James Van Der BeekThe stylist opened up about the late actor’s extensive efforts to support his family during his battle with cancer.
“15 years of friendship. So many years of memories and inclusion with children (and more children), of weekly children’s music classes, of life experiences, of closeness through difficult times, of wise parenting advice that shaped me as a parent like no one else has.” Ilaria Urbinati he wrote on Instagram on Wednesday, February 11, shortly after news of Van Der Beek’s death broke.
Urbinati is happy with how his friendship with Van Der Beek has grown over the years.
“In a decade of installation – how she loved clothes! How she was endlessly happy with my boss. She had such a deep, beautiful laugh,” he shared. “The way he and Kimberly treated me as a friend first and foremost, and finally as family – as they do with so many. The way I remember all of their children as children.”
The two formed a special bond that Urbinati will never forget. “The flowers he sent me every birthday (he was a class act),” she added. The way they shared their spirituality, their love for family, their love for life. And they set an example for everyone.”
He continued: “I don’t even know where to begin to describe what kind of person James was. He was warm. Generous. Open. Self-deprecating. So I’m free to be vulnerable. I’ve never seen someone who loves and loves his wife and children as much as he does. Even if he’s so frank about his love – he’d send warm texts out of nowhere.”
In a social media post, Urbinati highlighted Van Der Beek’s commitment to self-care during her treatment for stage III colorectal cancer.
“I saw him a lot this past year, he was working hard for his family, I don’t think I will ever meet a calm and happy person again in such a difficult situation,” he wrote. “He can make you believe in a miracle. If anyone deserves a miracle it’s him and his amazing family. And it’s hard not to feel how wrong this is. But the truth is his good life and the way he touched so many, it was 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 on Instagram, “Beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”
Kimberly, 43, shares children Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3, with the Dawson’s Creek alum.
“There is much we can share about his desires, love for humanity and the sanctity of time,” the document continued. “Those days will come. In the meantime, we ask that we be alone in peace as we mourn our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
After James’ death, a GoFundMe was started for his family, who were “out of money” after high medical expenses. They raised over $1 million in less than a day.
