Benjamin E. Balkind

Benjamin E. Balkind
Benjamin Edward "Teddy" Balkind, 16, of New Canaan, CT, passed away Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Greenwich Hospital. Born November 9, 2005, in Greenwich, Connecticut, he was the son of Buck and Leslie Balkind. Teddy attended St. Luke's School where he played on the varsity hockey team. An avid lover of the outdoors, Teddy spent his time biking through local trails and mountains, and cherished his time mountain biking with his god-father in Stowe, Vermont. He spent his summers on Bantam Lake at Camp Awosting, where he fished, swam and wake-boarded with his friends. Though he sometimes didn't spend an adequate amount of time doing homework, he was a master of Xbox, eating hamburgers and making desserts after every meal. He was proud of his work at New Canaan Bicycles, where he dedicated his weekends to fixing bikes. He had many passions throughout his childhood, and dedicated countless hours to fulfilling them. Strikingly independent and confident in himself, Teddy seemed to be afraid of nothing. He genuinely loved nothing more than to be in the presence of and learn from those he looked up to-- whether that be at home, on the ice, on the mountain, or at school. He was always able to find the best qualities in others and truly sought to emulate them. Never failing to make those around him laugh, his infectious smile lit up every room, and he was not afraid to unexpectedly make mischief. He was undeniably loyal and would do anything for those he loved, including impulsively making crepes for his family on Sunday mornings. Teddy could never quite conceal the abundance of affection he had for others, and in the last months of his life, he never looked happier than when he was talking about his friends and his girlfriend, Olivia. He never needed the attention of others and quietly made a difference in the lives of everyone he encountered. His remarkable kindness, confidence and passion will continue to affect the lives of his loved ones. Teddy is survived by his parents, Leslie and Buck, his sister Karey, grandparents Mary Josephine Balkind, Edward and Karen Brown, aunts and uncles Erica and Bruce Wu, Sarah and Ellis Adler, cousins PJ, Jake, Max, and Sam, and god parents Lynne and Rand Eyberg. He is predeceased by his grandfather, Benjamin Hart Balkind, and his uncle, Benjamin Lee Balkind. There will be a private service held in Teddy's honor at Temple Shalom in Norwalk, CT, and a celebration of his life will be held at a date to be determined.