James Van Der BeekThe stylist spoke about the late actor’s extensive efforts to support his family amid his battle with cancer.
“15 years of friendship. Years of memories and accessories and kids (and more kids), of weekly baby music lessons, life events, bonding over highs and lows, of sage parenting advice that shaped me as a parent like no other.” Ilaria Urbinati wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, February 11, shortly after news broke of Van Der Beek’s death.
Urbinati explained how his friendship with Van Der Beek developed over the years.
“Over a decade of fits, the way she loved clothes! The way she endlessly poked fun at my boss. She had the deepest, best laugh,” she shared. “The way he and Kimberly accepted me as a friend first and foremost, and finally as family, as they have with so many. The way I remember all of their children as babies.”
The two formed a special bond that Urbinati will not forget. “The flowers he sent me every birthday (a class act he was),” she added. “The way they shared their spirituality, their love of family, their love of health. And they set an example for everyone.”
She continued: “I don’t even know where to begin to explain the kind of person James was. Warm. Generous. Open. Self-deprecating. So comfortable in vulnerability. I’ve never seen anyone love and adore his wife and children like he did. Or be so direct with his affection – he sent the warmest messages out of nowhere.”
In the social media post, Urbinati emphasized Van Der Beek’s commitment to earn a living while undergoing treatment for stage III colorectal cancer.
“I got to see him a lot last year, he was working hard for his family. I don’t think I’ll ever meet someone so calm and cheerful through so much adversity again,” she wrote. “I could make you believe in a miracle. If anyone deserved a miracle it was him and his amazing family. And it’s hard not to feel how unfair that is. But the truth is, his beautiful life and the way he touched so many, was its own kind of magic. I love you James. Thank you for everything.”
Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beekconfirmed his death at age 48 on Wednesday, writing via Instagram: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace.”
Kimberly, 43, shared children Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3, with the Dawson’s Creek alum.
“There is much to share about his desires, love for humanity and the sacredness of time,” the post continued. “Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn our beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
After the death of James, a GoFundMe was started for his familythat they were “broke” after high medical costs. They raised over a million dollars in less than a day.