Yeah. It's not an uncommon story.
Imho, it's a good idea to slowly come off the first antidepressant after about 12 month to see if you can manage without it, and maybe after 18 months the second time, but if there is another relapse within a year or so then taking antidepressants permanently is the best option. In your neighbours case the need to increase the dose just a few months earlier should have been a warning he wasn't ready to go med free.
Are you sure it was Effexor? It was only approved in 1993 so would have been a new drug if you were on it about 30 years ago. It was originally made in 25mg, 37.5mg, 50mg, 75mg and 100mg tablets, all shield shaped and pinkish peach coloured.