Oct. 27, 2022
In Memoriam: Ethan von Ranson Miller, Faculty of Arts
Ethan Miller, the child of two of our colleagues, Kristin von Ranson and Byron Miller, and a student at the University of Calgary Faculty of Arts, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at the age of 22 years. Ethan enjoyed his geography, urban studies, and economics courses, often enthusiastically discussing things he had learned with family and friends. He will be remembered for his kindness, empathy, humour, and intelligence. After experiencing years of severe, debilitating mental illness, Ethan died by suicide.
A memorial service will be held at Hillhurst United Church (1227 Kensington Close N.W., Calgary) on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. MT. All are welcome to attend. The service will also be livestreamed, and the video will be available on the same website after the service.
Ethan left behind a list of charities he hoped people would donate to. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region, Suite #400, 105 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A1 Telephone: (403) 297–1700; Raising the Roof Calgary; the Calgary John Howard Society, 917 - 9 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0S5 Telephone: (403) 266-4566; Doctors Without Borders, 720 Spandina Avenue, Suite 402,Toronto, ON M5S 2T9 Telephone: 1-800-982-7903; or Action Against Hunger.
Read the full obituary, and share condolences, memories, and photos with Ethan’s family.
Everyone living with a mental health issue and the people in their immediate care circle deserve unbiased support that meets their needs. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours or a mental health crisis, know that you are not alone and there are many supports and caring individuals available to assist you. If your life or someone else’s is in danger, call 911 for emergency services or call the Calgary Distress Centre at 403-266-4357 or Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566.
UCalgary mental health resources
For students:
Student Wellness Services, including Mental Health Services
Mon-Fri: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Room 370, MacEwan Student Centre
403-210-9355
For staff:
LifeWorks Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-866-424-0699
UCalgary’s mental health consultant can connect you with mental health resources on and off campus. Access the consultant through Staff Wellness by calling 403-220-2918, or e-mail at staffwellness@ucalgary.ca (operating Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
For all UCalgary students, faculty and staff seeking faith-based support:
Faith and Spirituality Centre – meet with a faith representative or connect to peer support.
Community mental health resources
Alberta Mental Health Help Line can be reached at 1-877-303-2642. This line is staffed by psychiatric nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and psychologists.
Speak with a crisis counsellor from Wood's Homes, available 24/7 by phone at 403-299-9699, or through chat services, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 587-315-5000.
For Indigenous Peoples, Hope for Wellness Helpline is operated by experienced and culturally sensitive counsellors. Call 1-855-242-3310 to be connected.
Kids Help Phone operators are professional counsellors, call 1-800-668-6868 to access.