Kenneth Lee Best

1937 - 2012

Kenneth Lee Best June 12, 1937 - September 24, 2012 Kenneth Lee Best passed away in the morning of September 24th 2012 after a short, but grueling struggle with lung cancer. Ken personified the American Dream. He was born to Vernon E. and Isabel C. Best on June 12, 1937 in Wasco, California. Though his parents struggled to make ends meet, Ken lived an active childhood and graduated from Wasco High School in the year of 1955. After having helped his father on odd farming jobs, Ken landed his first steady employment in the Electric Department of the Pacific Gas & Electric Co where he retired on October 1, 1993 at the age of 56 and after 35 years of dedicated hard work. Ken served PG&E in Wasco, Bakersfield, Taft and Livermore. After meeting and marrying the love of his life, Janice, on August 26th, 1967, the two moved to Livermore, California, where they settled and started a family together. In 1994, after retirement, they moved to Discovery Bay for a few years, but then pulled up their roots, bought an R.V. and travelled North America for 4 1/2 years prior to returning to Bakersfield in 2001. Friends and family were always a priority for Ken, which is why he often included them in the activities that he enjoyed, such as playing cards, hunting, camping, boating, and golfing. He was always proud of the fact that he left a few golf balls in every state of the Union. Later in life, Ken enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and traveling outside of the United States, mostly to Central and Eastern Europe where his son, Brian, relocated in 1995. However, Ken's travels also took him to the Far East of Asia and to the great northwestern frontier of Alaska. Ken leaves behind his loving wife, Janice, of 45 years; his son Brian Best (Natasha) in Kiev Ukraine; Greg McBee (Maryann) of Bakersfield, CA; Mark Christiansen of Livermore, CA.; five grandchildren - Shannon & Danielle Christiansen, Lauren McBee, Zoe and Oscar Best A celebration of Ken's life will be held at The Seven Oaks Country Club in Bakersfield CA, on Friday the 28th of September at 12noon. The family would like to thank Optimal Hospice for their care and support through this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please make a donation to the American Lung Association or a charity of your choice. www.bakersfield.com/obits