William Arthur Best
May 15, 1942 - October 13, 2021
Dad said to me when I was visiting him in hospital, "I’m 79, that’s pretty good."
After three open heart surgeries, the first of which was at the age of 19; a stroke and now a lung cancer diagnosis (seriously!? – yeah, I’m pissed about this last one!), I guess you could say Dad has been through a lot.
It never feels like there is enough time, but Dad did get to spend Thanksgiving at home with us as a family and had his turkey wing and his olives.
He will be missed by his wife of 58 years, Marie (Zwicker) and their crazy chocolate lab, Myla; son, Bill (Kelly Covey); daughter, Carolyn and son-in-law, Matt Harvie; grandchildren, Lucas (Nora Coyle-Kenny); Nicole Harvie and husband, Joe Schagen. Born in Lower Wolfville, he came from a large family; sisters, Louise (Wendell, deceased) Pineo, Sharon (Brian) Barkhouse; brothers, Hal (Debbie), Willis (Chrissy, deceased); many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Mabel (Atwell) and Arthur, and brother Gordon.
Some of Dad’s favorite things were watching the ball game. He was an avid Blue Jays fan as well as hockey, rooting for the Maple Leafs. He loved the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting seasons. Cape Breton was one of his special places and a trip in 2020 with his brothers, Hal and Willis and nephew, Jim was a recent highlight, where rumour has it, he reschooled them all on the proper way to catch a fish, out fishing the group. He also loved to just go for a drive and as a kid I always remember he would like to venture down any road that he had not been on before, even if it ended up with it getting so rough that we would lose our muffler.
Mom and Dad discovered travel later in life and enjoyed trips to the western provinces and a couple of bus tours including one to the Grand Ole Opry. Much to my surprise, they also traveled to Florida and went on a few cruises with friends. It’s never too late in life to find a new interest!
He was most proud of his two grandchildren and he and Mom would always have front row seats to every horse show Nicole would attend and every guitar performance Lucas participated in. His passion for building and playing guitars was passed on to Lucas as well. Dad loved a good bluegrass jam session.
He had a great sense of humor and always loved to tease. That is just one of the things about him I am going to miss the most…
Dad always hated a fuss and never sought out the spotlight. Therefore, at his request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private family gathering will take place at a later date.
Our family would like to thank all the nurses and doctors at the Valley Regional Hospital – particularly Dr. Lori Burgess. Donations in memory can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Canada or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.
In remembrance, Dad would like for you to, "have a beer for me."