He might be foul-mouthed and insensitive as Wade Wilson, AKA Deadpool, but Ryan Reynolds was all smiles when he met Connor McGrath, a 13-year old fan of Marvel's "Merc with a Mouth" who, like Deadpool himself, was battling cancer. McGrath met with Reynolds thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and was even given a special screening of the film before anyone else.

The two shared a special bond during their brief time together - time which Reynolds revealed came to an end earlier this week.

The actor mourned the passing of his new friend in a touching tribute posted to his Facebook page, commending McGrath for his strength and humor. "I called Connor, 'Bubba.' And he called me 'Bubba2,'" Reynolds wrote. "We met because he loved Deadpool. In a certain sense he WAS Deadpool. Or, at least everything Deadpool aspires to be; balancing pain, fearlessness, love and a filthy (filthy!) sense of humor in one body. I wish he could've stuck around a lot longer."

Reynolds also thanked the Make-A-Wish Foundation for helping the two meet, saying "They are heroic. Full stop."