There is no finer way to connect than through laughter and Robin Williams was a master at indulging this human delight. As people immediately reeled from the shock of his untimely death at age 63, reportedly a suicide, our community turned to Six-Word Memoirs to grapple with the unbelievable news and share their personal responses. Many quickly got to the heart of what made his death so shocking—that depression seemingly led to that point of no return.

It’s almost inconceivable that the man who delivered humor with such intensity, and who conveyed passion like no other, could not maintain that zest for life when he needed it most. But, as Sixer marymc was quick to tell us, “Depression doesn’t care who you are.”

The memoirs shared have expressed sorrow over his passing, gratitude for his legacy, and honor a man who touched us all. Here are a handful of the incredible Six-Word tributes to Robin Williams, many with touching backstories and comments. May he forever rest in peace.

“And all of Ork silently mourns.” –Steve__Anthony 

“Robin’s song became a sob. RIP.” –favepeep

“Lights along the Hudson, dimmed again.” –Honesthead 

“No genie could grant his wish.” –lillybrook

“The world is less funny today.” –DukeRaider

“Robin Williams was my Princess Di.” –JohnBigJohn

“Oh captain, my captain, stay funny.” –notjustagirlintheworld 

“Robin made us laugh, now cry.” –zsuzsa

“Expired; stars glow for eons; still.” –MissUnderstood

“My farewell: Robin was a genius.” –NumbrOneAunt

“Dead Poets inspired me to teach.” –jrmiller 

“Now Robin Williams joins the list…” –LetTheWolfin 

“Fame’s difficult. Shame’s even more so.” –Contemplative

“Cronauer said it, Williams owned it.” –steelponypoet

“Laughter is universal. Depression is personal.” –Dawn Bernstein‏ (@dawnbe1229 via Twitter)

“The vulnerability of genius is paper-thin.” –canadafreeze

“And you will contribute a verse.” –Believe