Whitney J. Best

Whitney James Best, age 69, of Upper Sandusky, beloved father, grandfather, brother and cherished friend departed from this world at 8:15 p.m. on Thurs. June 3, 2010 at the Willow Brook Christian Home, Columbus. He was born in Wyandot County on February 10, 1941 to the late Virgil and Idella (Cornely) Best, of Salem Township. He married his high school sweetheart, the late Barbara (Riedlinger) Best, on July 23, 1960. He and Barbara both graduated from the former Salem High School. They were married for 34 years before Barbara passed away on Dec. 8, 1994 at the age of 53. Whitney is survived by four children Randy (Jennifer) Best, Keith (Victoria) Best, Valerie (Brian) Tivin and Cory (Christel) Best, all of the Columbus area, seven grandchildren Dane, Richard (Tyler), Kathryn, Ryan and Lindsay Best, Jacob, Adam and the late Derek Tivin. Surviving is a brother Gene Best, Findlay, 2 sisters Marge (Al) Linhart, Findlay and Carol (Norbert) Frey, Upper Sandusky. After their marriage, Whitney and Barbara left Salem Township and moved toUpper Sandusky where he was employed by Westinghouse Electric. Later, Whitney became a licensed real estate broker and owner of Whitney Best Realty where he helped many people buy and sell real estate. He also built homes, constructed multi-family units and an office building. He was co-owner operator of Wyandot Motor Sales, Upper Sandusky. He was a lifetime member of Transfiguration of the Lord Catholic Church Parish-St. Peter Catholic Church. Whitney Chaired the City of Upper Sandusky Zoning Appeals Board. He volunteered for numerous fundraisers and non-profit organizations throughout his life, one of which was the committee to relocate the USHS football field to its current location. He was a long standing member of Pheasants Forever, Knights of Columbus #2050, Moose Lodge #1093, AmVets #777, Elks Lodge #83 where he was most recently named Elk of the year and District Citizen of the year by the Elks Fraternal Organization. Whitney was also a member of the Upper Sandusky High School Rams Boosters and Wyandot County Sportsmans Club. Whitney found pleasure in starting his day at Kroney's Restaurant with his morning friends and enjoyed helping others with their chores whether it was plowing snow, cutting firewood or getting the deer cabin ready. He always enjoyed camaraderie. When there was a task to be done, Whitney would jump right in and make it happen. He enjoyed taking friends and family on his boat to the islands of Lake Erie where they fished for perch and walleye. Whitney enjoyed playing cards, he traveled to all 50 states most recently to Alaska, the New England States, and some foreign countries. Whitney's leadership, companionship, generosity, storytelling and sense of humor will be greatly missed. A Celebration of life Service will be held Mon. June 7, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in the St. Peter Catholic Church with Father Robert Dendinger officiating. A reception will follow the service at the Upper Sandusky Elks Ballroom from 4-6:00 p.m. The family will receive friends and relatives Sun. June 6, 2010 from 1-5:00 p.m. at the Bringman Clark Funeral Home. Your invited to bring memories and stories to share. Sunday, an Elks memorial service will be held at 4:45 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society Brain Cancer Research Fund in care of Bringman Clark Funeral Home 226 East Wyandot Avenue, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.