David Romprey - advocate, friend, father
A memorial service for David will be Thursday August 7, 3:00 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1444 Liberty St. SE, Salem 97301.
From MindFreedom, July 31 2008
David Romprey has died: Psychiatric survivor, mental health consumer, advocate, activist, friend, father
by David W. Oaks, Director, MindFreedom International
This morning I received the overwhelmingly sad news that my friend, long-time activist David Romprey of Salem, Oregon, died suddenly last night, on 30 July 2008.
We are all still reeling from the news. This is just a brief notice, of course more later. I especially think of David’s two young children at this time, as well as the many, many close friends and colleagues David worked with. If you know of any who may not have heard the news — or just to exchange support — please phone them.
Tragically, David Romprey was just about to start his job with the State of Oregon on 4 August 2008 in the new three-year “Peer Bridger” program to help those he was most passionate about — those locked in psychiatric institutions — to integrate into the community.
Last month I had written a letter of recommendation at his request about this job. A few points especially stand out now: “He especially emphasizes the importance of inclusion of extremely low income and marginalized people actually in the state psychiatric system. David has been a bridge builder between those who currently use the mental health system, and those who have been traumatized by human rights violations in the mental health system. I especially appreciate David’s work as a consultant in the groundwork for building the Oregon Consumer/Survivor Coalition on behalf of the National Empowerment Center.”
My fondest memories of David R. was when he attended a protest a few years ago on Bastille Day. We had created a cardboard replica of the Bastille, and dressed up for fun. When the Bastille was destroyed, David R. took great joy in continuing to jump up and down on it, and I will always remember his humor and power and dedication.
EXTRA – Mental-health activist dies at 42, Medical issue kills David Romprey before car crash – Statesman Journal, August 1 2008
EXTRA – Two remembrances of David by his friend Bill Long – David Romprey I and David Romprey II
EXTRA – District attorney needs community’s support, op ed in Statesman Journal by David from July 19 2008
I’m stunned by the sudden loss of David. I would be very interested in providing a little help to his family. Has something been set up?
David made such an impact on so many lives. His passing leaves a void that will not easily be filled.
Sitting here reading these things about David is so ironic. I saw him quite a few times, just by chance, downtown walking, starbucks ofcourse ! Always on the go, never slowing down only to stop for a quick chat. Now he is at a complete stop. WE all need to try and live the rest of our lives as David did, upbeat, crazy, even when we are busy and on the go stopping to admire someone’s smile, someone’s laughter and relish in the fact that we are just plain alive. I will miss seeing him, Salem will miss a bright life that enjoyed simple pleasures. Loved life, his children and his tireless work. David please take comfort in knowing that you did make a difference-I will miss you !! On Eagles Wings….
I didn’t know Dave well, but we hung out a few times and talked over coffee. He always impressed me as being one of the “good ones” and his loss will be felt deeply!
David’s friends and colleagues are creating a virtual memorial about David. If you’d like to comment in the guest book, please go to http://david-romprey.virtual-memorials.com/. If you have pictures, or a longer piece that you would like to contribute, please contact beckiedotchildatgmaildotcom (please use the appropriate symbols rather than the words for the email address).
Thanks,
beckie
I must say that David was a breath of fresh air after the Hurricanes hit La. October 2005 was by far a big step in the consumer movement of La. Meaningful Minds of La was struggling to be the statewide consumer initiative in Louisiana. Without Dan Fisher and David Romprey being so attentive as only peers can be and willing to negotiate with us as well as the State of Louisiana,we could become a viable grassroots consumer organization. Thru David’s support continuing peer education help the consumer initiative get on task and be a vialble organization. LaCork was formed and recognition by the State of Louisiana,MMLa is a consumer organization to be included in funding,activities and the recognition of making change for mental health clients in Louisiana. I have so much personal things,I wish I could say about our phone conversations. David encouraged me to run for Executive Committee Consumer Council of NAMI National of which I was elected. He truly was my mentor,peer,and long distanced friend. If you believe in angels,he is truly watching over us.
I didn’t know David well as an adult. We were just getting reaquainted. I knew him as child. David was a happy and entelegent little boy. We thought he would do grate things and he didn’t disapoint us. He acomplished mant things as a youth and adult. I feel best for having known David.
It was a couple of years ago when I first met David in Fossil, Oregon. At this time I was receiving mental health services and David became, and remained, a very good friend. He understood my sense-of-humor, could relate to my issues, and always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Thank you, David. You are missed.
Alondra, there is a memorial fund for me and my sister, if you would like to donate.
I appreciate your trying to help the family. the first time I realized that so many people appreciated my dad was at the funeral. I couldn’t even get to the punch getting bombarded with if-theres-anything-you-need-call-me’s by everybody. I truly miss him, as a friend, and a father.