Obituary for Robert Brian Best
Robert ‘Bob’ Brian Best
February 26, 1943 - February 8, 2023
With his wife and daughters at his side, Bob died peacefully at Grace Hospital on February 8th, 2023 after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his parents Dr. Brian Best and Jean Best. He leaves behind his wife Joyce of 53 years, his daughters Raina Best and Heather Hood (Stuart), along with his four grandchildren Kate, Jack, Liam and Maya. Bob also leaves behind his sister Shelagh (Les), along with many extended family and friends.
Dad was born in Winnipeg on February 26, 1943. He was raised in River Heights where his home at 133 Montrose Street was a welcome gathering place for friends and family alike. After graduating from Kelvin High School, Dad continued on to pursue his B.A. at the University of Manitoba (St.Johns College) and then entered the Civil Service in1964 as the Director of Personnel. He then completed his M.P.A. at the University of Winnipeg in 1980 and continued on to a successful career in the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and Great West Life as Vice President of Human Resources. The last 10 years of Dad’s career were spent as the Vice President of Human Resources at Manitoba Public Insurance until his retirement in 2001.
Throughout his professional career, Dad was very involved with many boards and associations including President of The University of Manitoba Alumni Association, President of the Canadian Cancer Society (Manitoba Division) and Member of the Conference Board of Canada, along with several other organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Winnipeg Squash Club and Southwood Golf and Country Club.
Family meant everything to Dad. He was fiercely proud of ‘his girls’ and his grandchildren. He celebrated all of our accomplishments no matter how big or small. Mom and Dad enjoyed hosting parties at their home and by the pool for close friends and family, and Dad was known to pour a mean martini.
Dad and Mom enjoyed over 50 years of travel together including several trips to Hawaii, Arizona, South East Asia, Europe and Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises with dear friends. From an early age, Dad could be found in the weight room, on the golf course or supporting his local Jets and Bombers.
Respecting Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place followed by a private Celebration of Life with close friends and family.
Donations in memory of Bob can be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation.
To remember Bob, raise a glass of white wine, listen to some Pavarotti, and remember to live life to the fullest.
February 26, 1943 - February 8, 2023
With his wife and daughters at his side, Bob died peacefully at Grace Hospital on February 8th, 2023 after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his parents Dr. Brian Best and Jean Best. He leaves behind his wife Joyce of 53 years, his daughters Raina Best and Heather Hood (Stuart), along with his four grandchildren Kate, Jack, Liam and Maya. Bob also leaves behind his sister Shelagh (Les), along with many extended family and friends.
Dad was born in Winnipeg on February 26, 1943. He was raised in River Heights where his home at 133 Montrose Street was a welcome gathering place for friends and family alike. After graduating from Kelvin High School, Dad continued on to pursue his B.A. at the University of Manitoba (St.Johns College) and then entered the Civil Service in1964 as the Director of Personnel. He then completed his M.P.A. at the University of Winnipeg in 1980 and continued on to a successful career in the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and Great West Life as Vice President of Human Resources. The last 10 years of Dad’s career were spent as the Vice President of Human Resources at Manitoba Public Insurance until his retirement in 2001.
Throughout his professional career, Dad was very involved with many boards and associations including President of The University of Manitoba Alumni Association, President of the Canadian Cancer Society (Manitoba Division) and Member of the Conference Board of Canada, along with several other organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Winnipeg Squash Club and Southwood Golf and Country Club.
Family meant everything to Dad. He was fiercely proud of ‘his girls’ and his grandchildren. He celebrated all of our accomplishments no matter how big or small. Mom and Dad enjoyed hosting parties at their home and by the pool for close friends and family, and Dad was known to pour a mean martini.
Dad and Mom enjoyed over 50 years of travel together including several trips to Hawaii, Arizona, South East Asia, Europe and Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises with dear friends. From an early age, Dad could be found in the weight room, on the golf course or supporting his local Jets and Bombers.
Respecting Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place followed by a private Celebration of Life with close friends and family.
Donations in memory of Bob can be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation.
To remember Bob, raise a glass of white wine, listen to some Pavarotti, and remember to live life to the fullest.