1960–2026

After the tragic loss of his son Jack to suicide in March 2010, Eric co-founded Jack.org alongside his wife and Sandra Hanington. With the support of their closest friends, their initiative grew from a small group of dedicated mental health advocates into a national movement for change. 

Under his leadership as Executive Director from 2013–2022, Jack.org launched programs that shaped the lives of countless young people and their supporters nationwide. He was a tireless advocate for open conversation about mental health, helping inspire a generation of young people to speak up, seek help, and support one another. Following a transition period where a new President and CEO was appointed to lead Jack.org’s next chapter, Eric stepped into a Founder role, where he continued to support the organization as a passionate ambassador and advisor, always remaining deeply connected to its mission and community.  

Eric’s leadership was recognized with numerous honours. In 2013, he received the Champion of Mental Health award from CAMIMH and the QE Diamond Jubilee Medal.  In 2015, Eric was honoured by Queen's University, receiving an honorary degree (LLD) recognizing his work in the field of mental health.  In 2017, Eric and Sandra Hanington received the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) from the office of the Governor General. Eric was selected as one of the 150 CAMH Difference Makers for mental health in Canada. Eric was also a recipient of the 2018 Queen’s Alumni Humanitarian of the Year Award and the 2020 Ontario Psychiatric Association's Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award. In March 2025, Eric and Sandra received the King Charles III Medal in recognition of their work in the youth mental health sector.

Eric’s legacy lives on through the countless young people, families, and communities who continue to be impacted by his vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that no young person has to struggle alone. To learn more about Eric’s life and legacy, visit jack.org/rememberingeric.