The passing of Beach Boys mastermind Brian Wilson on June 11 left a massive mark on all those he touched and influenced over the course of his incredible career and legacy of music.

Those closest to Wilson — his Beach Boys band mates and family members — spent the most time around him over the course of his life, both in the studio at in more intimate, personal settings.

One of those inner circle friends is Al Jardine, a co-founding member of the Beach Boys, who remained an active member of Wilson’s touring ensemble even toward the end of his life.

ardine issued a statement of his own on social media in tribute to Wilson after his death was made official:

Brian Wilson, my friend, my classmate, my football teammate, my Beach Boy bandmate and my brother in spirit, I will always feel blessed that you were in our lives for as long as you were. I think the most comforting thought right now is that you are reunited with Carl and Dennis, singing those beautiful harmonies again. You were a humble giant who always made me laugh and we will celebrate your music forever. Brian, I’ll really miss you…still I have the warmth of the sun within me tonight ☀️ 🎶 ❤

Jardine also spoke with Entertainment Tonight in a video interview, reflecting on his final experiences with Wilson in another emotional salute to his fallen colleague and dear friend: