Around 60 people gathered quietly Thursday night at the Foothill Residence Hall assembly room in remembrance of a UC Berkeley freshman who recently died.
Students and friends shared memories of Kevin Lacanlale, 19, at the vigil, which was organized by the campus Gates Millennium Scholars Association. The vigil began around 7:20 p.m. and ended around 8 p.m., although many students remained after to talk with one another about Lacanlale.
Lacanlale died the morning of March 15 after another vehicle crashed into his 1996 Toyota Camry, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Vigil. Lacanlale was hit by another car after his car — which was carrying three other passengers — struck a fallen tree on the highway just south of the Park Boulevard off ramp. The three passengers and the driver of the other car sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Freshman Mansie Cheung struggled not to cry as she spoke to the crowd.
“Kevin was always up for trying new things,” she said. “He made time for us even though he was always busy… I will forever treasure my moments with him. Thank you for being a great friend.”
Angela Van, a senior and president of the association, said the purpose of the vigil was not only to mourn but also to celebrate Lacanlale’s life.
Lacanlale was one of 1,000 students nationwide to win the Gates Millennium Scholarship Award — an award intended to encourage academic excellence and “provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential,” according to the scholarship website. He was also part of the campus association.
Students signed messages on a large poster and were able to send letters, donations and cards to the Lacanlale family through the association.
According to Yeng Lacanlale, his older brother, Kevin Lacanlale had always loved the sciences. He had plans to pursue a career in medicine.
“To me, the level of learning he wanted was a perfect match for him,” said his brother. “It was happy to watch him busy, to be started with his life at Berkeley.”
Lacanlale grew up in Silverdale, Washington and attended Ridgetop Junior High School and Central Kitsap High School. He lived in Bowles Hall at UC Berkeley.
According to Stephen Coons, Lacanlale’s high school principal, Lacanlale was a National AP Scholar and graduated as salutatorian of his class before coming to UC Berkeley.
“The work ethic he had was just amazing,” Coons said. “He was always a learner and to me, that’s the most impressive … it was not just the grade and score but a true love of learning.”
An active athlete, Lacanlale played football in middle school. He ran high school varsity track and field for two years and made it to the state championship in the 4×100 relay category.
Lacanlale came from a military family. His father is a retired master sergeant in the Marine Corps. His brother Yeng and his sister Crystal serve in the U.S. Army, while his other brother, Daryl, is in the Air Force.
“My family is taking it one step at a time,” said Yeng Lacanlale. “It’s hard waking up in the morning because you think about how you feel helpless.”
His voice cracked as he added, “He’s my baby brother. It’s tough… it’ll never be the same.”
Bowles Hall also held community meetings in response to the tragedy. According to Marty Takimoto, director of marketing communications for Residential and Student Services Programs, the meetings were held for residents to grieve, share thoughts about Lacanlale, or get referrals for help if needed.
“What remains with me is that it’s so tragic, but I was sure lucky to know him,” said Barbara Holt Wright, Lacanlale’s junior high school health teacher. “I feel like he just made a difference in my life .. there’s just so much goodness in him, and I guess it just makes you want to be more like that.”
Lacanlale’s service has been scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Miller-Woodland Funeral Home in Bremerton, Washington.
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