Richard "Dick" Best
April 29, 1927-February 4, 2021
Richard "Dick" Best passed away on February 4th at his home on Flathead Lake at the age of 93. His battle with Covid-19 ended peacefully as he was surrounded by his loving wife and family. Dr. Best was considered by everyone who knew him as kind, compassionate, generous, and intelligent. He had a keen wit and a wonderful sense of humor. He remained true to his virtues, even as he knew his death was imminent; he was strong and at peace with his life and his love of God. He was concerned more about his family than himself. Richard's death is preceded by his parents, Howard and Ruth Best, his daughter, Kathleen O'Farrell, and granddaughter, Elanna Markland. He leaves behind his wife Merylann, his daughters, Kimberly Cooney (Patrick Cooney), Cindy O'Dell, (Sean O'Dell) and Christine Markland (Ronald Markland), thirteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren who will all miss him dearly.
Richard or Doc, as his friends and family called him, or Papa as he was fondly referred to by his grandchildren, was remarkable in so many ways. He was born in South Dakota during the Depression and later grew up in Cranford, New Jersey. In April of 1945, he enlisted and served as Seaman 1st Class in the Navy during World War II. After the Navy, he received a track scholarship and started his college career attending Dartmouth College. After three years, in 1950 he graduated with honors as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Just before graduating, he met the love of his life, Merylann, on a blind date in Colorado. They were married in August, and this summer they celebrated 70 wonderful years together. Richard attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania where he studied thoracic and general surgery and became a member of the Fellow, American College of Surgeons.
Richard moved to Butte in 1959 and began his medical practice. He really was Dr. Best. Not only was he invested in his medical practice and his patients but he was involved in his community and served at the local level, as well as on an international level. He served as president of the St. James Community Hospital, and for 27 years he volunteered as the Butte High School football physician, as well as the physician for the Butte Rodeo Club. In the winters, he was active on the Beef Trail and Z Bar T Ski Patrol.
Richard's patients were overwhelmingly sad when he retired from his practice to move to Flathead Lake where he lived his dream of growing the "best" cherries. His fruit stand was more than just a place to sell fruit; it was a place for him to meet and serve people and an opportunity for his family to work together. Even in his "retirement" Dick remained busy and loved to work outdoors. He volunteered during the summer in the Glacier Bible Camp kitchen, putting his slicing skills to use on the vegetables for the salad bar. Richard served on three missionary trips, once to Brazil and twice to Togo, Africa.
Dick especially enjoyed driving his Gator through the orchard down to the lake with his faithful golden retrievers riding in the back, stopping on the way home to pick one of juiciest peaches or plums. His legacy of farming lives on through the passion he inspired and the knowledge he shared, not just with his family and neighbors, but also through his service as president of the Flathead Cherry Growers Association. However, no one will ever grow a rose garden as beautiful as the one he grew for his true love.
Richard will be honored at a graveside service with military honors on Saturday February 13, 2021 at noon at the Bigfork Cemetery. A service will follow at the Bigfork Chapel Assembly of God. The family requests that in lieu of gifts or flowers, donations be made to Doctors Without Borders or the Gideon's International Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Myron Seu
March 31, 2024
Dear Kim and Cindy,
I was searching for a way to contact your parents to share news about my father. Our hearts are heavy to learn that your father went home to the Lord in 2021. He was such a good friend to my father, Thomas Seu. He along with your mom visited my father regularly here in Hawaii. I always looked forward to speaking with him and hearing how God was increasing his ministry on Molokai. Your dad and mom hold a special place in our family. I wanted to share that my father passed away after turning 100 this past January 2024. He confessed Jesus as his Lord and Savior. If by chance you read this, please email me, at [email protected]. Blessings!
Diane Snyder
February 20, 2021
What a wonderful physician. What a wonderful man. Heaven is overjoyed at his entry. Rest In Peace Dr. Best, you were one of The Best. Diane Lane Snyder , a patient of yours in Butte, Montana
Haley Beaudry
February 13, 2021
To the family of Doc Best - Please, accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I am glad Doc was able to live a long and enjoyable life. I was one of the Bulldog football players and a wrestler; and I remember Doc Best well and thankfully. The last time I saw Doc was at the cherry stand at his home. Kim and at least one of her sisters were there and we had a good visit...Lots of memories. All the warmest to the whole Best family.
Wilma McDonald
February 11, 2021
I am so sad for all of Dr. Bests family. I met him when he first came to Butte at Murray
Clinic when I had to take my youngest sister for an emergency. I had a three month old baby and he started taking care of her. Continuing with two more children. My husband was out of town and I did not have a car and he always would come to my house when the children were sick. He was the most kind caring and sweet doctor. Later in my life I became an LPN and worked at the hospital and saw him there many times. He was always so kind to his patients and the staff. Then later in years I went to glacier Bible camp and worked in the kitchen and so did he. He was always kind and caring and helpful to everyone. I think he was the kindest man I´ve ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rad Popovich
February 9, 2021
Dr. Best was the ER Doctor on call when I arrived with a severe hand injury. He saved my left hand. I have been told by many hand specialists for the past 50 years that the doctor who performed surgery on my hand was a genius. I should have lost my hand. My condolences to Dr Best´s family. I could never be able to thank him enough
Rad Popovich
Sharon Vidrich
February 9, 2021
Condolences to the family. We were lucky enough to meet the family when they first came to Butte. They took a joy ride to Roosevelt Drive and got stuck. My Dad pulled them out and from that day on, he was our Dr. and I might add an extremely great one. He was so kind hearted and will be missed by all that were lucky enough to have known him.
Ruby Backer
February 9, 2021
Dr. Best was my physician when I lived in Butte. He performed two surgeries on me. He truly was the BEST. I ran into Dr. & Mrs. Best about 8 years ago in Missoula. They looked fantastic and he remembered who I was. Memory Eternal Dr. Best and Condolences to your Dear Family.
Frank Rozan
February 9, 2021
Doc Best, you saved my life on June 27, 1976. After a horrific car accident, the medical staff was uncertain why I was bleeding internally. Dr. Best to the ER. You removed my spleen and I was told death was imminent if this was not done. I was 17 years old. Thanks to you, I am now successfully retired.
Rest In Peace
February 9, 2021
My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories and Gods promise to return our loved ones . 1st Thessalonians 4 : 13 & 14 .
Tom Monforton
February 9, 2021
Condolences. Such fond, lasting memories of the Best family. Your dad sewed me up more than once in the kitchen! He was a kind and caring man.
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