Andrew Charles Best, beloved father, husband and friend, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, February 17, 2018. He was 70 years old. Born on August 5, 1947, he was the son of the late Charles and Josephine (Fitzpatrick) Best of Sackville, NB. He was predeceased by his loving wife June of Timber River, NB.
Andrew came upon his calling as a young adult in the late 1960s when he decided to pursue a career in forestry following his involvement in Scouts Canada. He met his future wife June while working at Carter’s Flower Shop in Sackville. In the early years of their marriage, he graduated from the Maritime Forest Ranger School in 1973, and began his career working for Irving Woodlands Ltd. In the 1980s, he continued his career by working for other forestry operations in PEI, NB and NS, while his wife June started her own flower shop.
Andrew then spent more than 20 years “pushing daisies” at the Flower Boutique in Sackville, where he made many lifelong friends. What he loved the most about his business was helping people during their times of bereavement, and seeing faces light up when receiving flowers and gifts. However, his passion continued to be in the woods and nature, where he felt the most peaceful. He divided his time between running the business and operating as an independent forester.
His health took a setback more than 10 years ago when he succumbed to a chronic illness, forcing him to retire from the business that he and his wife had started. Unexpectedly, his wife passed away shortly thereafter. He spent his remaining days leading a quiet life in the home where they raised their family.
Andrew enjoyed many things in life. He loved to laugh, he loved his family, he loved a good whiskey, his pipe and a nice wood fire. He was a sweet, lovely man. He remains fondly in our hearts and memories.
Andrew will be sadly missed by his family and loved ones, including his three sons, Eddie (Susan and son David) Cole of Sackville, NB, Michael (Ricky) of Toronto, ON and Shawn (Shelby) of Collingwood, ON; his sisters Marjorie of Lower Sackville, NS, Rheba of Linden, NS and Josie (Mike) of Sackville, NB, along with multiple cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Arrangements for Andrew are under the care and guidance of Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville (506-356-1300) from where family and friends were invited to a time of visitation 6-8 pm on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. A funeral service was held at the funeral home on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 2 pm. Rev. Jeffrey Murray presided. Interment will be held in the Westcock Cemetery in the spring.
Donations in memory of Andrew may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Scouts Canada.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Andrew's online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page.