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Eugene Best

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Eugene Best

September 22, 1944 - September 16, 2016

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Eugene Everett Best born Sept. 22, 1944, Middleton NS, died peacefully on Friday, September 16, 2016 at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, BC. Sadly, after a life of perfect health, Gene was felled by cancer; his loving wife Carol was at his side as he passed onto the next stage of eternal life.

His parents, Helena and Everett Best and brother Gordon Prime predecease Eugene.  Dearly loved, he is survived by his wife Carol Elaine (Hedegard) of 47 happy years, daughter Holly, (Gregory Shortall) and grandson Henry, Toronto, ON and his son Nathan (Suzanne McKinney) and granddaughter, Ailyn, Vancouver, B.C. He is cherished by his sisters, Maxine Whynot (Donald), Windsor, NS; Ethel Bramston, Burlington, ON; Mary Redden, Dartmouth, NS; Anna Richards (Bill), Windsor, NS. Gene will be lovingly remembered by his sisters-in-law Janet Prime of St. Catherines, ON and Kathryn Hedegard of Estevan, SK, as well many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.  

After joining the RCMP at the age of 19, Gene (or Dean, dependent upon geographical location) met his wife while posted in Weyburn, SK. On August 2nd, 1969 they married, followed with the arrival of their two highly talented, attractive children, Holly (1971) and Nathan (1974). Wife and children in tow, Gene, the dedicated Mountie, moved his family across country with posting in Nova Scotia, Yukon Territory, Saskatchewan. The Mountie years were filled with family camping excursions; a few highlights being salmon fishing in Haines, Alaska, touring the Dempster Highway, and driving from Nova Scotia to The Yukon one long, wonderful summer. There wasn’t a stream, lake or river that wasn’t cast into if Gene was given the opportunity. He would teach his daughter to fish, while his son would throw rocks, all the while his wife Carol could be found reading a book, as the family attempted to catch dinner that no one had any intention of consuming. The Bests thoroughly toured Canada, loving every minute of the journey together.

Through out his life, Gene remained active; either participating or watching sports. Every fall, Gene and his son could be found at the kitchen table pouring over hockey stats, compiling a probable team for that year’s hockey pool. To his delight and somewhat dismay his son’s love of the Canadiens offered endless opportunities of playful teasing. But of all the sports, baseball was his passion. Luckily he found a wife who was smitten enough to watch him not only play but travel to ballparks to catch the Blue Jays in action.

During the 1992 American League Championship Series, Gene marched up through his house from the den, serenely passed his family in the living room, opened the door to Saskatchewan’s biting wind, boomed, ‘Okay, Blue Jays, Let’s Play Ball”. From with, he calmly closed the door retreating to the den but not before the twinkle in his blue eyes ignited his children’s delight. That twinkle, with his naturally teasing good-humour lit up a room. A man of quiet humility, with a booming voice and expansive, quiet presence made him a mountain of men.

After 25 years of dedicated service as a Mountie, Gene retired, settling in Regina, SK where he worked for SaskTel until finally retiring for good in 2001.  Carol and Gene proceeded to burn through their children’s inheritance by having a grand ole’ retirement.  Travelling the world, the two visited Norway, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, wintered in Mexico, popped over to Japan (to visit their darling daughter), to name only a few of their amazing experiences. Tired of winter, and all of its bitter treats, Gene and Carol made Oliver, BC their summer abode with Tucson, Arizona their winter retreat. Hiking was a passion for Gene and the Sonoran desert was his choice location.

A loving husband, friend, father and Big Papa, he will forever be missed, cherished in our hearts, and honoured, as we all live our Best lives. 

 “The desert is calling and I must go.” 

 

Condolences

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Pages: 12

From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff

Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Bob and Linda Boutilier
Relation: Classmates at MRHS, NS

Bob and I are very sad and send our sympathy to you Carol and
Family. Helena raised a great family on her own after her husband’s
passing and took great pride in all their accomplishments. We at school all enjoyed Dean, whether in class or watching him in action on the gym floor. We are happy he met a sweet gal and raised a dear family together. May all your memories be a comfort to you all as you move on. We wish you well and Dean will not be forgotten. We are thankful
he was a part of our life at one time too.

From: ray and bev burns
Relation: lived in our community

our deepest sympathy to all the family

From: Warren Sheridan
Relation: Childhood and school

My deepest condolences to Deans Wife, Children and sisters. Growing up Dean was a person well respected by all who knew him. We had a lot of good times playing hockey on the river and baseball at the community ball field. Dean always hit the home runs on the ball diamond and in life.
May God comfort you all in your time of need.
Warren

From: Gerry Goozee
Relation: Worked together both in the RCMP & SaskTel

I am so sorry to hear of your loss Carol my sincere condolences to both you and your family. Gene and I go back along way to 1965 when we were both young Police Men stationed at Regina Beach Det. Then later in life worked in SaskTel Security.

From: Robert Bowlby
Relation: MRHS NS and Whitehorse Yukon

Carol and family: my deepest sympathy to you all. Dean will be truly missed but never forgotten. Those were good times in the Yukon

From: frank chipman
Relation: friend

Eugene Or ” Dean” as we knew him was a fine gentleman, a great athlete and an inspiration to others. He will be fondly remembered.

From: Albert Lee Peppard
Relation: coach/athlete

Carol and Family:Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Dean was a great guy,and one of Middleton Regional High School’s greatest athletes. Al Peppard–Coach Emeritus

From: Brian McEachern
Relation: Friend and retired RCMP member.

My deepest sympathies to you Carol and your family. I first met Gene as a young recruit in 1973 at Depot and developed deep respect for him from that time on. I always found him to be honest, firm, compassionate and a great sense of humour. As our careers moved us around I was fortunate to work with him on numerous occasions prior to transferring east. I will always remember Gene, we have lost a good man.
Brian McEachern – Grand Lake, N.S..

From: Brenda Foley (Brewer)
Relation: Friend

Carol and family – I am very sorry to hear of Gene’s death. We are thinking of you and hope that you cherish all your wonderful memories of your time with Gene. Take care, old friend.

Pages: 12

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