R.I.P my friend…
More Than a Home Sale…A Friend for Over 30 Years
By Arron Renfrew | Asset Manager | Renfrew Team | AUM Real Estate
There are some homes that are just another transaction, and then there are homes that represent a lifetime of memories. This was one of those homes.
Recently, I had the privilege of helping sell the home of a longtime client, but more importantly, a dear friend. While closing another real estate transaction is always rewarding, this one carried a much deeper meaning. It marked the end of one chapter and the continuation of another—a legacy built over decades.
I first met my friend more than 30 years ago at the University of Washington Aikido Club. We trained together on the mats, learned discipline and respect together, and built a friendship that would last for decades. Neither of us knew at the time that our relationship would extend far beyond martial arts and into the world of real estate.
Over the years, I had the honor of helping him, along with members of his family, buy, sell, and manage real estate. We celebrated successes, navigated challenges, and watched investments grow over time. Those weren't just business transactions—they were milestones in a friendship built on trust, loyalty, and shared goals.
One of the things I'll always remember about him was that he was a big man. He had enormous hands that could practically swallow yours in a handshake. But what stood out even more was the size of his heart. He was generous with his time, supportive of the people around him, and genuinely cared about his family and friends. Those are qualities that leave a lasting impression.
As I stood in front of his home after it sold, I couldn't help but reflect on everything we had accomplished together. Real estate is often viewed simply as property, but to me it has always been about creating opportunity and building lasting wealth for families. I'm grateful that the work we did together over the years helped create something meaningful that can now be passed on to his son. That is what real estate should do—it should become a foundation for future generations.
Every closing tells a story, but this one reminded me why I've dedicated my career to helping people build and protect their assets. It's never just about the buildings. It's about the lives lived inside them, the friendships formed along the way, and the legacy they leave behind.
My friend may no longer be with us, but his impact certainly is. His kindness, his humor, and his unwavering character will remain with everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Thank you for your friendship, your trust, and the many years we spent working together. I will always be grateful that our paths crossed at the UW Aikido Club all those years ago.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Your big hands built a remarkable life, but your even bigger heart is what I'll remember most.
— Arron Renfrew
Asset Manager | Renfrew Team | AUM Real Estate
