Eric David Sanderson, born July 1st, 1967, was a sensitive golden soul and a true empath as he felt other people’s pain, cared about their hardships and would take on some of their burden if it meant their own would be lightened. What a heart !
His artistic talents were many including different art mediums and his video creations featuring his clever wit and his broad sense of humor. He really knew how to be silly and goofy with entertaining. The stuff he came up with ! Lotsa laughs ! He used his graphic art talents in many of his videos and still image art. His canvas painting style was remarkably unique. His love and appreciation for music was enormous ! He was a good drummer and had interest in quite a few other musical instruments. Our family is grateful that Eric’s talents and creativity were recognized and appreciated. He was a helpful good friend to many. He had a blood family, a bar family and a biker family. We ALL loved and continue to love him !
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Eric was the sweetest little boy with a cute husky voice. He excelled in elementary and Jr. high school and became very artistic and creative at a very young age. He was always drawing with a sketch pad and pencils. He applied his graphic arts learning and interests from high school to his 18 year employment at H&S Graphics in Rolling Meadows. He skipped right over renting an apartment and at age 19, went straight from our Mom and Stepdad’s home in Elgin, to buying a house in Streamwood’s Green Meadows. I was so impressed that he accomplished this so early on !
Eric brought his large and lovable personality to the town of Kirkland when he purchased The Farmer’s Inn Tavern on December 2nd, 2006. Our family has always known that he was loved out there in Kirkland and we’ve learned over the past week to what level when reading the loving and caring comments on several Facebook tribute posts. He was concerned about being accepted as an outsider when he first bought the bar but proved to be quickly loved and embraced.
We know that good times were had and he will be missed as so many people have said that he became a staple and an important part of the fabric of the Kirkland community. We were proud of him for helping the Lion’s Club, the Kirkland Fire Department and for benefits he had like Funding For Fairdale after the tornado hit years back. Eric had fun and was proud to be in the 4th of July parades on The Farmer’s Inn float. His family is thankful to all of the Kirkland townspeople for their love and admiration of Eric !
Eric was married twice. The first marriage to Kelly Barucca and second marriage to Kathi Behnke, both lovely women and fun Sisters In Law. He had no children with either marriage and was not married at the time of his passing. Eric was preceded in death by his biological Father David Forrest Sanderson. He is survived by his Mother Barbara Ingold, his Stepfather Bruce Lenart, his Stepmother Judy Sanderson, his Brother Jesse Lenart (Wife Morgan and their children Finn and Ivy), his Brother Josh Sanderson (Wife Andrea and their children Kiran and Chanara), his Brother Brett Sanderson and his Sister Dee Ciavarella (her Beau Steve and Dee’s children Pearl Watson {Husband Ken Watson} and Bob Ciavarella {Wife Criss Hurtado}).
Our family thanks you all for loving our precious Eric !!! Rest In Peace My Beautiful Blue Chipper Brother, OUR Eric ! 💔😩🙏☮️❤️

Eric Sanderson

July 01, 1967 - May 31, 2026

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