canoe trip through the old abandoned locks near his hometown, but work and other commitments always conspired against getting together for it and we only met up a few times before he moved out West.

RIP Jack, you will be missed

Suggestion...maybe move this to the Ontario board? Can the mods respectfully close his account?

Posted by Air Suggestion...maybe move this to the Ontario board? Can the mods respectfully close his account?

We discussed posting this thread in Ontario, but we concluded that any death in the community affects the community as a whole, so we decided to leave it here on Main. We might move this thread to In Memorandum when it eventually becomes inactive, before it gets archived.

I believe there is a feature where an account can be set to "deceased", but only Av can do it.

Sorry to hear that another bright person has gone away too soon; like another poster said, I hope he is somewhere he can find happiness. I hope he is having a blast rappelling from glorious miles-high celestial temples in some climbers' utopia. I hope he is free.

Meanwhile I feel very sad for his family and friends, I always do when this happens...