Men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than that of women. According to a report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), more men in Ontario died by suicide in the past ten years than died in car crashes.  On November 18th, 2016, Movember laid 135 pairs of shoes on Parliament Hill. Each pair represented the number of men who died by suicide by the mid-November. With the help of Sue Johnson and Jeff Morrison a 136th pair was laid.  

It was a fog-heavy morning on November 18, 2016, when we laid 135 pairs of shoes on Parliament Hill to represent the number of men who had died by suicide that month. Early that morning, you could hardly see the sunrise, and the mist glowed around the Hill’s Eternal Flame in an eerie, beautiful way. When Sue Johnson and Jeff Morrison helped us lay down 136^th pair of shoes, the weather felt fitting. We had lost a Mo Bro less than a month ago, and this pair his.
 
In Canada, 3 out of 4 deaths by suicide are men. According to a report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), more men in Ontario died by suicide in the past ten years than died in car crashes. 
 
Dedicated Mo Bro Scott Johnson took his life on October 27^th, 2016 in his 46^th year, but you’d be wrong to remember him in such a light, just as a stat. You’d be wrong to gloss over the work he’s done as Co-Chair for the Brant United Way.  You’d be sorely mistaken not to speak of him being a passionate educator and principal in the Grand Erie District School Board. You’d be misguided to not mention his beautiful family with wife Cynthia and children Ella and Jack.

Scott was a community builder. He still is, and his efforts live on through his sister. This Movember, Sue led a fundraising campaign for Scott’s legacy and will continue to do so every Movember. “Scott Johnson was my big brother; he was an inspiration to me,” said Sue. “I’d have to call him my hero.”
 
Along with Sue was long time friend Jeff Morrison. “Scott was one of those guys who had many best friends,” noted Jeff. “He was a family member amongst friends. He had a lot of kids looking up to him, and he helped a lot of kids achieve their goals. I don’t think he realized how many people he impacted in this world and what a loss it will be for them.”
 
Scott is remembered for his impact. He was instrumental in creating a sense of belonging and community at each of his schools for teachers, staff, parents, and students. His sharp wit, humour and passion were enjoyed by many friends throughout his life. His acts and characteristics are cherished through the memories friends and family have of him.
 
Scott was loved by many, but to be loved by others doesn’t lead to loving oneself. We need to show our love by talking about it, so it resonates with others. People like Sue and Jeff are the ones bringing to light this crisis affecting Canadian men. Join us in raising awareness. When things get tough, talk. Reach out, take action, and look after ourselves and each other. Join us in starting the conversation.
 
The Movember Foundation is investing in projects that are having a real impact on the lives of men in Canada and around the world. By engaging with men where they are, and understanding what works best, we’re helping make change happen sooner before it’s too late.