Robert Alfred BEST

JULY 20, 1915 - OCT. 18, 2009 ROBERT ALFRED BEST Passed away peacefully in Toronto at age 94. Alf lived a very full, active and engaged life. A lifelong resident of his beloved Beach neighbourhood, Alf attended Malvern Collegiate, U. of T's Victoria College, and Osgoode Hall Law School. As a young lawyer, Alf met Pauline Tancock at the Balmy Beach Canoe Club on a summer day in 1940. Thus began a romance and life together that would last 65 wonderful years. Pauline passed away in 2005. During WWII Alf was an Army Captain stationed in England. He returned to his law practice which he pursued for the next 50 years, being honoured early as Queen's Counsel. Alf brought his relentless curiosity, energy, intelligence, and enthusiasm to all walks of life. He worked tirelessly for just causes, chairing numerous boards, starting campaigns and steering charitable committees. Very involved in local and national politics (he ran for parliament twice), Alf was not afraid to let his opinions be known. He was a lifetime, active member of Kingston Road United Church. In their 50's Pauline and Alf bought their beloved Willow Lane Farm. This city slicker never quite mastered the mechanical or animal husbandry end of gentleman farming, but the home was made beautiful, the garden grew, and many will remember the 30 plus years of family reunions and warm welcomes. Alf is survived by his four sons, Nick (Patricia), Noel (Barbara), Greg (Sandy) and Mark; ten grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren. He was loved by them all. The family would like to thank devoted caregivers Ike and Sally Docil and the wonderful staff at Sunnybrook Veterans' Residence, L2 East Wing, Alf's home these last four years. Alf Best personified optimism. He was the quintessential gentleman, right to the end. Alf was a pretty good talker, but also a great listener. He loved dancing, whistling, songs and poems, and always asked, 'And the next line is??...' Family and friends may be received at the SHERRIN FUNERAL HOME, 873 Kingston Road, Toronto (west of Victoria Park) 416-698-2861, on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral service at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Road, Toronto, on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 2 p.m. Interment at St. John's Norway Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, 1200 Bay Street, Suite 202, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2A5, (416) 967-5900, www.alzheimer.ca.