Sidney Poitier’s family remembers Oscar winner as a man of ‘incredible grace’

Sidney Poitier‘s final day was spent “surrounded by family and friends,” his relatives said in a statement.

Poitier died Thursday night in his Los Angeles home. He was 94.

“To us Sidney Poitier was not only a brilliant actor, activist, and a man of incredible grace and moral fortitude, he was also a devoted and loving husband, a supportive and adoring father, and a man who always put family first,” his family said in statement. 

Poitier is survived by his wife, Joanna Shimkus, six daughters, eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. His daughter Gina died in 2018. 

“Although he is no longer here with us in this realm, his beautiful soul will continue to guide and inspire us,” his family said.  “He will live on in us, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren — in every belly laugh, every curious inquiry, every act of compassion and kindness.”

“His legacy will live on in the world, continuing to inspire not only with his incredible body of work, but even more so with his humanity.

“We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to every single one of you for the outpouring of love from around the world. So many have been touched by our dad’s extraordinary life, his unwavering sense of decency and respect for his fellow man. His faith in humanity never faltered, so know that for all the love you’ve shown him, he loved you back,” the statement concluded.