Food, family, music, and sun-burned calves.

Dear friends world wide. I met Eric at a very young are we were living in what’s known as the Defense Colony. We went to elementary school together and played in the midon a large field in the middle of our neighborhood. His Mother Kay was always planning fun events and trips with the kids she was so cool. Jena his sister was my age but she was not into boys so we teased her but she was tough. Fun times. Many years later we again ran into the Saari clan in Venice/Santa Monica and also traveled to New Orleans to see Jazz Fest, Drinking Dixie beer and eating Crawfish overlooking lake Ponchatrain now that’s how Eric lived. He showed us a good time and we shared many good memories thanks brother! With love to all the extended family and friends with love Mike Wright 

If you knew Eric, it was difficult not to love him like a brother.  He was a man of strong principles and he lived his convictions every day through his work and his conversations with people.  He was always ready to educate and inform in a homey,  conversational fashion which got his point across perfectly.   Resolute, not pushy - firm but ears open.

Eric and I met working together at Citizen Action in 1991.  We shared a strong concern for environmental issues but truly bonded over our love for local Louisiana music venues,  particularly the Juke Joints in and around Baton Rouge at the time.  I attended many musical performances with Eric over the years from Lafayette to New Orleans as we honed our knowledge of Louisiana music, culture and food….let’s not forget the food….did I mention that Eric loved Louisiana food?  This created a bond that lasted through the years.  Many from all over the world shared this cultural bond with Eric as well and he created many great friendships as he would introduce visitors to one another who would come down to stay at his his homes New Orleans and Baton Rouge.   

I miss you dearly Eric and I am certainly not alone in this. “Long May You Run’” my Friend.

My condolences to Eric's family. Eric was a great friend. I first met Eric at River Street Market Place in Savannah, GA. We immediately connected since I was from Nepal and Eric had travelled to that part of the world. We worked alongside in the market for quite some time.  After work, we mostly hung out at his place listening to good music while making BBQ and sipping on some cold ones. I will miss my friend Eric. 

Eric was always so warm and friendly. He has been supportive of me and our teachers for years. Whenever we spoke, he always wanted to update me on the new concerts he had been to or would soon attend. His love for music and travel were infectious. Eric impacted more lives than he could ever possibly know as he built relationships with school employees across the state. He will be missed. 

Eric had a brilliant mind and he kept smiles on our faces. He is deeply missed. RIP my friend. 

Loved working with Eric. Always great conversations and different slant on issues. Till we meet again brother.❤️

Mona Icamina