Whether it was belting out a note, making a friend laugh or helping someone through a rough time, Carol Sun’s voice was powerful.
“There was something amazing about Carol,” close friend Camille Hosman said. “He managed to make time for everything and everyone and not lose track of what mattered to him. He was definitely a successful guy, but also really caring and considerate. He was always willing to go out of his way for people.”
Sun, of Columbia, died Aug. 3 at Saint Louis University Hospital after complications sustained from Moyamoya disease, a rare genetic disorder that narrows the brain’s blood vessels.
In just about two weeks, Sun would have begun his freshman year at MU as an undeclared major in the College of Arts and Science. He was interested in engineering and had been exploring MU’s College of Engineering. After strongly considering the Missouri University of Science and Technology, he decided to stay at MU to be close to home, friends and family.
He had just graduated from Rock Bridge High School, and loved ones said he was definitely looking forward to college.
“He had made all of his plans to go to Rolla, but then he decided to go to Mizzou to stay close to home,” Sun’s brother, sophomore Mike Sun, said. “He had a friend base here and everything, so ultimately he decided to stay here.”
In high school, Sun was active in choir. In the two choirs he participated in, he went to both the district and state competitions. Friends said he loved music, whether he was performing it or listening to it.
He was a concert aficionado – he had purchased a three-day pass to Lollapalooza for this past weekend. He also frequented the Blue Note to feed his love for live music. His favorite bands ranged from Coldplay to Kanye West, and he loved “Glee” and “The Sing-Off.”
“He was always into music,” Mike Sun said. “It’s really just always been a part of his life. From early on, he just loved to perform.”
At Rock Bridge, he also participated in the Global Issues and Harry Potter clubs, as well as served as President of the Young Democrats.
Friends said they’ll remember Sun for his humor. Close friend Nina Parker said he walked through school once dressed as a Bruin Girl and another time as Santa. His antics at school could make almost anyone laugh, and subsequently, his friend.
“He was always one to make people laugh,” Parker said. “I think it was because of his honesty. I think this is also what made people gravitate toward him so much. He could make a stranger his best friend in minutes.”
Despite his humor, he never lost his competitive edge, Mike Sun said.
“He was a very outgoing, competitive guy,” he said. “He loved playing board games.”
Mike Sun said he and his brother would spend entire nights playing a plethora of board and card games. These are some of his fondest memories of Carol, he said.
“We would play games sometimes up until sunrise and then go back to sleep and come back the next night and play more games,” he said.
Parker said he was very classy, for lack of a better way to describe it.
“He always made sure that he was in style and very up to date,” she said. “His possessions were always of the best quality. He wore a white suit to Prom, for goodness sakes.”
More than 300 loved ones have gathered [on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/groups/211648578884488/) to post memories of Sun.
Sun is survived by his parents, Yichang and Lei Bao Sun, and his brother Mike.
A visitation is being held from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia with a service to follow.