Aaron Renner was one of the first friends I made in college.
I had gone home from the weekend and, based on the stories of his antics circling when I returned, I had to introduce myself. So I walked down the hall, knocked on the door, and said:
You don’t know me, but I hear you’re insane. Can I be your friend?
Most normal people would have shut the door in my face. Aaron invited me to dinner.
I considered Aaron my best friend in college – we lived together, we worked together, we played chess together. Once he even talked me into impersonating a professor so we could vote against a motion in the University Senate.
Knowing that I never made enough time to spend with my friend after college tears me up inside – particularly knowing that now I’ll never have that chance.
Aaron, you were the first friend I made after high school; I always considered you one of my closest. I’ll always have incredible memories of our time together and the crazy things we did for fun. I always valued your insight, your unique way of challenging opinions, and above all, your friendship. Our time together was short – far too short – but will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed.