daleFormer Fresno mayor remembers Robin Williams

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- For those lucky enough to meet and work with Robin Williams it was an unforgettable experience.

A photo of Williams graced the wall of fame at Mike's Pizzeria in Central Fresno.

Former Fresno Mayor Alan Autry was on the receiving end of Robin Williams' punches in the film "Popeye." Autry spent 3 1/2 months on the set with him in Malta.

Autry said, "He was one of the most sensitive genuine souls I've ever met."

Autry hoped Robin Williams' death leads to serious conversations in families.

"It's time for this country to blow the lid off of this stigma that's attached to mental illness which includes depression, manic depression, bipolar disorder," said Autry. "You name them."

Leann Gouveia of the Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss offered a startling statistic.

Gouveia said, "In the year 2013 we had 98 suicides in our county. That's pretty much two per week."

A survivor quilt featured pictures of loved ones lost.

Gouveia explained, "We think it's important to show a face with a situation of suicide to reduce the stigma."

Gouveia said depression should be treated like a disease. She added people should reach out to loved ones if they show or talk about feelings of hopelessness. They can be triggered by substance abuse or the loss of a job or a loved one.

Gouveia said, "But when you're looking at the stacking of these warning signs and you're observing the behaviors then it increases the risk of suicide. So some behaviors may be withdrawing from family of friends, quitting activities one once enjoyed."