Richard "Rick" Esselink

Rick Esselink of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Trix, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2019, at the age of 69 years, at the Palliative Care Unit at St. Michaels Health Centre after a courageous battle with cancer.

 Besides his loving wife Trix, Rick is survived by his children Carmen (Jeremy) Steward, Tim (Veronica) Esselink, Valerie Esselink and Rachel (Seth) Wagner.  He is also survived by his grandson Liam Esselink who was the pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by his sister Nancy (Mike) VanderPloeg and his sister-in-law Tetsy Mulder as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.  He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Grace Esselink, stepdad John Mulder Sr., his stepbrother John Mulder and his stepsister Jo Brouwer.

Rick was born in 1950 in Edmonton, Alberta and grew up in Lacombe, Alberta. He was blessed to grow up in a Christian home and his faith was an integral part of his entire life.  After graduating from Dordt College in 1972, he moved to Duncan, BC to begin his teaching career.  It was there where he met the love of his life, Trix.  They married in 1975 and had 4 children. After spending 10 years in Duncan, his career took the family to Agassiz, BC where he spent 9 years as the principal and teacher at Agassiz Christian School.  He spent one year in Penticton, BC before coming to Lethbridge, AB in 1993.  He enjoyed a diverse teaching career at Immanuel Christian School that included various subjects in junior high, woodworking to grades 7-12 and overseeing the work experience and Green Certificate programs. His passions included collecting John Deere toys, HO model railroading, camping and spending time with his family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 6:00pm and 8:00pm on Wednesday October 23, 2019 at Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel, 610 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm, on Thursday October 24, 2019 at Maranatha Christian Reformed Church, 260 McGill Blvd West., Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Paul Van Stralen officiating. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (https://foodgrainsbank.ca/).

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