While police still haven’t confirmed the name of the 61 year old man found dead at the home of Rene Rivkin’s mother, many media outlets are reporting that Rene Rivkin is dead. (An early report from News.com.au can be found here.)
The former high flying stock broker finished his 9 month sentence of periodic detention in October last year after being convicted on insider trading charges. He had been treated for depression and reports say that he has attempted suicide in the past. He has been living at his mother’s home since the breakdown of his marriage.
I did a little work for Rivkin many years ago when I wrote and voiced the voice over script for a 3 minute video infomercial for his much publicised Rivkin Report. It was shown around Australia as part of his presentation at the World Masters of Business Australian tour that included speakers such as Rivkin, Mikhail Gorbachev, US Gulf War commander Norman Schwarzkopf and Al “Chainsaw” Dunlap. It also included a hyped up motivational address by Brad Cooper, better known these days for his court appearances following the collapse of HIH Insurance.
I had the pleasure of being stage manager for the Perth event and so I met most of the speakers on the programme.
Rene Rivkin was obviously a very troubled man and his immense wealth was unable to bring him peace of mind.
Posted by Rodney Olsen
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You did the voice over …well how about that..I used to watch the occasional Rivkin Report so that makes the world a little bit smaller.
On a more srious note, we might do well to raise the profile of both depression and suicide as male suicide last time I looked was one of Australia’s biggest and silent killers of blokes. Its something we should be acutely aware of as we move in our male social circles.
Thats really sad. I saw an interview with Rene Rivkin who said he did not believe in life after death. His philosophy was “Do what you want” – “as long as it doesnt ‘hurt’ others”. That was 60 minutes I think – and he was in his ‘high flying days’. Its really a pity that he did not find peace.
Materialism only satisfies to a certain level. We need something more.
Garth is right. Male depression needs to be escalated as an issue.