It's so nice to hear of someone having that much affection for a relative of an s/o. I'm sorry you lost someone you thought so much of. Making an appearance during visiting hours would be entirely appropriate and likely much appreciated. That's giving of your time and attention. People in grief are comforted by the presence of others who can say I knew this person and he meant something to me. Flowers are actually less important and not strictly expected of you in your looser connection to this individual. A bit of home made food is a lovely gesture. In delivering it, you offer a bit of your presence.

I hope you expressed your sentiments in a way that felt right to you. They are just the kind of thoughts that bereaved persons need to hear.