"Navin truly believed that he will live on through those he has touched," Hema N. Magge '01, a friend of Narayan, wrote in an e-mail message.
"His innate ability to relate to people on a very personal level enabled him to touch so many individuals in countless ways, from his work with the Red Cross to his daily interactions," Magge added.
In addition to his many accomplishments, Narayan's friends mention a lighter side to his personality.
"He was just a total joker," said Aparna Sridhar '01. "He loved to talk and laugh with people more than anything."
Coontz said he remembers the most recent Adams Drag Night, when Narayan and a roommate ransacked the wardrobe of the Hasty Pudding before arriving.
"They arrived in what were the most outrageous outfits I've ever seen in my life. They were amazingly dressed," Coontz said.
A memorial service for Narayan will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, today at 7 p.m.
Narayan's family has asked that donations be made to the Chisholm Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross in lieu of flowers.