Jonathan Crombie, who played the dreamy Gilbert Blythe in the miniseries Anne of Green Gables has died.

His sister Carrie Crombie told CBS news that Jonathan died of a cerebral haemorrhage on April 15. He was just 48 years old.

Crombie was 17 when he was cast in his first movie role: Gilbert Blythe, Anne’s nemesis, turned best mate turned life-long love in the Anne of Green Gables miniseries.

Crombie beat out many other actors for the role, including Jason Priestly (let’s face it – things would not have been the same if Brandon Walsh had played Gilbert. There would have been a lot more slate breaking and a lot less swooning on bridges.)

Thank you, Jonathan Crombie, for giving life to our first literary crush (and if we’re honest, probably our last).

So let’s watch it again: Gilbert and Anne’s first romantic moment.

How dare he indeed.

And then from slate breaking to heart-thumping gazes like this:

These guys know what we mean:

Thank you, Jonathan Crombie. And rest in peace.