J. Douglas Best

With heavy hearts, the family of Douglas Best announces his passing, which occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on April 16, 2019. Doug was born in Newcastle on May 8, 1930; a son of the late Wendell and Helen (Wood) Best, and the loving husband of  Lois (McAuley) Best. Prior to his retirement, Doug worked for Barbour Foods for 49 years; he especially enjoyed being the King Cole Tea salesman which gave him the opportunity to chat with his many customers. Dad was a great story teller, fuelled by the adventures of his youth growing up in Newcastle, running barefoot in the summer and climbing snow banks as high as roof tops in the winter. Years later, he continued to visit his beloved Miramichi where he enjoyed fishing with his buddies.

Doug met the love of his life at a hockey game at the old Saint John Forum, he winked at her and the rest is history. Although, he used to tease Mom by telling people that she winked first! He and his “shy pretty girl” shared over 66 years of marriage. Dad was very proud of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed their company and hearing about their accomplishments.

Along with his wife, Doug is survived by his sons Wayne (Arlene) of Stratford, ON, Peter (Susan) of Rothesay, daughters Debra of Rothesay and Margot of Saint John, brothers W. Bernard of Saint John and Ian of Calgary, as well as grandchildren Anna (Rod), Samuel, Petter, Mattie (Liam), Wyatt, Nell, Natalie, Colin, and Curtis and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased by his sister Constance, and a brother, Reginald. Doug’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Corless as well as the nurses and staff of 4CN and Palliative Care of the Saint John Regional Hospital.

Resting at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John (646-2424) with visitation on Sunday, April 21st from 2-4 and 6-8. The memorial service will be held on Monday, April 22nd at 11:00 from the Fundy Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will take place at Fernhill Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the Church of Christ the King, or the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

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