Obituary of Gerry Best
Entered into rest at the Brockville General Hospital Charles Street Site on Saturday April 27, 2024. Gerald Thomas Best of Lansdowne age 84 years. Beloved husband of the late Jo-Anne (nee Steacy) Best. Proud father of Shawn, Wendy Morrow (Chris), Terena Mcrae, Mary-Anne Rayner and Steve (Leanne). Cherished grandfather of Zach (Jillian) Melissa McMahon (Luke), Nicholas, Jamie, Devon, Jodie and Tristan. Dear brother of Jean Menaul (late Ron) and Heather Mattinson (Gerry). Uncle to Wendy, Lori, Chris and Greg. Predeceased by his parents Roy and Jessie (nee Walkey) Best and an infant sister Donna Best.
Dad was born in the Port Hope area and grew up on a farm. He traveled around Eastern and Northern Ontario in his younger years before settling in Lansdowne in the 1960s, where he spent the majority of his life raising his family and helping to build the community.
His company started when he was working at Dupont and he saved enough to buy a couple of pieces of equipment. He would pick up odd jobs with the equipment until he had enough work that enabled him to leave Dupont and venture out on his own. Thus became the beginning of Gerald Best Excavating Limited.
Dad believed in hard work, keeping busy and developing friendships along the way. He was a lending hand and a mentor to many in the area. He was generous with his time and knowledge.
"We're not here to make money, we're here to make friends".
Family and Friends may call at the Barclay Funeral Home, 1033 Prince Street, Lansdowne on Monday May 6, 2024 from 4 – 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service to Celebrate Gerry’s Life will be held in the Chapel on Tuesday May 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Gananoque Cemetery at a later date. Dad had 3 grandchildren that were blessed by the miracles of CHEO and the NICU at KGH therefore in lieu of flowers, donations to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, KGH NICU or a charity of your choice, would be greatly appreciated.
Messages of Condolences can be sent online at www.barclayfuneralhome.com.
