It is with deep sadness that the family of Fred Samuel Best of Clarenville announce his passing at St Patrick’s Mercy Home, St. John’s on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the age of 90. Born in Wesleyville, Bonavista Bay on November 1,1934, Fred lived a full and remarkable life devoted to leadership, volunteerism and service to his family, his teaching profession, and to his community and province. Fred was long-term mayor of Clarenville, a Life Member of Lions Clubs International, and served on numerous community and provincial committees and boards. He was a dedicated community leader and volunteer. As much as he loved public life, Fred’s favourite places to be were on the bakeapple marshes, on the water, and at his cabin in George’s Pond. Fred was a berry picker extraordinaire, an avid woodsman, fisherman, and gardener who instilled in his family a deep love of and respect for the natural world and our place in it.
Fred is predeceased by loving wife Louise, parents Fred and Lavina Best of Wesleyville, granddaughters Hannah and Victoria, brothers and sisters: William (Neta),
Millicent (Robert) Granter, Clyde (Lilly), Gladstone (Audrey), Alexander (Ella), Alicia (Baxter) Brown, Albert, and Neta; parents-in-law: Samuel and Mahallah Pynn, brothers and sisters-in-law: Daphne (Winsor) Best, Hilary Pynn, Lawrence Pynn, and Clifford Winsor.
Fred leaves to mourn: daughter Joanne, son Shawn (Sherry), grandchildren Emily and Samuel, great grandchildren Archer, and Lenni-Louise, brothers and sisters: Joyce, Marcella (Bill) Hopkins, Bob (Debbie), Irene (Walt) Jacobs, Brothers and sisters-in-law: Marguerite Best, Gerald (Lillian) Pynn, Lucy Pynn, Mary Winsor, Dennis Pynn, Wilson (Rita) Pynn, Kevin (Sharon) Pynn , Marilyn (Keith) Cooke, Wendy (Larry) Pynn, and a large circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.
Visitation to take place from Fewer’s Funeral Home, Clarenville on: Sunday, June 22 from 7-9 pm, and on Monday, June 23 from 10 am – 1 pm, 2-4 pm, and 7-9 pm.
Funeral Service to take place from Memorial United Church, Clarenville at 1 pm, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. With internment to follow at the United Church Cemetery, Church Hill, Clarenville.
Donations in Fred’s memory may be made to Memorial United Church, Clarenville or to the Clarenville and Area SPCA.
Fred’s family would like to extend a sincere thank-you to the nursing and support staff of 2EW, St Patrick’s Mercy home, St John’s for the compassionate and professional care provided to their father during his nine-months at St Pat’s, always going above and beyond the call of duty. This was more than appreciated by the family. Heart-felt gratitude is also extended to the family and friends that visited and supported Fred during his stay at St Pat’s. Thanks are also extended to Fewer’s Funeral Home, Clarenville.
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Cavelle Lethbridge says
June 21, 2025 at 11:43 pmMy heartfelt condolences to his family hugs to Joanne and Shawn ,,he was a great man and will be missed by all who had the honor to know him,,rest in peace mr best,,,
Lisa Chaffey says
June 22, 2025 at 6:09 amTo Shawn and Joanne and families: I am sending my deepest condolences on the passing of your dad. Fred was a valued member of the community and a dedicated father and grandfather. May your memories in the coming days bring you smiles and comfort.
Joan Kane says
June 22, 2025 at 9:07 amMy deepest condolences to the family.
Linda Stone says
June 22, 2025 at 9:50 amJoanne & Shawn , Deepest Sympathies , to you & your families , Your Dad was a wonderful person , he helped a lot of people along the way , im sure , I worked for your dad back in 1967/68. ,I well remember him always , hold fast to the great memories of Him , as I well , He well be missed in the Clarenville area for sure, May God Bless
Linda & Allister Stone
Dianne Butt says
June 22, 2025 at 10:02 amTo Joanne , Shawn and families,
Condolences on the your lost.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Kevin and Dianne
Marie & Nicole Chafe, St Philip’s says
June 22, 2025 at 10:49 amBob, Debbie , Joyce, Marcie and Bill, Irene and Walt and all his family, Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you at this time. Treasure your memories of this wonderful man.
Rhonda Evans says
June 22, 2025 at 12:31 pmSending my heartfelt condolences to Mr Best’s family. He was a good man & a great teacher.
Bill & Nadine Vardy says
June 22, 2025 at 1:50 pmOur very sincere condolences to Fred’s family in the loss of their dear father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother. He made a wonderful contribution to Clarenville and will certainly be missed!
Ivy and Dennis Burt says
June 22, 2025 at 2:59 pmMarcie, We are thinking of you and your family. Sincere condolences to you all. God Bless.
Walter & June Butler says
June 22, 2025 at 4:18 pmThe Best Family,
Sincere. Condolences to all members of the Best Family on the death of your beloved father and grandfather. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your loved ones and our town mourns the loss of a great citizen and for many years, the mayor. He will be remembered for his strong commitment to our beautiful town. Cherish the lifetime of memories you have shared and we are certain they will sustain you in the coming days.
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