Friend: The Roget’s International Thesaurus listed friend as:

acquaintance, confidant, inseparable, alter ego, sisterhood, fellowman, well-wisher, supporter, companion, associate, compeer, consort, colleague, partner, crony, chum, buddy, roommate, schoolmate, playmate, …

I identify friend as one with whom, for a too-short period of time, we walked side-by-side, sharing our unique and separate lives and gifting us with memories to cherish during the times of separation.