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Teri Hibbert posted a condolence
My thoughts and prayers to Julie and family and to Mike for a peaceful journey. In my yearbook are pictures and memories and what I remember is a smile. Peace and love surround all of you.
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don&laurie lafave posted a condolence
dear julie & family, our sincerest condolences on your huge loss! don & laurie lafave
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Donna Mosier posted a condolence
Julie and family,
I fondly remember Mike as a class leader both during our years at SLC and over the years since. His warm smile and quick laughter will be missed.
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Laura Fuller posted a condolence
Julia and family,
I am very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He fought a hard fight. He loved all of you very much. You will all be in my prayers.
Laura
Warner Cancer Treatment Center
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John Plourde posted a condolence
Julie and family,
Your in our thoughts and
prayers. Mike was a good
person. Will miss him.
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Jeff and Michele Small posted a condolence
We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was our insurance agent for many years. He was a delightful man with a sharp wit and a fantastic sense of humor. He was so proud of his family.
May your memories help you find peace.
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Kathy Simms Henry posted a condolence
My thoughts are with you and yours Julie. I have many fond memories of you two from high school, especially from the many rides on the school marching band bus! I know my brother Jerry enjoyed playing with him in that high school band that played at the dances, the Vandels? Many condolences to your family Kathy and Bill
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Lisa posted a condolence
I used to see Mike daily when we worked in the same area 10 years ago...he always greeted you with an amazing smile and a warm hello. After I left that job and would only see him from time to time...he always remembered me and always made time to stop and chat if we met in our travels. He was one in a million! So very sorry to hear of his passing. I'm sure he will continue to do good deeds and live on in many hearts.
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Bob Dwyer posted a condolence
Mike and Julie have benn long time friends and Neighbors.I will miss our ove the fence chats,Mike mowing working around the yard. Sharing resources during the ice storm. God be on your every where you go.
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Fran Catlin( Mom Too) posted a condolence
Julie and family, You and Mike grew up with Larry and I ..we were family.. I feel as if I have lost another family member.. You are surely in my heart and prayers.. Mike will be truely missed for his love of you and your family, his wit, laugh,talent,that smile and just so many things. We can all feel blessed he was some part of our lives. God Bless you all. So SORRY
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Nancy LaClair-Dimick & Michael Fregoe posted a condolence
Julia, Jeremy, and family,
Michael and I would like to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of Mike. We hope that your wonderful memories of him will bring you comfort and peace at this difficult time. We are thinking of you and praying for you every day.
We are honored to have known Mike as a friend and fellow Tuesday, Erin's Wing Night. He was one of the nicest people we have encountered since moving back home. The two of you made us feel so welcome. Your husband had such a kind heart and friendly nature.
Whenever we saw or spoke with Mike, we looked forward to hearing the latest stories about your children and grandchildren-he was so proud of them and loved to discuss all of their accomplishments. I know he was overjoyed when he became a grandfather again.
Julia, please let us know if we can do anything at all for you and your family. We will miss Mike very much and we are fortunate to have meet such a wonderful Man, Husband, Father and Grandfather.
We am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are here for you all. I am sending you hugs....
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.
With sympathy,
Nancy LaClair-Dimick and Michael Fregoe
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MIndy and Bill Charles posted a condolence
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
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JoAnn Keenan Cheney posted a condolence
My sincere sincere condolonces to Julie and family. Although I have only seen Mike (& Julie) at our class reunions his upbeat personality was always there even those many years later. May family and friends help you through this difficult time.
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Anne & Carl Beaulieu posted a condolence
Anne and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
We are friends of Jeremy and Kristen and of David and Theresa MacMillan
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Sandy (Roach) Carvel posted a condolence
Please accept my condolences Julie and family. I knew Mike and Julie from school. They graduated a year ahead of me but I remember them very well. Everyone liked them in school and I have never heard anyone say a bad word about either of them since. My thoughts and prayers are with you Julie and your family. It is so hard letting go, but remember he is no longer suffering. Sincerely,
Sandy
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Lolly and Dana Drake posted a condolence
Julie, We were so saddened to hear about Mike's illness and his passing. We always enjoyed time spent with you back in the day at the Crossroads and of course at our reunions. Mike was always so friendly and comfortable to be around; such a special guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Carol Eames Palmer posted a condolence
Blessings and peace to you all. Mike was such a kind man, he will be greatly missed.
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Ed Carr posted a condolence
There are people that come in to our lives that leave a mark of remembrance and Mike was certainly one of those to me. We had so many good times together and then life takes you different ways. But that person always has a special place in your memory and Mike you always will.
Julie and family I am so sorry for your loss
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Kevin J Maginn posted a condolence
Dear Julie and Family,
My deepest condolences in the loss of Michael, he was such a wonderful person, always helpful, and personable. I know he will missed so much.
May you all be blessed and may your sorrow be eased by knowing he is no longer suffering.
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Mike posted a condolence
Great times when Mike was in the Vandells many years ago at SLC. Julie and family my deepest condolence.
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Beth Turner posted a condolence
Marcie and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beth, Mellyssa and John
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Julia Rose posted a condolence
Elizabeth and family,
We know you are experiencing a difficult and sad time. We want you to know that we love you and wish you and your family many happy memories of your grandfather's loving, talented ways. He was a wonderful man! Our thoughts and prayers-
Little Larries Soccer
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Denis and DeeDee Bordeleau posted a condolence
This doesn't seem possible. We are so sorry for your loss Julie and family, and Rosanna. My memories of Mike are mostly from high school, where he was smiling and friendly to everyone. But one of my best thoughts about him happened some years later when his young son Jeremy was such a gentleman to our daughter Brandy and helped her up a huge snowbank so she could get to her piano lesson. When she told me about it that day, I knew he had been raised to be a "chip off the old block". Men of Mike's calibre will always be missed.
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Joan & Joseph Breindel posted a condolence
Jeremy, Kristen & family, We are so very sorry to hear of your father's death. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Joan & Joseph
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Joel & Rachele Murphy posted a condolence
So sad to hear of Mr. Best's passing. I will always remember when he was in charge of the Tri-Town Winter Carnival Parades. Especially the year he had Matt & I do a puppet show on one of the floats. Mike was always very kind to me. I enjoyed visiting with him at Erin's Isle during my trips home to Brasher. He was a fine musician & dancer too! My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Thinking of you all. Take care of each other.
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Heather Eastman posted a condolence
I was terribly shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I am sending my love over many miles. I will pray for you all during this difficult time.
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Donna Peets posted a condolence
May Mike walk with god everyday now .i know i will miss seeing his smiles ,which he gave freely when someone came to pay their insurance payment . My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family
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Mike Smith posted a condolence
I had the opportunity to work with Mike at Prudential. One of the most consistent Agents Prudential ever had. Mike was a class act, Always in good spirits and always commenting something good about his family.He will always have a fond place in my heart. He will be missed.
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Lori ( villnave ) Patterson posted a condolence
Marcie and Family,
So sorry to hear of Mikes passing. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers in your time of need. He was a great man, and will be missed dearly. My deepest condolences to you all!
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Mark Nezezon posted a condolence
In memory I will remember Mike. Gentle, articulate,faithful,honest and caring....always a laugh and a glance to the future...His love of family, community and devotion to his Christian principles will always be a part of my memories and that of the entire community. Mike will be sorely missed but not forgotten. My deepest condolences to Julie, his children and entire family.
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NEIL KARLBERG posted a condolence
Mike was a very good man. He was never afraid to lend a hand when his community was in need. The world will be a little less brighter without him.
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Jim Deno posted a condolence
Julia and Roseanna, My thoughts are with you and your families at this time of your loss. It seems as if has been a long time since we last met, but mike seems so young to leave, truly sad.
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Sandy Pike Blais posted a condolence
Dear Julie and family: I am deeply saddened by your loss. Jim and I would often talk about our old school days and we both thought alot of Michael. May you always remember him in Love. God bless you all.
Sandy (Pike) Blais
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Ionna Milmore posted a condolence
So sorry to hear of Michael's passing. I know this is such a hard time for familys. You will be in my prayers. Ionna
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Marcie Lawrence posted a condolence
I knew my dad was an amazing man but to see how much he has touched so many lives makes me miss him even more. Dad looked after his family with the up most care. Little reminders to check your oil, always searching the market for jobs and houses for his children, playing drums in the band for all his children's weddings, playing piano for the holidays, Making his house the scariest house to visit for kids on halloween, (that was always my favorite). There are so many things he did for his family that I . could go on forever. Here's to my dad who will always be remembered as a great husband, father, Papa and friend. Love you Dad!
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Terry and Kathy Gardner posted a condolence
The North Country has lost another very special, talented and caring member of the community. Mike will be very much missed by family and friends. Our sincerest thoughts, prayers and sympathy go out to the Best family. This again teaches us to cherish each moment in life. I am thinking his talents were wanted elsewhere!!
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Chris Bernard posted a condolence
So deeply sorry for the Best family and the North Country for the loss of a first-class person. May God grant you the strength in a time of such sorrow.
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Adam Klein posted a condolence
Fondest memories of Michael's humor and quick wit. My thoughts are with you all.
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North Country Insurance Company posted a condolence
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of North Country Insurance Company, it is with deep sadness we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Best family. Michael was a valuable business partner and long time friend. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Marc Ladouceur
Pres. & CEO
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Verna Matteo Deshaies posted a condolence
We all had some real great times Julie. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love Verna
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Kathy and Doug Bernard posted a condolence
We were very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was always so friendly and pleasant whenever we saw him. We know that all of your family memories will help you during this time. Mike will always be with and watching over you.
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Danielle (Dalbec) Edwards posted a condolence
My deepest sympathies, I'm thinking of you all at the difficult time!
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Beverly (Thomas) Roberge & John Castellano posted a condolence
To Mr. & Mrs. Best, Roseanna, Julie, Lisa, Jeremy, Matthew & Marcie: My heart is full of sadness. I can not imagine the hurt that you are feeling in your heart, because I feel as though mine is breaking. For the past couple of months I have been reliving many precious memories of times spent with Mike while asking “how can this be happening�. There are no answers, just an empty void that can not / will not be filled. Mike and I were “old� friends from years ago. I am grateful for the times that we were able to get together after my move to Florida. Now those times don’t seem nearly often enough. Mike made a lasting impression on John the very first time that they met, when Mike and Julie were in Orlando at an insurance convention and we drove over to spend an evening with them, as he did on everyone. Everybody liked Mike. Always a gentleman; Mike was my friend, my dancing partner, my confidant. The loss of Mike in our lives is a great tragedy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Jane & Warren Dyke posted a condolence
To members of the Mike Best extended family, our sympathy and sorrow are shared with the Brasher Falls community, especially his family at this time of loss. A person of his stature and contribution to the community will be missed, but also remembered for the quality and character of the life that he led and the positive impact he made in the
community. To his immediate family our shared grief with the dynamic impact his illness and passing has on the family. May the many memories of his full and rich life support you in the days, weeks, and years that he should have been with you. We will continue to fight cancer as it continues to claim years of so many beautiful people. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his parents,children, grandchildren, family, friends,and community.
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Lynn Dawson Muller posted a condolence
Dear Julie & Family,
My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Mike was truly a beloved member of the community and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you in the days ahead. May God bless you with comfort and peace.
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Bruce & Pat Winters posted a condolence
Pat and I will remember Mike as a kind, caring, and energetic person. Most of our memories date back to our days at SLC and of late, working with Mike and Julie on the class reunion. In reading through all the tributes contained in these message candles it is clear to us that Mike was special in many ways to many people. Please accept our condolences and prayers.
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Clarence Dunn posted a condolence
Lloyd, Gracie,Julie& Family, We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you all in this time of great loss. We remember Mike from when he was a small boy with many fond memories. Our daughter, Janet, used to visit her grandparents in Winthrop and one of her favorite things was playing with Mike and Rosanna at your house. Later when we lived at my mothers for a while he was always around. One fond memory was him setting up a set of drums for Debbie so she could make a lot of noise for us. Another was watching Mike and Julie all dressed up to play for a dance somewhere when they had a little red sports car and the drums would not fit in the back so Julie had to ride there while the drums got the front seat. We thought the world of you all and your many acts of kindness while we were there to us and my mother. Mike will be missed around Winthrop and Brasher
with our fondest memories and our deepest sympathy.
Clarencd and Ida Mae.
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Deborah Sweeney posted a condolence
Julie and family, i was very sadden by the news of Mikes death, it was a shock. my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
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Larry/Jeane Rivers posted a condolence
We will always remember Mike as being an all around great guy. He always seem to have a smile on his face!We will miss him since he was a very good insurance agent to us as well as a friend. Please accept our condolences and prayers to you Julie and your family.Love, Jeane & Larry
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Amarel family posted a condolence
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We will always have a special place in our hearts with the fondest of memories...
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Jim and Judy Durant posted a condolence
Julie and family. Our hearts go out to you and your family at the lost of a friend, husband, father, grandather, and pillar of the community. It is a tribute to him to read all the wonderful comments that people and friends have to say about him. He has left a legacy and a beautiful family behind and in doing so you should all find peace and
comfort in that. He was a beautiful person who loved his family and life and will be missed by all. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. May you find peace in remembering all the good times together.
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Helen & Joe Simms posted a condolence
Julie & family,
So sorry for your loss. Mike
was a special guy who will be missed but not forgotten.
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Ciera Felix posted a condolence
"An angel got his wings,
And we'll hold our heads up knowing that he's fine.
We'd all be lucky to have a love like that in a lifetime."
I love and miss you <3
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BOB CUMMINGS posted a condolence
MIKE WAS A GREAT GUY. HE WAS OUR CLASS PRESIDENT IN 1969. I REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD IN CHORUS. HE HAD ALOT OF TALENT AND WAS A FRIEND TO EVERYONE IN OUR CLASS. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO EVERYONE IN HIS FAMILY.
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alfred aseel posted a condolence
Dear Julie and family, can not express my sadness on hearing of mike's passing and your loss. my sincere condolences, may the love of friends and God surround you during this time of sorrow. will always cherish the fond memories of the times spent with Micheal. God bless and keep
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Dick Bucci posted a condolence
I Was sad to hear of Mike's Death. I had great admiration and respect for Mike when we worked together at Prudential. Marlene Joins me in Expressing our deepest Sympathy of your loss. Sincerely Dick Bucci
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Annie Winters posted a condolence
Dearest Julie and Family,
I was deeply saddened by the news of Mike's passing. He was certainly a wonderful person. The numerous message candles attest to the very special person he was here on earth! May you and your family find some peace and comfort in the remembrance of all of the happy times and love shared with your blessed Michael! May God Bless You and please know that you are in my daily thoughts and prayers always - my sincerest condolences, Annie!
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Marcella Jenner posted a condolence
Julie, family and Rosanna,
My sincere condolences to you for the loss of Mike. I had only seen Mike only one or two times recently. He always had such a beautiful smile and seemed so happy to have you at his side, Julie. I can only imagine the great loss that you are all experiencing. He has had so many wonderful things being said about him. He was a wonderful role model for your children.. They were blessed to have such a special father.I am thinking of you also, Rosanna.I know you have lost a special brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Marcella Jenner
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Julia Best posted a condolence
Thank you eveyone for all your cards, prayers, masses, food,the kind and beautiful words about my husband, Michael Best, the love of my life. He will always be in my heart and I will always love him.
Julia Best
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Pru Chapman posted a condolence
My deepest sympathy to the Best family; I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May memories comfort you in this difficult time.
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Rick Cudlipp posted a condolence
Dear Friend's; I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mike. He was a lifelong friend of mine and always someone to look up to by all. I'll sure miss his friendship! Rick
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Gina Ryan Taylor posted a condolence
Julie & family,
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you all. Michael was an amazing man. He will be truly missed by all that were fortunate to have known and loved him. God speed. Bless you all.
Gina.
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Reba Daoust Leger posted a condolence
My conolensces to Mikes' family. I was saddened by the news. When I left Brasher in '76 Mike was a young man starting out. I remember the compassion & help he gave my mother..& I know many others over the years. He will truely be missed.
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bsnyder posted a condolence
condolences to mikes family and thank you mike for all the pictures and memories for the class of 1968
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Peter & Georgi Muench posted a condolence
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our love and prayers will be with you all in this time of sorrow.
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Craig & Brenda Peets posted a condolence
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. . .
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Richard and Julie Scott LaBrake posted a condolence
Our sincere condolences go out to all of Mike's family. We were sorry to hear of his illness and death, but we are confident that he has gone to a far better place and rests in the love of Christ. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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The family of Michael L. Best uploaded a photo
Thursday, January 16, 2014
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Friday
9
September
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, September 9, 2011
St. Patrick Church
836 State Highway 11C
Brasher
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Friday
9
September
Interment at: St. Patrick Cemetery
Friday, September 9, 2011
St. Patrick Cemetery
130 County Route 50
Brasher, New York, United States
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Additional Obit Info
Michael L. Best, 59, of Winthrop/Brasher Falls, passed away Sunday morning (Sept. 4, 2011) at his home, surrounded with the love and support of his family and Hospice. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop.
Michael was born on October 4, 1951 in Potsdam, son of Lloyd A. and Grace E. Rufa Best. He graduated from St. Lawrence Central in 1969 and then went on to Computer Trade School in Syracuse. Michael came back north, and on August 22, 1970 he married Julia Dow at St. Patrick Church. He was employed at Reynolds Metals in the carbon plant and then became a salesman for Lifetime Stainless Steel. In 1975, Michael began with Prudential Insurance and in 1980 started Best Insurance with his wife. He retired from Prudential in 2006 and sold Best Insurance on Sept. 1, 2011.
Michael supported his communities; as a member of the Tri Town Chamber of Commerce, he served as the Parade Chairman for the Winter Carnival for many years. He was a member of the Massena Rotary Club, The Breakfast Club, and a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Brasher.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, whose pride for his family was evident to all who knew him. Music was an important part of his life which he shared with family and friends. He articulated his musical talent playing piano or drums with the Star Dusters, Dave MacMillan & The Villagers', and Kick n' Back. A communicant of St. Patrick Church, he also served on the Pastoral Council and was an active part of the Family Festival.
Michael is survived by his wife, Julia; four children, Lisa and Pierre St. Pierre of Tupper Lake, Jeremy and Kristen Scharf-Best of Brasher Falls, Matthew and Kristen Wright-Best of Williamsville, and Marcie and John Lawrence of North Lawrence; his parents, Lloyd and Grace Best of Winthrop; his sister, Roseanne and Wayne Felix of Winthrop; four grandchildren, Mason St. Pierre, Pierson St. Pierre, Elizabeth Best, Caitlin Lawrence, Avery Best and Anthony Best; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles cousins and "in-laws".
Friends may call at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, Wednesday and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls, Friday at 10 am.
Flowers are gratefully declined, but those wishing to do so, please consider donations in Michael's memory to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, Inc., 6805 U. S. Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676; Juvenile Diabetes Research, Central New York Chapter, 100 Metropolitan Park Drive, Suite 400, Liverpool, NY 13088; or the E. I. Moses Walk/Run for Life, Inc., P. O. Box 87, Colton, NY 13625.
Memories and condolences can be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com.
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Michael Best
1951 - 2011
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