Ian Keith, a 31-year-old Portland native who resided in Yarmouth, passed away by suicide in January following a prolonged struggle with mental illness. His humor was infectious, and his smile could brighten up any space.
He had an inherent desire to care for others, even though he faced challenges in caring for himself at times. Keith’s loved ones emphasized his inclination to look after people and shared their memories of him while also calling attention to the fragmented mental health care system that led him to slip through the cracks.
“Even if he was having a hard time or a bad day, if he saw somebody else around him that was unhappy, he would do whatever he could to try to make them smile, to cheer them up and make them happy. And that made him happy,” his mother, Cynthia Russell, recalled.
Keith made a lasting impression on those he came across, garnering affection from neighbors, schoolmates, teachers, and family friends. As he grew older, he engaged in sports, playing football and rugby. He fostered a strong bond with one of his closest friends, Pat Curran, whom he met during his time in middle school.
Curran remembered Keith’s transformation from a shy kid to someone renowned for his humor and mischief. Keith’s fondness for pranks and his playful demeanour extended into his adulthood, making his interaction with others enjoyable and light-hearted.
Nikki Blackstone, Keith’s fiancé, was captivated by his ability to bring a sense of playfulness to everyone he encountered. Their engagement in 2020, just three weeks into their relationship, reflected the joy and laughter they shared each day, even during Keith’s challenging times.
Blackstone also admired Keith for his kindness, compassion, and generosity, which was evident in his willingness to offer words of support to strangers in need, his readiness to embrace those seeking comfort, and his enthusiasm to assist others, even while recovering from a foot injury.
Keith’s decision to pursue nursing school at Southern Maine Community College was encouraged by his friends and family, who believed that nursing would be a perfect outlet for his compassion.
Keith’s passing has evoked sorrow and remembrance. As his loved ones reflect on the warmth and compassion he exuded, they also acknowledge the enduring challenges he faced in dealing with his mental health.
Blackstone expressed frustration with the protracted waitlists for psychiatric care facilities and the lack of effective support from workplaces for employees grappling with mental health crises. She lamented that hospital visits and therapy failed to address the root of the problem, creating a sense of hopelessness for Keith.
Both Curran and Blackstone expressed their wish for a better-designed system to support individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Amidst her grief, Blackstone is determined to channel her anger into advocacy, calling on lawmakers to introduce legislation that would rectify the failings within the mental health care system.
For now, Blackstone focuses on cherishing memories of Keith and preserving his legacy, including his love for dinosaurs, cats, and lighthearted YouTube videos, his warmth and empathy, and his contagious laughter.
« Previous
Former standout athlete at Yarmouth High was ‘flat-out tougher than the next guy’
Related Stories
