David Weyant Best

BEST, David Weyant Born in Berkeley, CA on June 9, 1931. On June 10, 2001, David died peacefully after a year long battle with cancer. He was at home with his family at his bedside when he passed away. He grew up in Berkeley, attending Marin Elementary, Garfield Junior High and Berkeley High School. He then went to the California Maritime Academy, earning his papers as a Merchant Marine officer. Subsequently, he was commissioned into the United States Naval Reserve, and served for two years during the Korean War on the USS Chemung. David enjoyed a 31 year long career as an official with New York Life Insurance Company, serving in offices in Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Phoenix and Fresno. He was an active member of the communities in which he lived. He served on the Forestville School Board for many years, was chairman of the local Boy Scout troop, was an officer of the Forestville Chamber of Commerce, and was selected, in 1974 from that community, as Man of the Year. David is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mabel Helen of Santa Rosa, sons Stephen and Robert, daughters Jennifer and Cynthia, sons-in-law Mike Brossmer and Rick Everett, daughters-in-law Laura and Heather, and grandchildren Jeremy, Shannon, Carolyn, Allison, Kristen, and Paula Best-Berthoff, David’s niece. Son David L. predeceased his father. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be welcome in David’s memory at the Hospice Foundation, 1110 No. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401; Face to Face/SCAN, 873 Second St., Santa Rosa, CA 95404; or Food For Thought, PO Box 1608, Forestville, CA 95436-1608. The memorial service, to be officiated by Dr. Fred Brossmer, D.D., will be conducted at the Forestville United Methodist Church in Forestville. It is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2001. A luncheon to celebrate David’s life will be held at the church after the service. Arrangements under the care of the DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES.