I've known more than my fair share of people that have died. My graduating high school class is cursed by death. Suicides, overdoses, car accidents, heart attacks.... We've pretty much endured it all. The first death of a friend was by hanging. This friend was also a distant cousin. I can say that without a doubt, the fact he hung himself, does not tarnish his memory. My only hope, is that he found the peace he was looking for. Robin, just like my friend/cousin Curt, if he'd known there were so many that cared so deeply, perhaps they would have found peace in a different way.

I waited in line at Curts viewing. It was a long line. It was out of the room, into the hall, out the front door, and down and around the block... people waiting to pay their final respects to him. He was a really good kid and a special person.

To say that a person taking his own life tarnishes their memory is just asinine. If you choose to focus on the very end of ones life rather than the life and legacy they left behind, then I'd suggest that's on you, not them.