Following is the obituary for BERNARD PHILIP ESSELINK, submitted for the family by the Harding Funeral Home.

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It is with great sadness that we share the news that our beloved Bernard Philip Esselink, of Westport, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 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 now 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, and then 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, spending time 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 Heleena 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, who he counted himself especially 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 celebration of Ben’s life will be held late in April. More details will be provided at a later date.