Kimberly Van Der Beek shared more than 70 behind-the-scenes posts on Instagram giving the world a glimpse into the couple’s private life.
“Today would be your 49th birthday today. I’m missing you tremendously.”
She shared footage of her husband dancing with their children, getting his hands into building projects, flipping off a boat into the water – even breakdancing.
Best known for playing the titular character on the 1990s series Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek died of colorectal cancer on February 11, aged 48.
In addition to his wife and Emilia, he is survived by the couple’s five other children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
James Van Der Beek and his wife. Photo / Kimberly Van Der Beek
Kimberly Van Der Beek‘s posts go on to show her smiling husband in gloves and a singlet clearing bush on their farm.
“Just a year and a half ago. Doing what he loved. Working this land,” she said.
James Van Der Beek working on his farm in Texas. Photo / Kimberly Van Der Beek
The Van Der Beek family live on a 14ha farm just outside of Austin, Texas. After James died, the family’s friends set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to support them.
This resulted in some controversy after Realtor.com revealed the family purchased the sprawling ranch for $7.9 million one month before his death.
The fundraiser went on to raise $4.7m, which some online found excessive.
It was later pointed out that the house was bought with a loan with the help of their friends.
Kimberly Van Der Beek’s tribute did not mention the fundraiser but focused on her late husband.
“Baby, you were the best humanity had to offer. This is a loss I don’t know how to process. I will love you forever,” she said alongside a picture of the whole family together.