Benjamin David Essert

Benjamin David Essert

Born: January 25, 1973 in Fairbanks, Alaska

Died: April 1, 2012 in Bakersfield, California

Benjamin is survived by his parents, Joe and Deanna Essert and his brother, Mark Essert.

He is also survived by his “California family”: Jim and Beverly Cornell, Christine Williams and family, and Clifford Cornell and family.

As a very special autistic child, Ben lived with his parents until the age of 11, after which he attended Musashino Higashi Gakuen, a school for children with autism, in Japan.  After two years of study there, he met and followed his teacher, Cheryl Wernli to her Kern County Superintendent of Schools class located on the campus of the Kern County Autism Center. During this time Ben lived with Jim and Beverly Cornell’s family for 24 years, after which he resided in the Park Home Residential Facility at the Kern County Autism Center.

An individual with autism, Ben touched the lives of many in his extended family and throughout his educational experience. The things that made Ben so special also made those around him special, as compassion, patience and unconditional love were all a part of a relationship with him.

Ben enjoyed his many trips to Disneyland, where the joy of that land could be seen in his eyes. The Christmas season was his favorite and looking through the many books that his mother saw that he had, added enjoyment to his life.

Benjamin’s parents are providing chances of life for individuals needing organ donations through One Legacy.  So in his passing, Ben continues to live, touching others with compassion and love.

Services are scheduled for Friday, April 6, 2012 at 2:00pm at the Calvary Baptist Church in Arvin.

Donations in Ben’s honor may be made to the Kern County Autism Center, 14150 Sunset Blvd., Arvin, California, 93203.