(Leading Seaman, Retired) - 49, Beaver Bank. Husband, father, soldier, sailor, brother, and son, Tom passed away peacefully after a short, unexpected Illness on Friday, May 23, 2014, at Halifax Infirmary, QEll, Halifax. Left to mourn are his wife of nearly 14 years, Sherry (MacLean); son, John (11); daughter, Anastasia (8); parents, Harvey and Mabel (Parsons) Best, Torbay, NL; sister, Gina Best-McGettigan (Dan), New Westminster, BC; sister, Susan Howell (Wayne), Clarenville, NL; brother, Jamie Best (Sharon), Miramichi, NB; parents-in-law, Shirley (McNair) and John MacLean, Beaver Bank; sister-in-law, Sonja MacLean, Toronto; nephews and niece, Austin, Tyson, Jonathan, and Emma. He was predeceased by a daughter from a previous marriage, Charlemain, in infancy. Tom was raised in Middle Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador, and joined the Canadian Forces at age 18. His military career spanned 23 years, including reserve, regular force army, and regular force navy. During his career he held many posts, both domestic and international, before settling in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. Tom was committed to his wife and children, family, friends, and community, and continued to pursue his interests into retirement. He enjoyed fishing, wood working, reading, writing, and spending time with family. Most of all, Tom loved the time he shared with Sherry, John, and Anna. Our hero will be sadly missed, and will remain forever in our hearts. Tom's family will receive friends at Knox United Church, 567 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville, from 2-4, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday May 28, 2014, from where the funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Thursday, May 29, 2014, Reverend Dr. Ross Bartlett officiating. Reception will follow the service at the Lion's Club, 101 Old Beaver Bank Rd. (across from Super Store). In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in trust for his children's education. An account has been set up with TD Bank (Account # 5370-6416151) and can be made directly at any TD Bank or at the visitation or funeral. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Tom's obituary on-line and Selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com