David Oyelowo has revealed his beloved father Stephen has passed away following one-year battle with colon cancer.
The Les Misérables actor, 44, took to Instagram on Friday to pay tribute to his ‘protector, guardian, hero and encourager’ who ‘fought so hard to stick around’ for his family in a heartbreaking post.
Alongside the emotional message, the screen star uploaded an image of his family – including his wife Jessica and their four children – kissing his dad on the cheek, as well as a photo of David and his brothers huddling around their parent.
The grieving thespian wrote: ‘It is with a heavy heart that I bring the news of the passing of my BELOVED father.
‘My brothers and I knew him as our protector, guardian, hero, encourager and our lovely Daddy. You probably knew him as @the_leaf_blower, because of his hilarious antics with that very noisy device!’ ‘You wouldn’t know it, but my Dad had been in a years long battle with colon cancer.
‘My heart is at peace because his pain is now over and the real victory has been won because I know he is now with his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. He fought so hard to stick around for me, my brothers and his grandchildren.
‘He would often say to me. “God has so much in store for you, and I want to be here to see it”.’
‘He passed away peacefully this week and I truly believe he’s now reunited with my mum in heaven. He loved her so much.
‘Thank you to all who loved him, “followed” him and celebrated this most transcendent of human beings. He loved you all. Giving love was his special gift, his true talent, his greatest example. Rest well, Daddy.’