Richard Best

Richard Jon Best 1955-2012 Richard Jon Best of Boise, Idaho died June 25, 2012 at home with his loving family and friends. He was born July 11, 1955 in Hastings, Nebraska to Elmer Doane "Pete" Best and Lola Mae Kaufelt. He attended elementary and junior high schools in Hastings. After his father passed in 1969 he resided in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He graduated from Skyline High in 1972 and joined the Marine Corps. He was a jet engine mechanic and Ch-46 helicopter crew-chief. He participated in the evacuation of Saigon in 1975. While in the Marines he married Carrie Reusser whom he met on a blind date prior to enlisting. They moved to Millington, Tennessee and then to Jacksonville, North Carolina where their daughter Jennifer Marie Best was conceived. They divorced in 1976. After the Marine Corps he attended Boise State University receiving a BS Degree in Biology and Secondary Education. He taught in the Boise Schools as a substitute teacher, he then signed his first teaching contract West Minico Jr. High in Paul, ID. in August '88. He taught Science and PE, and coached football, track and ski team. After meeting again on a blind date, he married Susan Michelle Dickson in March '90, as usual blind dates don't work and they later divorced. In '91, he then moved to Payette, ID and taught Physical Science, Physics and Chemistry. He was also the proud head JV Football coach that went undefeated his first season there. He was also fortunate to have many state champion athletes on the Track team. He taught at Payette for three years and then returned to the one true forte of Rick's. He began a small construction company that was profitable for many years. Rick really enjoyed designing and constructing custom homes for scores of happy home-owners. In 2000 he received a birthday phone call from a dear and longtime friend, Sheila. They immediately began a relationship and were married under a full moon on Friday the thirteenth of March '00. It twas turmoiltuous time and they later divorced but have remained steadfast to each other. She is the love of my life! He then worked for the Boise VA Medical Center as the Grounds Manager taking great pride in the appearance of the campus. There are many changes that he made there that will have a lasting effect for the veterans that he worked tirelessly for. Rick was preceded in death by his father Elmer and beloved grandparents, Frederick and Agnes Best. He is survived by daughter Jennifer Marie and son-in-law Christopher Navarro, granddaughters Bailey Marie and Clover Mae. His mother, Lola, brothers Daniel, Kevin Doane and his wonderful wife Cindy along with daughter, Shelley Odessa Best, his favorite niece. Aunts and Uncle, Ivan and Ardella (Best) Sorensen of Ord, NE, Rosetta Jean Best of Minden, NE, Lois (Best) Leach and Clarice (Best) Lawson both of Lincoln, NE. Special and loving friends, my Sheila, Chad, Byron and Calvin. I've gone to party with Marty! Memorial and celebration of Rick's life will be announced at a later date.