Eulogy by Ken Starr

12/10/2010

I would sincerely like to thank  everyone for coming. Thank you for the condolences and kind words. I known many made a long trip here to say goodbye to sander and wish him a final farewell.

The last many years sander and I weren’t close. We’d talk occasionally on the phone. Sometimes he sounded good. Optimistic, or excited .Sometimes not. Mostly i would hear about his exploits and adventures thru my mom. Our reunions were brief, often troubled. So I don’t know the extent of sanders problems. I always was relieved to see him alive and smiling, but I knew in my heart the call would come.

He lived large. Full force. As my brother Darren said ” he burned his candle at both ends.” Always full of excitement. There was never a dull moment as you all know.

Sander was iconic: easily recognizable and strikingly handsome . He influenced musicians, skaters and artists. I don’t think you can buy anything of his on amazon but I’m sure lots of people have ideas, music, pictures, tatoos or piercings created or influenced by my brother.

He was the punk rocker and the skater when we were young. He had the reverse mohawk. When others went home after a while he’d skate until it was just too dark to see. He was hard core. The clash, the ramones, the sex pistols. He lived it. He breathed it. Sander was not pretending.

He was a legend in his own right.  Although, wildly and humorously irresponsible he was intelligent and bitterly sarcastic . He was reckless and often used poor judgement, but He always made me laugh and smile. I loved him for it.

In junior high sander enjoyed popularity; even notoriety.

Living in his shadow , I was often referred to as “Sanders Brother” .

About 11 or so yrs ago during training at Thomason hospital the police brought in a crazed , dischelved and beligerent handcuffed pt. For a medical clearance before heading to jail. The staff couldn’t get any meaningful information from him. He wouldn’t talk. ….When I entered the room he yells out ” hey. You’re sanders brother!” Frequently thereafter many of the doctors called me. “sanders brother”. This was probably  useful later in life as most of those doc ended up taking care of him for something.

My brother valued his few personal possessions, but nothing mattered more than his friendships. Usually something small like a guitar, shirt, or an album would bring him immense joy. Those things however slipped from his hands quickly while all his friendships were lasting and treasured. He died with tons of friends and very few belongings.

Sander  was spiritual- weather judism or krishna. And always about music: saxophone bass guitar, drums. He was always in a band. The band we were in together was called DSS. Death squad something. That was real fun.

Sander suffered greatly. Emotionally and physically. He had chronic pain from his injuries and battled with substance abuse. Everyday was a roller coaster . My mom never gave up on him and was always there to help him out when he had no place else to turn. I thank her for that. He wouldn’t of made it as far as he did without her help, that’s clear.

Sander, i your Admire spirit and strength. I admire your creativity and honesty.

You  lived a life true to yourself without compromise ;on your own terms. You answered to no one..

Skadge ,my brother Get some rest. Because you’re going to raise hell in heaven!

We’ll miss you