Nov. 17, 1969 – Oct. 16, 2009
Eric, my friend of 15 years, was born on Nov. 17, 1969, and died tragically on Oct. 16, the victim of a senseless murder. He was one month shy of his milestone 40th birthday. It is a wrenching loss to his family and friends, and I will never recover.
Employed in the restaurant and bar industry for 20 years, Eric was an oldfashioned hard worker, a rarity by today’s standards. Lime Street Café, Illini Country Club and Ross Isaac were the beneficiaries of his talents. He rarely called in sick and dutifully showed up to work even if he was ill. He would say, as he took a drag off a cigarette, “I’ve got to go to work. They depend on me.”
Motivated to please his customers, his memory for their likes and dislikes was impeccable. Just how did he remember what someone’s drink of choice or food preference was when he had only waited on them once before? Time and again, people tell me nobody knew how to run the show like Eric. No matter how chaotic the restaurant business can be, Eric exhibited professionalism and pride in his work. One of his customers remarked to me that Eric was very highly regarded and his absence was sorely felt. Surely Eric would be overjoyed to hear such high praise.
I knew I could spontaneously show up at his house and enjoy a glass of red wine, and it was always the good stuff. Eric had cultivated a fine palate and was more than generous in sharing his collection, even if it wasn’t a special occasion.
Naturally intuitive, Eric listened to each and every person in his life without judgment. A friend to everybody, his friendships crisscrossed all socioeconomic backgrounds — rich or poor, black or white, old or young, male or female, gay or straight. He wasn’t famous. He wasn’t wealthy. He wasn’t a sports star or movie star, but he was our star, and we are so much richer for having had him in our lives. I am not a religious person, but I believe our loss is truly heaven’s gain, and the streets of heaven are lined with celebrations. We love you, Eric.
Michael DeBeaulieu Springfield
