Robin Thicke Honors Late Father Alan Thicke: 'He Was the Best Man I Ever Knew'

Robin Thicke has honored his father, Alan Thicke, following his sudden death on Dec. 13 at the age of 69. “My father passed away today. He was the best man I ever knew,” Robin wrote in a note on Instagram. “The best friend I ever had. Let’s all rejoice and celebrate the joy he brought to every room he was in."

Alan Thicke, who many grew up with on TV, suffered a heart attack while playing hockey with son Carter and was rushed to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. He was later pronounced dead, TMZ reports. Thicke made a name for himself in entertainment in his native Canada before entering the U.S. industry, and became the star of ABC's Growing Pains from 1985-1992. He also composed the theme songs for Diff'rent Strokes and The Facts of Life and Wheel of Fortune.