Hollywood actress Jennifer Garner has farewelled her father William John Garner who “passed peacefully” over the weekend, age 85.
The 13 Going On 30 star, 51, shared a lengthy Instagram tribute, expressing her gratitude for her father’s “gentle demeanour and quiet strength”.
Along with the caption, Garner posted a series of family photos from when she was a child.
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“My dad passed peacefully Saturday afternoon. We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us (did we carry him across or scare him away — valid question)“ she said.
“While there is no tragedy in the death of an 85-year-old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable, waiting around unexpected corners.
“Today is for gratitude.
“We are grateful for Dad’s gentle demeanour and quiet strength. For how he teased with a mischievous smile, and for the way he invented the role of all-in, ever-patient girl dad.
“We are grateful for his work ethic, leadership and faith.”
The actress went on to share her love for the medical teams who cared for her father at Charleston Area Medical Centre and City of Hope.
“Your care extended Dad’s life and gave him time to be in his favorite spots surrounded by daughters and grandchildren, cheering for his beloved Aggies, captaining a boat, and — most of all — next to his wife of 59 years, our Mum,” she went on.
“There is so much to say about my dad — my sisters and I will never be done talking about how wonderful he was, so bear with us — but for today I share these memories with my appreciation for the kind and brilliant man, father, and grandfather he was, as well as the loving legacy he left behind.”
Garner’s friends and followers shared messages of support.
“My condolences. We did the same for my dad. Such love,” actress Sharon Stone said.
Emily In Paris star Lily Collins wrote: “Sending you and your whole family the most love and light and hugs 🤍.”
“What an amazing man and Dad! My prayers are with you, your mum and sisters Jen ❤ sending so much love,” one follower said.
“How proud he must be of you and your sisters. Sending love ❤️❤️❤️,” added another.
Garner is best known for her hit films, 13 Going On 30, Valentine’s Day, Elektra and Pearl Harbor. She also starred in hit TV series, Alias.
The Texas-born actress, who has two sisters, was married to actor Ben Affleck and they have three children Violet Anne, 18, Seraphina Rose, 15, and Samuel, 12.
