Iohan Gueorguiev’s death has rocked the world. As this sad news resonates through the community, many of us have questions. The biggest question has been why. I had read comments wondering how, given Iohan’s lifestyle, he would opt out like this. If anything, this situation gives people insight into the power of the mind and depression. How, even in what would appear to be a wonderful happy life, people can still be struggling at the deepest of levels.

About 18 months ago, Melanie and Dan reached out to Iohan to offer their home to him as a base camp during the pandemic and to use as a home base while he discovered more of British Columbia. Iohan was like a son to them, and despite his shy and introverted nature, they became very close.

Melanie and Dan graciously agreed to sit down with me to have a conversation about the man who inspired us all and to discuss mental health. As soon as I arrived in Cranbrook that day, we hopped in the truck loaded with bikes and drove out to one their favourite spots, “Iohan’s Hill”, a place where they now go to remember their lost family member. A place to reflect upon his kindness and what he brought into all of our lives. After I had the honour of riding Iohan’s bike out to the location, we set up the mics and had a conversation punctuated by the sounds of nature and three dogs, Baxter, Gordo and Shadow, a 4 month old puppy that Iohan had adopted and planned to travel with. Shadow, a name he gave to a couple of dogs that tagged along with him on his adventures, and a name that likely has some deeper meaning.

I so appreciated Melanie and Dan’s vulnerability and openness in this conversation and I can’t wait to share this meaningful episode with you all. I invite you to sit down to enjoy this heart felt conversation and once you’ve done that, I’d like you to reach out to someone you love and tell them so. It could be just the thing they need at a time when they need it the most.

HeadsUpGuys - A mental health resource For Men. About Men.
If you’re concerned about mental health and want to donate, Melanie would like to direct you here.

Through the Valley - Shawn James

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