Eric Eugene Saari

August 6, 1963 – April 30, 2025

Eric Saari passed away much too soon on April 30, 2025, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61 years old.

Born on August 6, 1963, Eric lived a truly global life from the beginning. Raised in a family that traveled widely, he spent his formative years in India, Lebanon, Egypt, Thailand, and Mexico—experiences that shaped his deep curiosity, open heart, and love for culture.

Eric called many places home over the years, including New Orleans, a city he adored for its music, food, and spirit. Following Hurricane Katrina, he relocated to Savannah, Georgia, before eventually settling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He embraced Louisiana’s unique culture wholeheartedly, especially Mardi Gras and his beloved Krewe.

A passionate advocate for public education, Eric dedicated his professional life to supporting teachers and advancing educational equity. From 2010 until his passing, he worked with the American Federation of Teachers and the Louisiana Federation of Teachers. Prior to that, he served in the Savannah School District, where he began his career in education advocacy. He was also a proud and active member of public activist groups such as Citizens Action, consistently lending his voice and energy to causes he believed in.

Eric had Finnish roots and remained deeply connected to his heritage and extended family in Minnesota. The Wawina Cemetery, where his parents Eugene E. Saari and Katharine Zumbrunnen Saari, and his grandmother Lennea “Mummu” Saari are laid to rest, held special meaning for him. He loved returning to Minnesota in the summers, where he enjoyed classic northern pastimes such as fishing, canoeing, camping, and saunaing. He took several memorable trips with his family to explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Voyageurs National Park—experiences that deepened his appreciation for public lands and natural beauty. Eric was a unique soul—an empathetic, peaceful, and loving man often described as a gentle giant. His presence was magnetic—warm, witty, and wise. He brought joy to every gathering and left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He had a deep love of music, especially live performances, and was a regular at events like Jazz Fest, which he eagerly looked forward to each year. He knew all the great local spots to catch a show and supported local musicians, artists, and businesses with passion. A beer connoisseur in his own right, Eric had a taste for good conversation and even better company. His circle of friends and family extended across the world but was deeply rooted in the New Orleans community, where he was widely known and cherished.

Above all, Eric was a devoted father to his beloved son, Bento Saari, who was the light of his life. He is also survived by his siblings Jena Kaye (Paul) McDonnell, Tashi Saari, and Thondup Saari; his nieces and nephews Sean McDonnell, Katharine McDonnell (David) Ray, Dylan McDonnell, Timu Saari, Kadroma Saari, and Tinle Saari; his uncles Len (Brenda) Saari and Keith (Kathy) Zumbrunnen; and his cousins Annette Stokke (Dan) VanderMay, Diane Stokke (Rick) Hakola, Kevin (Billie Jo) Stokke, Candy Egan, Michelle (Bruce Valen) Egan, plus several great nieces and nephews, relatives, and dear friends from around the world.

He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and the many communities he touched. A memorial will be held at a later date to celebrate Eric’s remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his name to a public education fund, cancer research organization, or the Eugene E. Saari Student Travel Fund, honoring both Eric and his father’s shared commitment to learning and discovery:

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