"BES" 2007 Obituary

BESEN  BESITO  BESLER  BESLEY  BESSE  BEST  BESTER  BESTWARD  BESWICK 

BESEN o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2007-06-30 published
BESEN, Eleanor Shirley (née WOLFE)
Died peacefully at her home in Toronto on Thursday, June 28, 2007, following a courageous and graceful struggle with cancer, which defeated her body, but never her spirit or sense of humour. Born in Toronto on January 1, 1924. She is predeceased by parents Maurice and Tillie WOLFE, and brothers Ray, Leonard, Jack, and Harvey. She is survived by her adoring immediate family, daughters Joan, and Ellen BESEN, and Ellen's companion Steve BARR, grand_son Sunny THRASHER, and granddaughter-in-law Bree TIFFIN, granddaughter Tamar LIPSEY, and by her long time dear companion, Harold KELSALL. She is remembered lovingly by sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members, as well as the innumerable Friends whose lives she so deeply touched. The family wants to give special thanks to Eleanor's caregiver, Cynthia SEGARRA, who did so much to make an unbearable situation bearable not only for Eleanor but for the family, and to Fatima PEREIRA, without whose soup and muffins a difficult situation would have been much worse. Also thanks to Lisa and Chedita. Eleanor was a graduate of the University of Toronto in the field of Occupational Therapy. She was a fine painter, specializing in watercolours. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art, and a member of the Ontario Society of Watercolorists and the Arts and Letters Club. She was a folk dancer, a line dancer, a belly dancer, and a world traveller. She had an astounding eye for beauty, colour and proportion, and this wonderful ability was evident in every part of her life and made the lives of everyone who knew her richer and more beautiful. She will be missed. The family would like to thank the Temmy Latner Centre, Doctors MEUSER, and RIEGER, and nurses Dusanka, Richard, and May for the wonderful palliative care which they provided. At Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, 2401 Steeles Ave., W., (3 lights west of Dufferin), for service on Sunday, July 1st at 11: 30 a.m. Interment Beth Tzedec Memorial Park. Shiva 1 Concord Place, Suite 1404. Memorial donations may be made to the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care at 416-586-4800.

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BESEN o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2007-10-08 published
WENER, Bess
Peacefully on October 7, 2007 in her 94th year, Bess WENER, beloved and loving wife to the late Charles WENER, adored mother and mother-in-law to Noreen and Bernie NISKER, Howard and Gloria WENER, Norval WENER and Barbara FIDLER. Cherished grandmother to Craig NISKER and Mona HOLMES, Suri NISKER and Eric YAVERBAUM, Merrill NISKER, Alana and Ron FRANK, Barak WENER and Reut LITMAN, and Alex FIDLER- WENER, and devoted great-grandmother to Cole and Jace YAVERBAUM, Nadav and Gilad FRANK, and Peleg WENER. Dear sister to Molly RIBA, Ruth ULRICH and Stanley BESEN, and the late Moe BESEN, Ann GOLD, Rose WADLER, and Al BESEN. Fondly remembered by her brother-in-law Mitchel ULRICH, her sister-in-law Eleanor BESEN, sister-in-law Ruth LEFKOWITZ, nephews, nieces and many other relatives. Our deepest appreciation to the wonderful Alla SAMEDOV for her deep devotion and care, and to Gala and the caregiving staff. Funeral service to be held at Steeles Memorial Chapel 350 Steeles Ave. West (between Yonge and Bathurst) at 11: 00 a.m. Tuesday, October 9. Shiva will be observed at 481 Cranbrooke Avenue. Donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada Research 416-967-3036 or the charity of your choice would be most appreciated. Bess has left us a legacy of love, generosity, humility and family unity.

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BESITO o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2007-11-19 published
BESITO, Hilliard “Neebish&rdquo
Of Saugeen First Nation at the Grey Bruce Health Services Owen Sound, on Friday, November 16th, 2007, surrounded by his loving family. Hilliard “Neebish” BESITO was called home by the Great Spirit G'Shamindo. Much loved son of the late Dora (AKENZIE) and Ivan BESITO, and James and Helen MASON of Saugeen First Nation. Traditionally raised son of the late Isaac and Winnifred PETONOQUOT. Predeceased by brothers Fredrick BESITO, Matthew MASON, Maitland PETONOQUOT; sister Leona LAWRENCE; and Aunts Flora RITCHIE and Elizabeth AKENZIE. Survived by his loved foster children Dale BRICKER, Stacey and William WESLEY. Dear brother of Shirley ELLIOT/ELLIOTT (Melvin), Marie MASON, Gary MASON, Gayle STARK (Bruce), Theodore MASON (Joanne), Phillip (Janice), Allan (Bonnie) and Elwood MASON. Traditional Uncle of Barbara CHARLEBOIS, June KING, Joanne MASON, Leslie PETONOQUOT (Jr.), Gene PETONOQUOT, Carey PETONOQUOT and Paul KING. Also survived by many nieces and nephews, Friends and associates of the bingo crowd. Family invite Friends to gather for visitation at the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home and Chapel, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041 on Sunday, November 18th, 2007 from 2: 00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Traditional Mineral Services will be held on Monday, November 19 at 2: 00 p.m. at the James Mason Cultural Centre, Saugeen First Nation. Interment in Saugeen Cemetery, Saugeen First Nation. Tributes or donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Association would be appreciated as an expression of sympathy. Journey fire located at the home of Gennine PETONOQUOT (6421 Hwy 21) for tobacco offering. In living memory of Neeb a Red Maple tree will be planted at the family home by the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home and Chapel. Condolences may be expressed on-line at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com.

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BESLER o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2007-08-17 published
BESLER, Gordon Emil
Suddenly, at his home in Owen Sound on Tuesday, August 14th, 2007. Gordon Emil BESLER, of Owen Sound, in his 85th year. Beloved husband of the late Alice BESLER (née JONES.) Dear father of Don BESLER and his wife, Katie, and Carol BESLER, both of Toronto. Loving grandfather of Christopher, Alex and Sam BESLER. Survived by his siblings Walter BESLER, and his wife, Eileen, of Saskatchewan, Delores RAHN, and her husband, Cliff, of Alberta. Predeceased by his parents, Adolf and Pauline BESLER, and his four sisters. A funeral service for Gordon BESLER will be held in the chapel of the Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 - 14th Street West, Owen Sound (519-376-7492) on Saturday, August 18th, 2007 at 2: 00 p.m. with Doctor Brad CLARK officiating. Visitation one hour prior to service. If so desired, the family would appreciate donations to the Owen Sound Minor Baseball League as your expression of sympathy.

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BESLEY o@ca.on.grey_county.artemesia.flesherton.the_flesherton_advance 2007-09-19 published
GILLIES, James Wright
Newmarket, (son of the late Mary and Milton GILLIES, Dundalk) passed away in the South Lake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, on Monday, September 10, 2007 in his 91st year. He is survived by his beloved wife Mae, his children Michael, Linda, Martin and Jeffrey; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren three sisters, Dorothy (Jim) SCOTT, Islay BESLEY, Barbara (Arvo) KAASALAINEN, and two sisters-in-law, Gladys (Bernie) TOMPKINS and Muriel GILLIES. He was predeceased by sister, Rillie RATHBUN, two brothers, Bill and Don, and brothers-in-law Nelson RATHBUN and Rev. Bruce BESLEY. Many nieces, nephews and Friends will mourn his loss. Cremation has taken place. A Family Memorial Service will take place at a later date in Dundalk.
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BESSE o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2007-01-08 published
BLENDER, Michael Carol
Of Chesley, passed away peacefully at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Chesley on Saturday, January 6, 2007 in his 80th year. Beloved husband and friend of Alma. Loving father of Paul and his wife Leena of White House, Tennessee, Carol and her husband Alvin JOHNSON of Rochester, New York, Stephen and his wife Margie of Owen Sound and Timothy and his wife Pradelia of Kemble. Michael will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Anton (Dawn), Seth, Ramsey, Jennifer, Jonathan, Taylor and Dennis. He will be fondly remembered by his brother Jack of Regina, sister Ann BESSE of Winnipeg and sisters-in-law Bertha and Muriel BLENDER, both of Regina. Predeceased by brothers, Ted, George, Dan, Alex, Bill, John, Nicholas and Peter; sisters Eva BLENDER and Helen TAILOR/TAYLOR and his parents, Anton and Mary (MORGAN) BLENDER. Visitation will be held at Cameron Funeral Home, Chesley on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Saint Mark's Lutheran Church, Chesley, Tuesday, January 9th, 2007 at 11: 00 a.m. Interment in Chesley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Saint Mark's Lutheran Church or the Canadian Cancer Society would by appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

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BEST o@ca.on.grey_county.artemesia.flesherton.the_flesherton_advance 2007-10-10 published
MILLS, Grace (SEIFREID)
In Headwaters Hospital, Orangeville, on Sunday, October 7, 2007. Grace (SEIFREID) MILLS in her 92nd year; beloved wife of the late Joseph MILLS. Dear mother of Lindsay (Anita) MILLS of Iroquois, Gloria (Rodger) PROIA of Victoria, British Columbia and Joanne MILLS (Steve COTTON) of Orangeville. Will be sadly missed by nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Survived by a sister-in-law Irene MILLS of Dundalk and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased▼ by a daughter Florence BEST, a brother Cecil SEIFREID and a sister Aeril SEIFREID. Resting at the McMillan and Jack Funeral Home, Dundalk. Service in the chapel on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 1 p.m. Interment in Dundalk Cemetery. Donations to the Headwaters Hospital or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Visitation on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m.
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BEST o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2007-06-05 published
HARRON, Doreen Mae (née BEST)
Peacefully at John Joseph Place in Owen Sound on Sunday evening, June 3rd, 2007. Doreen Mae HARRON (née BEST,) of Owen Sound, in her 76th year. Dearly beloved wife of the late Lorne HARRON. Loving mother of Lorna GIVENS and her husband, Bob, of Owen Sound, Bob HARRON and his wife, Patti, of Harriston and Shelley HARMS and her husband, Herman, of Owen Sound. Proud grandmother of Jennifer (John) HEATHERS, Jackie (Jason) BROWN, Katie HARRON, Kyle HARRON, James MERCIER, Amanda (Dean) GRAHAME, Amy BULMER, Jeff HARMS and Derrick HARMS. Devoted great-grandmother of Jessica and Jennifer BROWN. Cherished sister of Bob BEST and his wife, Doris, of Owen Sound. Dear niece of Margaret McCLEAN and Cliff JACKSON. Doreen will be sadly missed by her in-laws, George and Ethel HARRON, Sadie HOLLANDS and Winnifred FRASER, all of Kincardine and her many cousins, nieces, nephews and Friends. Predeceased by her parents, George and Hazel BEST. Friends may call at the Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 - 14th Street West, Owen Sound (519-376-7492) on Wednesday from 2: 00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Doreen HARRON will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, June 7th, 2007 at 11: 00 a.m. with Rev. David SHEARMAN officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. If so desired, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer Society or the charity of your choice as your expression of sympathy. Lady May Rebekah Lodge #188 will hold a Memorial Service at the Funeral Home on Wednesday evening at 6: 45 p.m.

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BEST o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2007-07-03 published
MALONEY, Helen or “Lena” (née PHILLIPS)
Passed away, surrounded by her family at Meaford Hospital on Friday, June 29, 2007 in her 87th year. Survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Larry (Lawrence Owen), her sons, Peter and partner Jin ZHE (Meaford, Ontario and Changchun, China,) Denny and wife Lyn (London, Ontario and Naples, Florida), Terry (London, Ontario), and Murray and wife Joani (Meaford, Ontario). Predeceased by her sons Larry, Jr. and Philip. Grandmother of Kevin and fiancée Nicole (Dallas, Texas), Craig and wife Sherry (Toronto, Ontario), Karen ZIMMERMAN and husband Craig (Oakland, Iowa,) Kelly (Pickering, Ontario), Michael (London, Ontario), Chris and Brendan (Meaford, Ontario,) and Andrea FISCHER and husband Chris (Wasaga Beach, Ontario.) Great-grandmother of Haley Navaisha MALONEY and Ava FISCHER. Predeceased by her sister, Evangeline, and her brothers, Dimitri (Jimmy) and Cyril (Carl), she is missed by sister, Nadejda (Annie) RAINVILLE (Toronto, Ontario,) her brother, Methody (Ted) PHILLIPS (Lackawanna, New York), daughter-in-law of Suzanne MALONEY. sister-in-law, Wynn (Newmarket, Ontario) and nieces and nephews, Dianne PAPADOPOLOUS, Gerry RAINVILLE, Sharon RAINVILLE, Stacey DELMONT, Shelley VRANJES, Peter PHILLIPS, Johnny PHILLIPS, Ed PHILLIPS, George MALONEY, Mike MALONEY, Mary MALONEY, Mark MALONEY, Bridget MALONEY, Carole BEST, Tommy BEAUVAIS, Peggy BEAUVAIS, Brian BEAUVAIS, Diane PIRIE, Cathy BEAUVAIS, Paul MALONEY, Tim MALONEY, Pat MALONEY, Helen HUTCHINGS, Fred RAPLEY, Penney BROWN, Elizabeth LEATHERDALE, and Georgea WAFFLE. Born May 27, 1921 in Toronto, eldest of six children born in Canada to Dina and Petre FILEFF, former Greek and Turkish subjects, from Western Macedonian mountain village of Trsye, who immigrated after World War I and adopted the anglicized name PHILLIPS. Lived on Wilkins Avenue in Cabbagetown area of Toronto. Attended Sackville Street School and Central Tech. Attended St. Cyril and Methody Macedonian Orthodox Church. Lifetime member of Daughters of Macedonia and Trsye Benevolent Society. Raised through the depression, she worked as a housekeeper and seamstress, for room and board and going dancing with sisters “Vee” and “Annie” at the Palais Royale or Masonic Temple. During the early years of World War 2 she met, and fell in love with a gentleman of the Air Corps, then Royal Canadian Air Force Airman L.O. MALONEY, to whom she was wed in 1943, after he returned from radar duty in England. Helen joined Larry when he was stationed at Royal Canadian Air Force Station Bagotville in 1944. After Sgt. MALONEY's demobilization, they started a family, living in a flat on Balsam Avenue in the Beach area of Toronto. While in Toronto, the family were members of Saint Michael's diocese. In 1951 the family moved to Point-aux-Trembles area of Montréal and later to St. Michel (1953-1972) at the northeast end of Montréal Island. While in Montréal, the family were members of St. Brendan's diocese. In 1972, moved to Scarborough, Ontario. Following Larry's early retirement in 1978, Helen and Larry wintered in Largo, Florida for 28 years of well-earned recreation and leisure time. In 2003, Helen and Larry moved to the family estate near Meaford, Ontario. Helen was the consummate homemaker, a skilled manager, budgeter, purchaser, chef, knitter, sewer, clothier, seamstress, launderer, cleaner, practical nurse and psychologist. She made it all seem easy. To children she was a cub and scout organizer, protector, comforter, supporter and healer. To her peers she was a graceful dancer, astute bridge partner, champion bowler, occasional golfer and good fun to be with at social events. To her husband, Larry, she was a lifelong friend, companion, partner and counsellor. Larry says that Helen saved him from an unstable life pursuing impractical daydreams. Between 1945 in Toronto and 1963 in Montreal, Helen gave birth to six sons. It was the great regret of her life that she never had a daughter, and so it was that she had a special affection for her nieces, grand-daughters and great-granddaughters. Helen was, in a category she herself sometimes applied to people, a “giver”. She was a good person with commendable standards of conduct and morality. Helen was always concerned about the feelings of others, always ready to lend a helping hand, always ready with a kind word. There are very few like her. She will be missed. Service held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 3 July 2007 at Gardiner-Wilson Funeral Home, 60 Denmark Street, Meaford, Ontario. (519) 538 2550 Visitation begins at noon. The family receives visitors at home following service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer Society.

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BEST o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2007-11-06 published
RUHL, Harvey Emerson
Passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 3, 2007 in his 81st year. Harvey was the beloved husband of the former Grace HENDERSON. Loving father of Joan WHITNEY, Barb RUHL (Don), Paul (Chris), Jim and Janice BEST (Pau.) Survived by sisters: Esther STRONG, Clara WEBB and Erla HARTLEY. Dear brother-in-law of Mary KLAGES, Jessie HENDERSON, Ken HENDERSON (Lynn), Jim HENDERSON (Audrey). His memory will be cherished in the hearts of his grandchildren: Krista SMITH (Mat), Ryan (Angela), Aaron (Carmen), Michael, Meghan, Kevin, Kyle, Carly and Kurtis. Predeceased by his brothers: Harry and George (Jean;) brothers-in-law: Art KLAGES, Gordon HENDERSON and Reg STRONG and a son-in-law Perry WHITNEY. Family and Friends will be received at the Keady Community Centre for a time of reflection and sharing on Thursday, November 8th, 2007 from 4 until 8 p.m. If so desired, memorial contributions to the Keady United Church Building Fund or the Keady Community Centre would be appreciated by the family and can be made through the Currie Funeral Home in Chatsworth, 239 Garafraxa St. N0H 1G0 or 519-794-2631.

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BEST o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2007-12-26 published
City loses 'remarkable force'
By Patrick MALONEY and Claire NEARY, Sun Media, Wed., December 26, Beryl IVEY, the London icon whose philanthropy touched education, health care and the arts in London and beyond, has died. She was 82.
Though she and her husband of nearly 60 years, Dick, moved to Toronto about 18 months ago, her love of the place she called home since arriving for university never waned, her family says.
"She missed London enormously," her son Richard IVEY said from his Toronto home last night.
"She loved London and she loved many of the institutions, big and small, in London."
IVEY was felled by a heart attack Sunday and hospitalized in Toronto. She died there yesterday morning, three days shy of her 83rd birthday.
But on Monday -- Christmas Eve -- she was in "vintage form," her son said. "So, we all got to say hi and bye."
As news of the death spread yesterday, praise poured in for IVEY, who, along with her husband, donated an estimated $150 million and left a lasting mark on the Forest City.
"This city and province and country has lost a great Canadian," said Tony DAGNONE, former chief executive of the London Health Sciences Centre.
At the University of Western Ontario, whose prestigious business school bears the Ivey name, there's no overstating the effects of her generosity, said University of Western Ontario president Paul DAVENPORT.
"I feel an enormous admiration for all she's done for London and for Londoners," he said. "The Ivey family is the foremost benefactor of (Western). There's no doubt about that."
Far from just a financial donor, the modest, five-foot-two IVEY believed passionately in the institutions she supported, said London member of provincial parliament Deb MATTHEWS. IVEY's legacy in London, said Mayor Anne Marie DECICCO- BEST, will live on indefinitely.
A private funeral will be held in London Friday, her birthday, and a memorial at a later date. She will be buried in London.
Born Beryl NURSE in 1924 in Chatham to a Canadian army lieutenant-colonel who taught elementary school, and a former military nurse, IVEY was a celebrated track star who arrived at University of Western Ontario in 1943. It was the academic scholarship she received that would inspire her generosity years later, she said in a 2005 interview.
She graduated valedictorian from University of Western Ontario-affiliated Brescia College -- to which she would years later give $750,000 for a library expansion -- and became a teacher at Beal secondary school in London.
She married Dick IVEY, who she met in her first year at University of Western Ontario, and joined his wealthy family, co-founders of the Empire Brass Manufacturing Co., now known as Emco.
In the 1950s, the pair had four children, to whom Friends say they passed along their sense of generosity. It was Dick's father, Richard G. IVEY, who in 1947 incorporated the Ivey Foundation.
Beryl is credited with the business-like approach to philanthropy the family adopted in the 1970s.
She and Dick passed along control of the foundation to their four children in 1997.
The list of organizations the Ivey generosity helped is long and distinguished: University of Western Ontario and the London Health Sciences Centre, the Grand Theatre, Museum London, the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and Parkwood Hospital.
For Beryl and Dick, travel also was a passion. Business often took them to Europe, but they also made several trips to Africa and to the remote Arctic.
They were art enthusiasts, and Beryl's love of the outdoors was referenced by Friends last night, with one calling her an "amazing gardener."
To celebrate the 55th anniversary of their mother's graduation from Western, IVEY's children created the Beryl Ivey Garden at the university, which includes plants from her own garden.
About two years ago the couple moved to Toronto to be closer to their children, effectively severing the historic family's last physical presence in London.
In June, Beryl was named to the Order of Canada. It was an honour she eagerly anticipated receiving this February, friend Bill BRADY of London said last night. While she will be remembered for her generosity, BRADY -- who called IVEY "a remarkable force" said she was anything but a cheque-writer. "She was no pushover.
"You had to make a strong case for (support); you had to prove it was worthwhile."

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BEST o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2007-07-31 published
BEST, James " Calbert"
Peacefully, on July 30, 2007, age 81. Calbert was the son of the late Doctor Carrie BEST and Albert T. BEST of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Predeceased by his adored wife Doreen (Phills). He will be deeply missed by his loving children Christene, Jamie (Nancy) grandchildren Nicola and Sarah; Stephen (Frances) and grandchildren Evan, Aidan, and Avery; and Kevin (Arwa) as well as by his close friend Suzanne Lozano and foster sisters Berma and Sharon MARSHALL. He will be fondly remembered by his cousins Brenda CLAYTON and Edith HOLMES and by the entire Phills family. As a young man, Cal and his mother Carrie founded the first African-Canadian owned newspaper, the Clarion, in New Glasgow. After graduating with a B.A. in Political Science and diploma in journalism from King's College, Dalhousie University in 1948, he did post-graduate work in Public Administration before moving to Ottawa in 1949. His distinguished 49 year career as civil servant and diplomat began in the Department of Labour. It was there that he co-founded the Civil Service Association of Canada, which evolved into the Public Service Association of Canada. He served as the Civil Service Association of Canada's first president from 1957-66. Subsequently he served as Director, Personnel and Administration, Office of the Comptroller of Treasury (1966-69); Director-General Administration, Dept. of Supply and Services (1969-70); Assistant Deputy, Dept. of Manpower and Immigration (1970-75). He was seconded to the Commonwealth Secretariat in 1975 and spent two years in London, England as Director, Applied Studies in Government. During that time he traveled the Commonwealth, sharing his expertise as far afield as India, Papua New Guinea and Uganda. He was Executive Director for Immigration from 1978-85. In 1985, Cal was appointed Canadian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago. Cal retired upon his return, but his public service continued. He chaired the Minister's Taskforce on Sport which published the report Sport - The Way Ahead in 1992 and was Commissioner, Core Sport Study 1993-94. In 1999 he was a member of the Treasury Board President's Task Force on the Participation of Visible Minorities in the Federal Public Service. Cal also conducted an investigation into allegations of discrimination involving Canada's Men's National Basketball team. Cal was awarded an honorary LLB from King's College, Dalhousie University where he also served on the Board of Governors. He received the Centennial Medal in 1967. Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair and McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa on Wednesday, August 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday, August 2 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, August 3 at 11: 30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences/tributes: mcgarryfamily.ca

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BEST o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2007-09-15 published
SOMERVILLE, Frances Vivian (née GARDNER)
Born June 5, 1916 Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, died August 16, 2007 Vancouver, British Columbia.
Loving wife of Archbishop David SOMERVILLE. Dear daughter of the late Melborne and Minnie (SMITH) GARDNER. Graduate of Dalhousie University, Halifax and the Toronto Conservatory of Music (Voice). Predeceased▲ by her first husband, the Reverend James BEST and step-daughter Barbara Ann (BEST) HULME. Mourned by step-children Monica (BEST) EDDY and Gerald BEST, first cousins Geraldine (SMITH) BARREGAR, Janet (ZINCK) CLUETT, Nancy (ZINCK) COURT and a host of Friends - many lives touched by compassion, empathy and warm humour. Celebration of the life of Frances SOMERVILLE and internment of ashes August 25, 2007 at St. Catherines Anglican Church, North Vancouver. Celebrant Bishop Michael Ingham, Homilist Dean Peter Elliott. Memorials may be made to the Somerville Fund, Vancouver School of Theology, 6000 Iona Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1L4.

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BEST o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2007-10-04 published
Inspired to overcome racism, he became Canada's first black high commissioner
In Nova Scotia, he started an influential newspaper. In Ottawa, he became an important player in the civil service
By Allison LAWLOR, Special to The Globe and Mail, Page S9
Halifax -- A career public servant who broke race barriers on his way to becoming Canada's first black high commissioner, James Calbert BEST didn't see himself as an activist.
The only son of a spirited human-rights defender and a quiet railway porter, Mr. BEST, who was best known as Cal, entered the civil service as a young man in the late 1940s after he and his mother started Nova Scotia's first black newspaper.
In 1946, while still a university student in Halifax, he and his mother Carrie BEST, began publishing The Clarion. Aside from covering local news, sports and social happenings, the paper took on deeper racial issues facing black people in Nova Scotia and across North America.
"The town [New Glasgow] has a daily and weekly newspaper, but the publication that creates the most talk on the street is The Clarion, that has grown from a church bulletin to the most powerful Negro newspaper in Canada today," Will R. Bird wrote in his 1950 book, This is Nova Scotia.
Mr. BEST and his mother used their newspaper to publicize the case of a black Nova Scotian named Viola Desmond. In 1946, Ms. Desmond, who has been referred to as a Canadian Rosa Parks, was arrested and fined for sitting in the "whites only" section of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow.
"We do have many of the privileges which are denied our southern brothers, but we often wonder if the kind of segregation we receive here is not more cruel in the very subtlety of its nature. Nowhere do we encounter signs that read 'No Colored' or the more diplomatic little paste boards which say 'Select Clientele,' but at times it might be better. At least much consequent embarrassment might be saved for all concerned," Mr. BEST wrote after Ms. Desmond's arrest. The Clarion ceased publication in 1956.
Years before Ms. Desmond's case, Mr. BEST and his mother experienced a similar incident in a New Glasgow movie theatre. While sitting downstairs in the whites-only section, as they often did, management told them to go to the balcony. They were told that someone had complained. After refusing to move, they were evicted and the police were called. They were charged with disturbing the peace and eventually convicted and fined. They sued for loss of dignity, but lost.
"I wouldn't want this [experience] to be seen as colouring his life. I heard about this incident once in my life," said his daughter, Christene BEST. "It inspired him more than anything else. To get out of New Glasgow and to thumb his nose at anyone who thought he wasn't deserving of 'loss of dignity.' "
Born in 1926, Mr. BEST grew up on South Washington Street in what was considered an integrated part of New Glasgow. While the legal segregation of Nova Scotia's schools didn't end until 1954, long after he completed his education, Mr. BEST never spoke about the racism he must have faced growing up in a small, industrial town.
"My grandmother considered herself an activist; my father didn't," his daughter said.
While his mother was busy organizing protests or holding poetry readings to raise money to help pay a black family's taxes, Mr. BEST spent his time as a child playing baseball or hockey on the pond behind their house.
He identified more with his father Albert, a man he called "the kindest, gentlest man I've ever known." As a child, he loved to run down to the railway station when he knew his father was returning home after days away.
After high school, Mr. BEST headed to the bustling wartime city of Halifax. Having a thyroid condition, he was unable to serve in the military. In 1948, he graduated with a degree in political science and a diploma in journalism from the University of King's College and went on to postgraduate work in public administration. He initially believed that the only careers open to a young black man in Nova Scotia were in teaching or on the railway, but his mind changed when he saw an advertisement for junior positions in the public service. In 1949, he boarded the train with his father and headed to Ottawa to begin what would become a 49-year career as a senior public servant and, eventually, high commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago.
"It was exceedingly difficult to get into the public service if you were a person of colour" in the 1940s, said Senator Don Oliver, a former Halifax lawyer. "At a time when racism was rampant in the public service, he was able to virtually move to the top. Soon, people forgot to look at his colour."
When Mr. BEST arrived in Ottawa, he found few people who looked like him. In the Department of Labour, he may have been the only black person. It wasn't much different on the street. While riding the bus, he was occasionally asked how the Ottawa Rough Riders were doing that season - the assumption being that because he was black, he played football.
Nevertheless, he found postwar Ottawa exciting. The civil service was growing rapidly and Mr. BEST quickly became an important player in its development.
The same year he arrived in Ottawa, Mr. BEST met his future wife at a party and declared that "she was the prettiest girl I've ever met." In 1957, he and Doreen PHILLS married in Montreal and later had four children.
At the Department of Labour, Mr. BEST co-founded the Civil Service Association of Canada, which evolved into the Public Service Alliance of Canada, and served as its first president, from 1957 to 1966. "He played a huge role in bringing collective bargaining to the public service," said Patty Ducharme, Public Service Alliance of Canada's national executive vice-president.
In creating the organization, Mr. BEST used his diplomacy and strong negotiating skills to bring together two existing associations representing civil servants and to defuse the power struggles that threatened the new organization.
"He was such a dynamic person; such an intellectual," said Daryl Bean, a former Public Service Alliance of Canada president. "His influence and calming approach allowed for good debate. He seemed to be three steps ahead of most people."
After leaving the labour department, Mr. BEST served as a director in both the Office of the Comptroller of Treasury and the Department of Supply and Services before becoming assistant deputy minister in the Department of Manpower and Immigration in 1970. In 1978, he became executive director of immigration and demographic policy, holding that position until 1985.
In late 1978, he worked closely with minister Bud Cullen to relax immigration laws to bring about 600 Vietnamese refugees, who were stranded in Malaysian water aboard the tiny freighter Hai Hong, to Canada. Mr. BEST travelled to Asia to help process the boat people. One of the refugees painted a picture of him arriving on a boat with a Canadian flag.
In 1985, Mr. BEST was appointed Canadian high commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago. He retired after returning to Canada in 1988, but his public service continued. "He was incredibly proud to serve. He would always say, 'The Canadian people pay my salary,' Ms. BEST said. He was such a scrupulous civil servant that his daughter never knew how her father voted politically until after he retired.
Mr. BEST was appointed chair of a federal task force to look into the future of sports in Canada after the Ben Johnson steroid scandal. In 1992, the three-person task force produced the report "Sport - the Way Ahead." The report, which cost a reported $1-million to produce, was intended to be a guideline for the future development of sport in Canada. Among the recommendations were that Ottawa fund fewer sport agencies.
"He was the tall, silent type," said Lyle Makosky, a former assistant deputy minister of fitness and amateur sport, who recruited Mr. BEST for the task force. "He was an imposing man but he had a quiet gentleness about him."
Mr. BEST later conducted an investigation into allegations of racism involving the Canadian men's national basketball team. head coach Ken Shields was alleged to have been prejudiced against black players. Mr. BEST's investigation absolved Mr. Shields. In 1999, he served on another task force, this one looking into the participation of visible minorities in the federal public service.
"When he talked, you always knew he had something important to say," Mr. Makosky said.
For his work, Mr. BEST was awarded an honorary law degree from the University of King's College, where he served on the board of governors.
James Calbert BEST was born July 12, 1926, in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia He died of cancer in Ottawa on July 30, 2007. He was 81. Predeceased by his wife Doreen, he leaves his children Christene, Jamie, Stephen and Kevin; five grandchildren, close friend Suzanne LOZANO and foster sisters Berma and Sharon MARSHALL.

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BEST o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2007-11-03 published
DEW, Desmond Stephen Carrick
Born Gloucestershire, England, February 25, 1912. Died in Parksville, British Columbia, October 24, 2007 in his 96th year. Loved husband of Marjorie SMART (died 1974) and dear father of Tony (Barb, son David) of Calabogie, Ontario. Beloved husband of Beverley (formerly Best, née HUGHES) for 32 years and loved stepfather of Duncan BEST (Marilynn) of Ottawa, Ontario and Joan Best MURRAY (Kevin) of Oakville, Ontario. Dearest Desi of Robin and Colin BEST. In accordance with Desmond's wishes, there will be no service. Cremation has taken place. Thanks to the First Memorial Funeral Services of B.C.

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BEST o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2007-11-19 published
SCHELL, H.R. "Bob"
At his home "'Inverlynn", Whitby, on Saturday November 17 in his 95th year. Predeceased by wife Catherine McGillivray SCHELL (née IRWIN.) Father of Katherine 'Katie' of Whitby, Peter (Jane) of Kingston, Andrew (Margaret-Elizabeth) of Whitby, and Malcolm (Marion HOLLAND) of Pickering. Grandfather of Tamara BEST (Charles ORCHARD), Adam, Sarah, Aaron, Natalie, Cedric, and Daniel SCHELL. Great-grandfather of Renee and Chantal ORCHARD. Survived by his sister Nancy (PINNINGTON) of Toronto, brothers-in-law John IRWIN (Pat) of England and Peter IRWIN (Joyce) of Agassiz, British Columbia. Commanded the 11th Canadian Armoured Regiment (Ontario's) in Italy 1943-44. The family will receive Friends at the W.C. Town Funeral Chapel, 110 Dundas Street East, Whitby (905-668-3410) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, (209 Cochrane Street, Whitby) on Thursday November 22nd, at 4 p.m. with a visitation at the church from 3-4 p.m. Service will be followed by a reception at Inverlynn, 1300 Giffard Street, Whitby. Cremation followed by interment at Union Cemetery, Oshawa, at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Thickson's Woods Conservation Area, or to the Toronto City Mission.

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BEST o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2007-12-15 published
GRAY/GREY, Muriel May (née BEAUFIELD)
Passed peacefully away on Wednesday, December 12, 2007, at Arborstone Enhanced Care after a twelve-year struggle with Parkinson's Disease. She was in her 74th year and was predeceased in 2005 by her devoted and beloved husband of 46 years, Peter Forbes GRAY/GREY, her mother Margaret in 1996, father Charles in 1980 and brother Raymond in 2003. Leaving to mourn, her daughter Susan (Clayton DICKSON/DIXON) and grand_son Oliver, Halifax, Nova Scotia; son John (Lisa) and grand_son Gunnar, San Diego; two brothers, Calmond (Daisy), Ship Cove, Newfoundland, and Guy (Juanita), Saint_John's, Newfoundland and five sisters, Faye (Ross SWEENEY,) Halifax, Nova Scotia Marie (Scott SMITH), St. Andrews, New Brunswick; Patricia (Bud BEST) and Elaine (Hedley LANGDON,) St. Anthony, Newfoundland Pamela (Brian GUY,) Saint_John's, Newfoundland, and a large number of relatives and Friends. Described by her siblings as effortlessly clever, she completed high school at the age of fifteen and began teaching at the age of sixteen, first at L'Anse au Clair, Labrador, and later at her hometown, Raleigh. In 1953, after receiving her Laboratory Technician Certificate, she began working at the St. Clairs Mercy Hospital, Saint_John's, Newfoundland. Beautiful but shy, Muriel was introduced to her future husband Peter by a friend of the family. At the time, Peter was working with McNamara Construction building a highway in the Witless Bay area. He was young, handsome and had a charming wit that was rumoured to have won Muriel's heart by whispering in her ear 'You sure smell better than the guys at the bunkhouse!' Muriel and her family lived in Toronto, Ottawa, and Sudbury before moving to Halifax in 1973. Apart from being a dedicated mother, wife, and homemaker, she also worked for a time as an interior decorator and was known for her personal touch of having a 'sense of style'. Muriel was also respected as a tireless volunteer and committee member of the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron where she served for some thirtythree years. Muriel was beautiful in mind, body, and spirit she had a musical laugh and a wonderful, self-depreciating sense of humour, and a gentle touch that made her unique to all who knew her. She adored her two grand_sons and was well enough to enjoy them both as young children. A sincere thank-you to the thirdfloor staff of Arborstone Enhanced Care for their kindness and dedication to Muriel and her family these past two years. Donations in Muriel's memory may be made to the Parkinson's Society of Canada. E-mail condolences to: susang@ca.ns.sympatico.ca.

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BESTER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2007-01-10 published
COURT, Joan Frances
Age 72 of Devon Street, Stratford passed away on Monday, January 08, 2007. She was born in London, Ontario daughter of the late Frank KENNY and the former Zita CASSIDY. Joan was a member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. Predeceased by her husband Howard William COURT July 25, 1996. Loving mother of Ken COURT and wife Judy, Marie WENDLER and husband Mark, Gerry COURT and friend Bonnie GROVER, Laurie DROST and husband Dennis, John COURT and wife Heather. Dear grandma of Jeff COURT, Steve COURT and friend Stacey PARTRIDGE, Tyler COURT, Jeremy DROST, Eli, Zita and Zoe WENDLER, Melissa and Briann LAVERY. Also survived by her good friend Al GRANT and his family. Sister of Jean ELLIOT/ELLIOTT and husband Leonard. Also her Aunt Agnes FLANAGAN and family and sister-in-law Margaret ROTH and family. Besides her parents and her husband she was predeceased by a son Larry, a granddaughter Brandy, a great-grand_son Adam. There will be no funeral home visitation. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Stratford on Saturday, January 13 at 11 a.m. Rev. Father Dick BESTER will officiate. Interment will follow at Avondale Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford N5A 5T7 519-271-7411.

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BESTWARD o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2007-09-14 published
LIVERANCE, John
Of Brantford passed away at Brantford General Hospital on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 in his 63rd year. Best friend and loving companion of Gaetane BOISLARD and dear father of Scott (Monique) of Cambridge, Theresa (Mike EDWARDS) of Brantford, Jay (Robyn) of Brantford, and five step-children. Also sadly missed by grandchildren Daniel, Benjamin, Nicholas, Derek and eight step grandchildren, brothers Charlie (Vivian) of Wiarton, Bruce of Pike Bay, sisters Jane TICKNER of Orillia, Mae SCHNURR of Wiarton, Patsy (Wayne) ADAM/ADAMS of Kitchener, Barb (Gerald) GORE of Chatham, as well as many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents Mary (BESTWARD) and William LIVERANCE, brothers Donald, George, Jim and sister Marie. Visitation will be held at the Bethel Missionary Church, 18 Ferndale Road, Lion's head on Friday, September 14th from 2: 00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. where the funeral service to celebrate John's life will be held on Saturday, September 15th at 11: 00 a.m. Interment Eastnor Cemetery. Donations made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family as expressions of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted to the George Funeral Home, Wiarton. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.georgefuneralhome.com

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BESTWARD o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2007-11-27 published
BESTWARD, Joyce Louise (née BROWN)
Suddenly at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound on Saturday, November 24, 2007. Joyce BESTWARD (née BROWN) of Owen Sound in her 82nd year. Wife of the late Daniel BESTWARD. Predeceased by her children George BESTWARD and Gail BESTWARD. Survived and sadly missed by her daughter-in-law Alexis BESTWARD and her brother Wilmot BROWN both of Owen Sound. Predeceased by two sisters Clara and Louise. Friends are invited to the Tannahill Funeral Home for visiting on Friday from 12 noon until service time. The funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock with Doctor Brad CLARK officiating. Interment, Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

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BESWICK o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2007-07-09 published
BESWICK, Frank,
Proudly served with the Royal New Zealand Air Force during World War 2. Peacefully at the Helen Henderson Care Centre, Amherstview, on Friday, July 6, 2007. Frank BESWICK, in his 87th year, beloved husband of Alice Elmslie (née MAKINSON,) who predeceased him in April. Dear father of Jan FOY and her husband Richard of Cloyne, and the late Bill BESWICK. Fondly remembered by his daughter-in-law, Connie BESWICK of Manotick, grandchildren Lisa and Heather FOY and Bill BESWICK. Survived by brother Bill BESWICK, his daughter Errol and her family, all of Australia. Loving uncle to Alan CALDWELL of Gananoque, Julie, Jill, Bob and Peter and their families. In keeping with Frank's wishes, cremation will be immediate. A memorial service will be held in the chapel of the James Reid Funeral Home (1900 John Counter Boulevard), Kingston, on Tuesday, July 10 at 2: 00 p.m. The family will receive Friends prior to the service from 12 noon until 1: 45 p.m., and in the James Reid Reception Centre immediately following the service. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to The Parkinson Foundation or Helen Henderson Residents Charitable Council, in Mr. BESWICK's memory. (Donations by cheque only please).

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