Though his time in Lawrence was short, Xun Sun’s impact was long-lasting, an official at Lawrence Chinese Church said.

“We know he had only been here for 10 months. Most of us only knew him for those 10 months,” said Joel Li, pastor at the church. “But just within those 10 months we have seen his special characteristic of loving life.”

Joel Li, pastor at Lawrence Chinese Church, reflects on Xun Sun's life in Lawrence at a memorial service. Sun died June 26 in Grand Junction, Colo., from injuries he received in a car accident.

About 100 people gathered Saturday at Alderson Auditorium in the Kansas Union to remember Xun Sun, 31, of Changchun, Jilin province of China. Sun died June 26 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand Junction, Colo., from injuries he received in a car accident. According to his house parents, Sun had been returning from an internship search in California when he lost control of his car on Interstate 70.

Sun came to Lawrence in August 2001 to pursue a master’s degree in business at Kansas University. Many of the speakers at the memorial service remembered Sun for his gregarious nature.

“He loved to talk. He loved to share. And he loved to ask questions,” Li said.

Other speakers included Lili Chen, president of KU Chinese Students & Scholars Friendship Assn.; Diana Carlin, KU dean of international programs and the Graduate School; Joe Potts, director of International Student Services; close friend Kuiting Lian; and Walt and Ann Kihm, Sun’s house parents.

Sun had lived with the Kihms since October 2001. Both Walt and Ann Kihm said Sun’s positive attitude enhanced their household.

“He was always very cheerful,” Walt Kihm said.

Members of CSSFA are collecting money to help Sun’s mother pay for his medical expenses.

	Make checks payable to CSSFA with Sun’s name on the memo line. Donations should be mailed to the group’s treasurer, Haijun Zheng, 12113 Mackey, Overland Park 66213.