Funeral services were held April 16 for James Evan Steichel, a longtime Student Farm employee, who died April 8 in a motorcycling accident. He was 41.

Steichel was field operations coordinator at the Student Farm, where he had worked since 1992. He was known as an exceptional mechanic and carpenter who took pride in his work maintaining and managing the farm's equipment and crops. But it was using his talents to assist others and the passing on of his knowledge and skills to students that brought the most pleasure to Steichel in his work, said student farm associate director Mark Van Horn.

"James was a generous, patient and giving teacher and mentor, enthusiastically sharing his expertise with hundreds of college students over the years. His kindness, positive attitude and encouragement brought out the best in students, often leading them to accomplish more than they had expected of themselves."

A fund has been established to benefit Steichel's young daughter, Sage. Contributions to the Sage Steichel Fund can be mailed to Wells Fargo Bank, attention Chad White, 5700 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819 or made in person at Wells Fargo branches. Also, campus community members who wish to share their memories of James with his family can mail them to Van Horn at 2538 Westernesse Road, Davis, CA, 95616.