Thanks for coming here to share this with us, Shaun. His misery and hopelessness got the better of him, and there was nothing anyone could say to make it better. Some people definitely need more than just white-knuckling it - and you're right, he should have accepted the support & encouragement to be found in NA or counseling. Anything would have been better than trying to go it alone. He's at peace, but what a terrible burden to leave others with. Maybe someday we'll understand.