In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

 

George Drennan Best

 

Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Boatswain, RCN / C.A.F. (Navy)

 

Born: 04 Jan 1935, Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada

 

Died: 23 May 2025, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

 

BEST, Best, George - It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of George Drennan Best on May 23, 2025, at the age of 90.

 

Born on January 4, 1935, in Fort Frances, George was the beloved son of Mary Jane Drennan and George Kinsman Best. A proud Navy veteran, George served his country with honor and retired as a Chief Petty Officer Second Class. He carried the discipline and values of his service throughout his life, both in his career and at home.

 

On April 30, 1960, George married the love of his life, Julia Marie Best. Over the course of 65 years of marriage, they built a beautiful life together centered on love, family, and tradition.

 

George was a devoted father to Colleen (Kelly), David (Valerie), Joe, and Mark (Krista). He was a proud and playful grandfather to Derek, Amanda, Bradley, Lindsay, Tyler, Katelyn, and Zoe and to his great grandchildren Jesse, Rylnn, Emma, Julia, Max, Mason, and Oliver. His love for his family was unwavering, and his wisdom, humor, and quiet strength were a constant source of support.

 

George was a hardworking outdoorsman, known for his practical skills, enduring work ethic, and deep appreciation of nature. A significant part of his life was spent at his cherished cottage on Mill Lake, which has been in the family for 49 years and counting. It was there that he formed a lifelong bond with Ray Doucette, who became more than a friend-he became family.

 

He also shared a special friendship with John Micallef, with whom he proudly made his famous homemade red wine-a labor of love and a symbol of his commitment to tradition and craftsmanship.

 

George is survived by his loving wife Julia Marie, his children, grandchildren, his dear sisters, Mary Pat and Colleen, and countless extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his brothers, Gord, Calvin, Jimmy, and Alan Best.

 

George's legacy is one of love, strength, and quiet wisdom. Whether he was spending time with his family at the lake, tending to his wine, or sharing a story by the fire, George lived a life rich in meaning and grounded in family.

 

A celebration of George's life will be held on June 12th, 2025, at 2:00-4:00pm in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you raise a glass of red wine in his memory and think of him at peace by the lake he loved so dearly. Donations can be made in George's memory to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.

 

A special thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Camp Hill Veterans Hospital for taking care of George.

 

Fair winds and following seas, George. You will be forever missed.

 

Ships served in:

HMCS PROTECTEUR - Served in PROTECTEUR in 1977 as Buffer.

 


 

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