It is with great sadness that we share the news that our beloved Bernard Philip Esselink, of Westport, CT passed away on Saturday, February 5 at the age of 81.

Ben, as he was known by his friends, was a loving and generous husband, father, and grandfather who was shaped by a life spent all over the globe. Ben was exceptional in connecting with and making others feel valued, whether family, friends, or complete strangers, no matter how different from himself. His balance of humor, authenticity, and willingness to serve others was an incredible gift to all of us who loved him.

He was born to Dutch parents, Hendrik and Catharina Esselink, in Indonesia. Educated there, he later earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from Delft University in the Netherlands. After graduation he worked for the United Nations in Thailand before moving to Singapore and a career with Colgate Palmolive. He would spend the remainder of his career with them, working in Australia, California, South Carolina, and New York.

Ben was known for his love of sailing and was an active member of the Connecticut Orchid Society. He was also a man of faith, committed to his Church and regularly involved in his local Gideons chapter. He was never satisfied to merely be present, but engaged in his passions with enthusiasm and loyalty to those who were there alongside him.

Ben was predeceased by his wife Helena Tjeenk Willink, daughter Karien, and brother Bert, and is survived by his sons Rik and Frank, grandchildren Saskia, Philip, Marik, Bjorn, Claudia, and Andreas, and other family members including nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his wife Jean McGilvray Watson, who he counted himself blessed to have met and married later in life. Family was especially important to Ben, and his dedication and love for all of them was evident throughout his life.

A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Bernard will be held at South Church, 90 Main Street, New Britain, CT, April 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 174, Westport, CT 06880. The Connecticut Orchid Society, P.O. Box 198, Farmington, CT 06034-0198 or The South Church Memorial Fund – South Church, 90 Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051. Condolences for the family may be left online at http://www.hardingfuneral.com.