Benjamin Halsey Conklin of Bridgehampton Dies October 29

Benjamin Halsey Conklin of Bridgehampton died on October 29. He was 88.

Born on December 19,1935, at Breeze Hill, Bridgehampton, he was an 11th generation East Ender.

He graduated from Bridgehampton High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served proudly for five years. He was stationed in several locations, including Greenland. He shared many fond memories with family and friends. He especially loved working as a dental assistant.

After his service in the Air Force, he returned to Breeze Hill to work beside his father Otis and brother Tom on the farm. His roots were in the land. The beauty of growing crops and the seasonal changes to the landscape evoked a sense of peace and contentment for him.

He loved his home, his gardens, his family, his partner, his friends and his kitty Lilac. Ben had a great sense of humor and a unique laugh that was contagious, his family said. He loved to talk about his family history and tell stories about his relatives.

He was devoted to his mother and cared for her as she aged. In later years, he spent the winter months at his condo in Ft. Lauderdale. Come springtime, he was always happy to return to Breeze Hill. He will be missed by his family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Otis and Anna; sister Nancy Halsey; brother Thomas; and nephew Lee Halsey. He is survived by his partner Mark Marei; sister Ellen Subin; sister in-law Margaret Conklin; nieces Melanie Yanus (Richard), Diana Conklin and Erin Conklin Whitmore (Gregory); nephews Tom Conklin and Ross Conklin (Jennifer); great-nieces Grace Conklin and Lilly Conklin; and great-nephews Aaron Halsey, David Conklin, Samuel Conklin and Bradley Halsey (Robin); great-great-nieces Elizabeth and Charlotte Halsey; and great-great nephew Harrison Halsey.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any contributions be made to either the Bridgehampton Fire Department (bridgehamptonvfd.org) or ARF of the Hamptons (arfhamptons.org).