Eric Melbardis

1953-2026

Affectionly given the epithet of ‘Eric The Great’ by his father-in-law Pierre L Lorrain

Eric Peter Melbardis ..You lit up our lives

Brilliant and kind, a self-described recluse yet endlessly creative—our “Big Daddy Cool” who blasted alternative rock while hunting down 2,000-year-old wood, transforming an old church into a hobby shop paradise, and whipping up space-age cocktails as our personal chef.

I still smile remembering how I bratty-teased my brother-in-law once: “How do you know that’s two-thousand-year-old wood?” He’d just give that nonchalant shrug, nose buried in a sci-fi book, stacks of novels and magazines towering around him like silent guardians.

Lately I’ve been reminded that you were a firm, quiet atheist—and that’s all good. Different eyes on the same mystery are always worth sharing.

This is my view, what I saw in your final hours and in the sudden, silent days that followed your passing, Brother.

I saw an angel whispering into the ear of Mani Orosco Sr. after a long day, urging him to drive back and check on you. You were carried out gently .

I saw everyone who loved you crash to their knees in the shock of sudden loss. Then I witnessed us all—together—building you wings the size of an archangel’s. You gave us no choice; it was simply meant to be.

Then I saw your dear friend Alphonso Garcia step into a quiet room, pray over your body, bless your soul, then turn with words that caught in his throat and then pierced our hearts: “Eric was the type of man who had no evil in him. His heart was full… that’s why he was so unique…”

I see you flying high, Brother

And that we will carry your heart forward.

Amen.

I would like to extend deep gratitude to Eric’s Santa Barbara crew that became family and surrounded him with kindness, care and loyalty ; Reina, Manual Orozco Sr, Mani Orozco Jr ,Daniel Thompson, Cynthia Estrella and friend Alphonso Garcia-(Eric loved your fiestas, friendship and legendary tequila 🙂 grateful for you all

Renee Lorrain St Paul