An Eastern student died this weekend and students gathered in his memory Sunday night.

Sophomore marketing major Brian Ford, 19, died Saturday of currently unknown causes, and over 200 students and university and community members attended the service.

Ford was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, American Red Cross, Christian Campus House, Student Senate and University Baptist Church.

“Brian never gave up until he finished what was intended,” said the Rev. Phil Nelson, University Baptist Church pastor. “Although Brian may be gone, he will never be forgotten.”

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Ford served on the Student Senate Tuition and Fees Committee, Student Legal Services Board, Student Government Student Action Team and University Board.

“(Ford’s) death was a great loss to Student Government,” said Ronnie Deedrick, student vice president for academic affairs. “Brian was a hard worker. I know he always came around every day to the executives’ office. He’s just a general good worker.”

Deedrick said Ford always waved to members of Student Government and friends, working across from the Student Activities office at Copy Express in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

“I don’t know of a friendlier person. You never heard him say a negative word about anything or anyone,” Deedrick said.

Ford, who died a week before his 20th birthday, was never shy, said Student Body President Alison Mormino.

“He was never afraid to ask a question if he didn’t understand anything,” she said.

Mormino said the Student Senate meeting Wednesday will be canceled this week because of Ford’s death. She said Student Government may organize an opportunity for all members to visit the Counseling Center as a group in place of the meeting.

Counseling Center director David Onestak was at the service Sunday for anyone in need of counseling.

The visitation for Ford will be held Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m. and the funeral will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Jerseyville. A university bus will take students in need of a ride to either service. For bus departure times and locations, contact the counseling center at 581-3413.