The wife of Christian actor Adan Canto has used a quote from Matthew 6 to pay tribute to him on Instagram.

The star, who was best known for playing the role of vice presidential candidate Aaron Shore in Designated Survivor, died on Monday from appendiceal cancer. He was 42.

Stephanie Ann Canto posted from Matthew 6:19-21 :

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

She finished the post with the words: “Forever my treasure Adan, see you soon.”

Speaking in 2020 about his role in '2 Hearts' the true story of two couples whose journeys lead them to a life-saving miracle of love and purpose, Canto said he wanted to be part of the film because of “the overall message of the value of life and the importance of family.”

He told The Christian Post :

"I think [faith is] fundamental for sure, knowing that there's a spirit behind it all, with vast wisdom beyond our comprehension. That alone should give us a lot of peace of mind, knowing that there is a higher wisdom behind it all. What we know or think we know, is may be just a speck. Have the strength to let go and trust and know that in the end it's for a greater plan.”

Paying tribute to the actor, his representatives at UTA, Entertainment360 and Viewpoint added: “Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever. He will be greatly missed by so many.”

Adan appeared in X-Men: Days of Future Past with Halle Berry, who expressed her profound sadness with a post on social media which read: "I don’t have the words just yet… but my dear sweet friend Adan just gained his wings. Forever, forever in my heart."

The actor is survived by his wife and their children Roman Alder, three, and Eve Josephine, 21 months.

(some additional reporting by Reuters)