The Dalai Lama once said, "Some people, sweet and attractive, and strong and healthy, happen to die young. They are masters in disguise teaching us about impermanence."

This quote, along with many pictures of family and friends, was posted to a piece of brightly colored posterboard and stood on the altar during a celebration of Mass Friday at St. Anne Catholic Church in remembrance of Kerry Lewis, a former Santa Fe resident and St. Michael's High graduate killed last week in Albuquerque.

"He gave his life to save two others," the Rev. Leo Ortiz told the filled church Friday. "His sacrifice speaks volumes of who he was ... a very honorable gentleman, to say the least."

Albuquerque police found Lewis, 21, with a gunshot wound to his upper torso after receiving a call at 11:30 p.m. July 10 about a man bleeding, said John Walsh, Albuquerque police spokesman. Witnesses who later came forward told police that two men knocked on the door of Lewis' home near Indian School Road and Rio Grande Boulevard NW and were let in prior to the shooting, Walsh said.

Lewis and the two men got into an argument that escalated, he said. One of the men shot at Lewis as he ran upstairs to his bedroom, although there's no evidence he was hit at that point. Lewis and the men fought over the gun in the bedroom and Lewis was shot, Walsh said. The two men fled afterward.

The witnesses haven't been completely forthcoming with detectives, Walsh said.

Lewis was taken to University Hospital and died July 11, he said.

Police found unidentified pills and drug paraphernalia in the home, Walsh said, and are investigating the involvement of drugs in the case. Detectives discovered no signs of forced entry into the home and do not know if Lewis or others present knew the two men, he said. There was also no indication that robbery was a motive, he said.

According to Lewis' family, Lewis died defending himself and friends.

The case remains under investigation.

Lewis graduated in 2006 from St. Michael's High School in Santa Fe, and had gone on to study engineering at the University of Colorado in Boulder, then later transferred to The University of New Mexico School of Engineering. He also earned a second-degree black belt in Shotokan karate and made rap music.

A memorial service was held for Lewis Thursday at the KSK Buddhist Center in Santa Fe. Family and friends from all over attended the celebration of Mass at St. Anne Friday to pay their respects and celebrate Lewis' life.

After the Mass, several of Lewis' friends said a few words to commemorate their lost companion.

"I always knew you were a hero," said David Garcia, a fellow graduate of St. Michael's. "Now everyone else does."

Lewis' girlfriend, Brittany Amber Herrera, a graduate of Santa Fe High School, said she felt Lewis was meant to teach the world a lesson.

His mother, Larissa, also spoke to the crowded church.

"Thank you for showing your love for him," she said. "It's healing for me."

Larissa later said that everyone she had spoken to over the past few days had all agreed that Lewis was one of the nicest people they'd ever known.

"He never had a temper," Larissa explained. "He was kind, understanding and compassionate in his nature. It was inherent in him."

Jason Auslander contributed to this article.

Contact Jessica Trumbull at 986-3050 or jtrumbull@sfnewmexican.com.