08/14/2025
Barrie Hesp Obituary
Noank - Barrie Hesp, 85, devoted family man, accomplished scientist and passionate angler, passed away July 30, 2025, in New London, Connecticut after a battle with lung illness. Born September 18, 1939, in Buxworth, Derbyshire, England, Barrie's life was marked with intellectual curiosity, profound kindness and spirited adventure.
Barrie's academic journey began in England's Derbyshire peaks at New Mills Grammar School and then to the halls of Brasenose College at Oxford University (the glorious B.N.C.), where he earned first-class honors in chemistry and later completed both his M.A. and D.Phil. He continued his studies as a Junior Research Fellow at The Queen's College at Oxford University and with postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley (his beloved Cal), where he worked with Nobel Laureate Professor, Melvin Calvin, expanding his expertise in organic chemistry.
His professional career spanned several decades and continents. Barrie held senior scientific and leadership roles at Zeneca Pharmaceuticals Group (formerly ICI Pharmaceuticals Group and Imperial Chemical Industries Plc), directing teams that contributed to significant pharmaceutical drug discoveries. Later, at Pfizer Inc., he rose to Vice President, Strategic Alliances, where he helped drive industry-leading research and licensing partnerships and the launch of significant transformative medicines. Barrie's impact extended far beyond the laboratory - he was involved in multiple influential regional, national and international industry conferences and publications and the mentoring of countless scientists.
While Barrie's professional achievements were remarkable, it was his devotion to family and love for life's simplest pleasures that truly defined him. For 61 years, he shared an extraordinary marriage and partnership with his wife, Judith Ann Hesp - always described by him as "his rock." He was a beloved and inspiring father to his daughter, Clare Cukier (and her spouse, Herman Cukier); and his son, Richard Hesp (and his spouse, Satoko Kishi Hesp). Barrie's legacy further flourishes in his grandchildren: Alexander Cukier, Andrew Hesp, Ashley Cukier Risko (and her spouse, Peter Hall-Risko), and William Hesp - each of whom brought him immense pride; and in his great-grandchild, Quinn Whiton Risko, whose arrival filled him with boundless delight. Barrie is also survived by his brother-in-law and lifetime friend, Michael Birkett, with whom Barrie daily sought to solve New York Times crossword puzzles and to discuss world affairs. Barrie greatly enjoyed his many conversations with Mike regarding historical and current matters.
Retirement brought Barrie and Judith new adventures, including many happy winters spent in Nelson, New Zealand, where they immersed themselves in the region's natural beauty and community.
Those closest to Barrie fondly recall his deep love of fly fishing - a passion that led him to Scotland's River Thurso, the Oreti River in New Zealand, salmon fishing in Murmansk and numerous fishing adventures with close friends in the waters surrounding Noank. On these trips, Barrie relished the hope of the next cast and the companionship of friends, ghillie and guide. In particular, Barrie shared many stories with family and friends about escapades in New Zealand hiking over broken ground to a favorite fishing spot with friend and guide, Paul van de Loo; Scottish highland memories with friend and ghillie, Jimmy MacDonald; and numerous Connecticut adventures with friend and guide, Chris Lefebvre.
Family, friends and colleagues will remember Barrie for his intelligence, quick wit and insightful conversations. He welcomed all with an open mind, sharing stories rich with humor and wisdom, and always ready with a generous word or helping hand. His home was filled with laughter, warmth and storytelling.
Though Barrie's absence leaves a void, his legacy endures. The family will honor his life in a private gathering and will hold a public celebration of his wonderful life commencing at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 4, at the Ram Island Yacht Club in Noank.
In tribute to Barrie, all who knew him are invited to extend a hand of kindness in his memory, to attempt a Sunday New York Times crossword, or perhaps to cast a line from a riverbank or on open water.
Barrie's family asks that in lieu of flowers, one considers charitable donations to healthcare related causes.
View Barrie Hesp's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.
