Eric John Sonquist
Eric John Sonquist, devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, trusted friend and dedicated community leader, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with lung cancer, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on December 17, 1954, to Hanne and John Sonquist in Chicago, Illinois, Eric’s journey took him from Chicago to Ann Arbor before his family settled in Santa Barbara, the city he proudly called home for most of his life.
While attending UC Irvine, Eric met the love of his life, Anita Hahn. Their first date, on Anita’s 21st birthday, began a love story that would span 50 years together and 48 years of marriage. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, unwavering devotion, and two daughters, Jessica and Zoë.
To his grandchildren, Greyson and Addison, he was simply “Dude”—a nickname lovingly given to him years earlier by the many children who came through Anita’s daycare. Nothing brought Eric more joy than making his grandchildren laugh and they will forever remember his playful spirit, endless love, and the special bond they shared. He treasured every moment spent with his family.
After graduating from UC Irvine and earning his MBA from Cornell University, Eric devoted the last 25 years of his career UC Santa Barbara, serving in leadership roles within the Division of Institutional Advancement and as Chief Financial Officer of the UCSB Foundation. His thoughtful leadership helped strengthen the university and countless nonprofit organizations throughout the Santa Barbara community.
His commitment to Santa Barbara extended far beyond his career. He served on the Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara Bowl, helping secure funding for its transformative renovation and later served with the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation and the Santa Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance. He quietly gave his time, leadership, and financial expertise to causes that enriched the community he loved.
Outside of work, Eric loved music, sharing a great bottle of wine, great meals with friends, and cheering on his favorite teams. Whether it was a burger night at the Hitching Post or a Saturday morning watching Michigan football, he appreciated life’s simple pleasures and the people who shared them.
Eric believed in taking care of those around him and never missed an opportunity to tell someone he loved them. Throughout his battle with cancer, he faced each challenge with remarkable courage, grace and gratitude, always keeping his focus on the people who mattered most.
Eric was preceded in death by his parents, Hanne and John Sonquist. He is survived by his beloved wife, Anita; daughters Jessica and Zoë; son-in-law Bryan; grandchildren Greyson and Addison; sisters Catherine and Kristin; and countless friends, colleagues, and extended family whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Newman and the extraordinary team at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center as well as the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for their compassionate care and unwavering support.
A celebration of Eric’s life is being planned for the Fall, details to come. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Eric’s memory to support causes that were dear to his heart: Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation.
Eric measured success not by titles or accomplishments, but by the people he loved and the lives he helped improve. He believed that despite our differences, we should always remember to care for one another, to seek common ground rather than division, to stand up for the dignity and human rights of every person and to never lose hope that kindness and peace can make the world a better place. His legacy lives on in his family, in the community he served so faithfully and in everyone fortunate enough to have known his kindness, wisdom, generosity and love.
