Alfred Bernard George Best

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of our dear father, Alfred Best, at the remarkable age of 98. Alfred was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, later met his loving wife, Helen, and they resided in various places throughout Saskatchewan, primarily Regina, before retiring in Vancouver, BC.

Alfred was an honorary lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He proudly served his country in the Canadian Navy during WWII. He subsequently worked for the CNR as a station agent, Gulf Oil as a salesman, the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires at the RCMP training depot, and finally, as a self-employed locksmith.

Predeceased on Sept 23, 2005 by his wife of 59 years, Helen, 2 sisters (Marie, Marguerite), 1 brother (Philip), a daughter (Marie) and a son (Bernard Brian). He leaves to mourn his passing and to cherish his memory, a daughter, Valerie (Marvin), 2 sons, Dale (Leandra) and Brent (Tania), 7 grandchildren (Richard, Tamara, Jason, Jodi, Ashley, Allison and Diego), 11 great grandchildren,

3 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. He will be lovingly missed and remembered by all.

Alfred was gifted with a gorgeous tenor voice and played the violin, trombone, piano and organ, and never passed up an opportunity to dance with great finesse. He was very adventurous and loved traveling. In his 80’s, he toured Europe, Mexico, Cuba, mainland China and the Panama Canal. Alfred was a true prairie boy, a real people person who took a keen interest in everyone he met, a loyal friend indeed! Alfred loved his family and was the family encyclopedia knowing everything about everyone and what and how they were doing. He cherished family outings, especially in the great outdoors, enjoying walking, camping, fishing, boating and flying his own private airplane.

Alfred was charismatic, charming, known for his incredible memory and comedic wit, all of which made him an entertaining storyteller, relating his stories with a mischievous smile and glint in his “blue eyes”. Often these stories were accompanied by, what he described as his best medicine and the key to his longevity of 98 years, a shot of tequila.

Family and friends also described Alfred as sharp-minded, rambunctious, cheeky, young-at-heart, larger-than-life, loving, generous, no-nonsense, trendy, salt-of-the-earth, funny, jokester, stubborn, devoted, diligent, punctual, wonderful friend, a go-getter, kind and he loved ice cream!

Alfred’s last place of residence, in his 90’s, was Brock Fahrni Pavilion where he lovingly adopted the staff as family and they cherished him!

The family wishes to thank Alfred’s friends, the Brock Fahrni staff and Dr.’s L. Henderson, J. C. Ruiz, J. Jastrezebski, E. Morley, P. Guy and V. Yousefi, the late Dr. J. M. Fitzgerald, and nurse practitioner, Nancy Gwadry, for their wonderful care.

We are comforted to know Dad is with Mom now, and they are resting peacefully in God’s eternal arms. We love you lots, Dad, and thank you for your years of love, care and support! You are in our hearts forever! You are an inspiration to us all!

In keeping with Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and interment, alongside his loving wife and our beloved mother, will be in the Garden of Gethsemane cemetery, Surrey, BC.

Donations may be made in his honour to a charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Best family.