NORFOLK, Va. - Family members and friends of Soren Arn-Oelschlegel, a beloved Hampton Roads realtor, came together Thursday night in a candlelight vigil after he was killed in a murder-suicide in Portsmouth by a client to whom he sold a house.
"I loved you so much, Soren. I cherished our laughs and conversations. I cherished you," a family member of Arn-Oelschlegel said.
The beloved real estate agent gone too soon.
"Soren was joyful. In every picture, he’s got that huge smile on his face - not just in pictures, but he brought that with him to everything he did," another family member said.
Family members said he went above and beyond for his job.
"I think his caring for all people led him to believe that this man who was not easy to deal with deserved a realtor. I think his loyalty to this client had him go to this man’s house when he had no reason to do so when the transaction was over, but Soren was there."
Arn-Oelschlegel’s real estate broker, Jason Goodin, says his legacy will live on.
"Just before he left the office - it was about 5:15, the last time I spoke with Soren. I had asked him if he would consider being a mentor to the new agents coming into our office. We want the world to know that we loved him so much and he will be missed forever. His entire Long & Foster family extends our deepest sympathy to all of Soren’s family and friends," Goodin said.
Arn-Oelschlegel’s boyfriend, Darius, says Soren had a bright soul that impacted so many.
"As you all get over the pain, initial grief and hurt, that everybody can think of Soren and laugh or think of a moment he made you smile. The Soren how it ended is not how he lived his life."
Rep. Elaine Luria attended the vigil and offered her condolences to the Arn-Oelschlegel family.
"It should inspire all of us to be that kind of person he was and to know what one does every day in their life can be so touching to so many people," she said.
Arn-Oelschlegel was a member of Hampton Roads Pride. The secretary of the organization says he was good friends with Arn-Oelschlegel for 14 years.
"We didn’t just lose a friend - we lost a community member. This is a great way for us to come together as a community to make sure everyone keeps his memory alive. Even though his flame is out right now, his memory will carry on with us, no matter where we go," said Kelly O’ Claire, the secretary for Hampton Roads Pride.
Related: Ahead of vigil for murdered Hampton Roads realtor, one agent talks realtor safety
