Henry Otto Westendarp, III

HENRY OTTO WESTENDARP III of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, formerly of Split Rock, Pennsylvania, died on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Mr. Westendarp (“Henry") was 80. He is survived by Beth Seibert Westendarp, his wife of 50 years. Henry was born in Schenectady, NY on January 25, 1945, to Elizabeth and Henry Otto Westendarp II, who worked at General Electric for 40 years. 

Henry was the first of two children. He earned his undergraduate degree from University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business where he graduated in 1966 and then attended the University of Miami for his graduate studies. At University of Miami, he was active in deploying the first desktop computer as part of his research in marketing and economics. In 1978, Henry founded Strategic Marketing Systems (SMS), one of the largest marketing companies in the South East, which he led as CEO until selling the company in the 1990s. At SMS, he represented large institutions such as American Express, Hertz and Norwegian Cruise lines among others in helping them pioneer the use of digital data for marketing purposes. After selling SMS, Henry professionally focused his time into consulting other executive teams and investing. 

Throughout his career and retirement, Henry was active in many civic and social organizations. Among other groups, he was a member of Alpha Sigma Pi fraternity, the University of Miami alumni association, the Masons, and various local and national Republican chapters. In Lake Harmony, PA, Henry served as a director of the Split Rock Fire Rescue Department. Henry dedicated his life to his family, his many friends and his entrepreneurial pursuits. He loved golf and travel through which he maintained many friendships over a combined 70 years of living in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Split Rock, and Pawleys Island. He engaged meaningfully in his Christian faith over time, namely with Christ Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church in Pawleys Island, SC. 

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Beth) Seibert Westendarp; his brother, Peter Kingsbury Westendarp, of Sarasota, Florida; and his son, Henry Cooper Westendarp, of New Canaan, Connecticut. Henry was a truly devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend, and all who came into contact with him admired his kindness, loyalty, perseverance, thoughtfulness, joy, integrity, and care. He will be greatly missed; may God rest his soul.

Online condolences may be left at www.ridgewayfh.com

Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242