Last night, UCSB students gathered for a memorial vigil held beside the Music Building to celebrate the life of David Propp, who passed away last week.

An open microphone allowed students to express their best memories of Propp, a 21-year-old physics major, while candles were lit in his memory. A memorial will be held at 1:45 p.m. tomorrow at the UCSB Recreation Center basketball courts to pay further respects.

The Missoula, Montana native died after falling from the cliffs along the 6500 block of Del Playa Drive; his body was found on Friday morning and identified by Friday night.

Third-year mathematics graduate student Brandon Kerr, who was friends with Propp and lived with him at one point, said he was a talented singer who offered a unique kindness that will be greatly missed.

“He brought a lot to our group. His constructive criticism was always the sweetest, most complimentary thing you could ever hear — and he was so smart,” Kerr said. “I tutored him in math a little bit and he was always really generous and understanding and thankful of everything.”

Kerr said Propp’s outgoing, lighthearted personality touched many lives during his time at UCSB, adding that Propp’s many friends have come together during this time of mourning.

“It’s really tough that he’s not around anymore. I’m really glad he was so close to so many people — all of his friends are coming together, and sharing in this, so we’re not alone in that sense,” Kerr said. “He was just an inspirational person — always really friendly to everyone. He was the kind of person who didn’t want to say no to anyone, which occasionally ended up in some problems because he said yes to everyone. He was a fantastic guy.”

Eric Brager, a fourth-year economics major who met Propp during their freshman year, said those who knew him are honoring his life by following his loving example, even in their grief.

“I’m completely blown away; I’ve been blown away the past couple days — the way … he’s caused the community to come together, [at] how many people he’s touched, [at] how much love and positivity, and good words [have been] spoken about him,” Brager said. “He’s got a great group of friends — it was a pleasure being a part of it.”

Propp — who was often known by the nickname “Montana” — will be greatly missed and loved by all those who were fortunate enough to experience his warmth and compassion, according to fourth-year linguistics major Deanna Melin.

“Montana could make you smile at any time; he’s just such a loving, sweet and beautiful person,” Melin said. “No one will ever be able to forget that. He’ll always be remembered with love. We’ll always love him and I hope he knew that.”

A version of this article appeared on page 1 of November 13th, 2012’s print edition of the Nexus.

Photo by Trevor Mauk/Daily Nexus