C. Wesley Crowell, a founding partner of the law firm Bergen & Parkinson, LLC in Kennebunk, who was active in his community and church, died Wednesday after a brief illness. He was 59.

Mr. Crowell was a prominent attorney who handled a wide range of cases, from real estate purchases and new business startups to acquisitions, mergers and zoning disputes. He was remembered by his colleagues Thursday as a man who fought tirelessly for his clients and impacted many in the community.

“Professionally, Wes became a go-to attorney in real estate and business law,” said Durward Parkinson, managing partner at the firm. “He worked hard for clients and got good results. He had a no-nonsense, organized and efficient approach. He got to the point and got things done. The clients came back over and over and often became close friends.”

Mr. Crowell began his law practice with Bernstein Shur in 1986. He later became a founding partner of Bergen & Parkinson in 1998. He was considered a team player at the firm and a mentor to many in the practice. Parkinson said attorneys across southern Maine expressed shock and deep sadness over Mr. Crowell’s passing.

“Wes made a profound impact on his colleagues at Bergen & Parkinson, personally and professionally,” he said. “I keep waiting for the sound of his Jeep rolling up to the office. Always steady, always about the same time.”

He was a loving husband to his wife, Susan Crowell, of Kennebunk; and a dedicated father to their two children, Mark Crowell, of Arundel; and Jenna (Crowell) Petersen, of Burlington, Massachusetts. He was remembered by his family Thursday as a devoted husband and father, who went above and beyond for his family. His son reminisced about the years his father would come home from work, put on his ice skates, and play hockey with him.

“Instead of being the coach on the sidelines blowing the whistle, he was right out there with me doing sprints,” his son said. “He really wanted the best out of me and he expected a lot. … He was going to help you get there so long as you put in the work.”

In recent years, the father and son shared a passion for hunting. His son said he loved being in nature and it was never about the hunt – it was about the time they spent together.

“He enjoyed spending time with me and I enjoyed being with him,” he said. “Ninety percent of the time, we didn’t get anything or fire a gun. It was about spending time together and teaching me things that I can pass on.”

Mark Crowell said his father epitomized the definition of “family man.” He said one of his father’s proudest moments was walking his sister down the aisle at her wedding in September. He said his parents had a long and healthy marriage and a happy life together.

Mr. Crowell was well known in the community. He served on the Board of Selectmen in Kennebunk and was an active member and trustee at the South Congregational Church in Kennebunkport. He was also a longtime supporter and trustee of the Kennebunk Land Trust

“He was a person for others,” his son said, referring to Cheverus High School’s motto. “When someone was in a pickle, they could call Wes. … Everyone knew him. He would give you sound advice, walk you through it, and be there for you the whole time. I think he genuinely cared and he was always there for people.”

Mr. Crowell’s full obituary appeared in Thursday’s newspaper. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the South Congregational Church on Temple Street in Kennebunkport.

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