Tim Allen of SBNation’s Canis Hoopus lost his battle with depression on August 6, 2012.

Tim Allen was my friend. I met Tim through his covering the Timberwolves while I covered the Wild and our friendship grew through Twitter as well as in real life. Tim and I would exchange emails, Tweets and meet up on a regular basis to teach each other the game we loved and try to "convert" the other to a hockey/basketball fan. Tim was an effervescent man; soft-spoken, passionate, bright, inquisitive and joyful to be around.

The world lost a wonderful man. Please, if you are suffering from depression or other mental health issues, know that you are not alone. Reach out. Talk. If you suspect someone needs help, offer them a kind ear or a caring hand. If you are able please consider joining me in giving a donation in Tim's name to the Mental Health Association of Minnesota (http://www.mentalhealthmn.org) to help others facing mental health issues.

About MHAM: Founded in 1939, we are the state’s first mental health advocacy and education organization. We listen to the needs of community members, respond to those needs, and work to make positive changes in the lives of individuals and in public policy.

• Through our Education Program, we raise awareness of mental health issues in the general public and offer programs and resources to individuals, families, employers, and youth.
• Individual Advocates help individuals and families navigate the mental health system and access community resources for mental health care, housing, employment, and other services.
• Our Issues Advocacy Program focuses on public policy and represents people with mental illnesses to: ensure and maintain parity in health care coverage for mental health; increase funding for community-based services; improve services in local communities through county funding from the state; and ensure due process for social services.

To read some of the stories of individuals we've helped find great independence and recovery, click here.