Eric Roter had a mental health illness and supportive family members, but no matter where they turned for help they hit barriers, his sister says.
Eric, who lived in Big Cedar and Apsley in recent years, passed away on September 25, 2023 following his battle with bipolar disorder and, ultimately, “a lack of resources” according to Haley Scriver.
He was 32.
Scriver and her family, devastated by her brother’s loss, are officially launching a new association and fundraising campaign in Eric’s memory on Tuesday, December 19th. Roter’s Reach Mental Health Awareness will strive to raise awareness and money to support mental health supports and services.
Scriver, who lives in Young’s Point, has been sharing on social media insights into her brother and his life.
“I’m working on completing Eric’s story,” Scriver said in an interview with kawarthaNOW. “Obviously, it’s not the easiest thing to do.”
The family said in the pursuit of providing assistance and resources during Eric’s journey with bipolar disorder, as well as support following his passing, they discovered “a significant gap in available aid.”
“He was just failed at every step, and he couldn’t have had a more loving, supportive family on both sides,” Scriver said, referring to Eric’s own family and his wife’s.
“We weren’t helped at any step,” she added, noting she reached out to crisis lines, police, and the local hospital, for example. “We just had to watch my brother destroy his life because he was mentally ill.”
Eric, owner of Roter’s Reach Property Maintenance, was an avid angler and a chicken wing connoisseur.
“He loved any excuse for a good crokinole or cornhole match, and he had an uncontrollable sweet tooth,” his obituary reads.
“He was always the first person to lend a hand or help a friend in need. He was best known by those closest to him as a fiercely loyal friend, for his strong belief in vigilante justice, and for his comedic timing, which was unparalleled. Eric has impacted the lives of so many people, and to know Eric was to love him.”
To honour Eric’s memory and address unmet needs in mental health supports, Roter’s Reach is accepting donations and offering signature merchandise for sale.
All proceeds raised by Roter’s Reach will be donated to programs or organizations that support people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the family noted.
Scriver said she and her family are still determining the specific organization or effort that will benefit from the fundraising campaign.
“Once the most fitting cause or causes come to light, Roter’s Reach plans to make a significant donation in support of these initiatives.”
Scriver hopes that, by coming together as a community, the association can help bridge the gap and create a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
For more information or to make a donation, visit the Roter’s Reach website at rotersreach.ca.
