It seems like only yesterday that we were writing about the plans that Claudio Gama shared for his and Anthony Geary’s sixth wedding anniversary in February. We wish it still was yesterday, too. As you must know by now, the General Hospital legend passed away on December 14, owing to unexpected complications from a scheduled surgery.

“It was a shock for me and our families and our friends,” Gama told TV Insider via a statement. “For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband.”

The day that Geary died seemed to begin like any other. Gama wrote from their home in Amsterdam that he planned to do some needlework, watch TV and of course give their cat “Max cuddles” before starting another busy week. It sounded idyllic. If only it had remained so.

On December 16, Gama shared to Instagram a poignant video of himself looking out over the city, the festive lights a stark contrast to the sadness that had descended. Among many others, Finola Hughes, who’d occasionally summered in Amsterdam with the couple, sent her love.

The following day, Gama uploaded a picture of dear Max, who we can only assume received the extra scratches behind the ears that were prescribed for the feline family member.

In a post of her own, Hughes wrote: “Claudio I love you, we send our hugs,” adding that “I’m always going to think of Tony out on the canals in his boat, slowly sailing through Amsterdam.”

On December 22, Gama sent “greetings from Amsterdam,” disclosing that “today we said our last goodbyes to Tony. He is now resting up where the stars shine bright. He will always be missed. His love, his life, his art speaks for itself. Me, Max and the family would like to thank all of Tony’s friends and colleagues for the wonderful support and respect you have shown Tony.

“To all of Tony’s fans,” he added, “thank you so much for the wonderful words of support and condolences. He always told me everything he did as an actor, as an artist, was for his fans. Without your love and support, he would have never reached the heights he did in his career. Acting was his passion as was dancing, singing, drink[ing] cola, Payday candy bars and cats. He loved his country and his second home of Amsterdam. Thank you all.”

We’ll always remember the dazzling performances that he gave as Luke — and the vivid portrait of him that’s been drawn by the many tributes that have poured in.