Gerald Guy Best, 66, of Emily Place, Claremont, NH died peacefully at his home Wednesday afternoon, April 20, 2011, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Windsor, VT on July 24, 1944 the son of Floyd Hough and Madeline Nellie (Coombs) Best.
Second only to his family was his job at Costa Precision Manufacturing, where he had dedicated 38 years as a sales associate.
His passion was his family especially his seven grandchildren who called him Bumpa, he enjoyed every moment he spent with them.
He enjoyed hunting in Hartland, VT with his son, grandson and son-in-law.
Gerry loved the ocean and spending time with his wife at Wells Beach, Maine and sitting on the rocks over looking Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine.
He was dedicated to helping advance future treatment of leukemia and received special recognition for his efforts from Bristol-Meyers Squibb.
On January 8, 2008 he received a stem cell transplant from Kevin Ireland whom he met for the first time last fall at Fenway Park.
The family includes is wife, Carole A. (Jacob) Best who he married on September 9, 1964; two daughters, Janice Dow and her husband, Mark Dow of Hartland, VT, Laurie Fitzherbert and her husband, Dewaine of Springfield, VT; one son, Gerald Best II and his wife, Denise of Charlestown; seven grandchildren, Meghan Wilson, Katelyn Wilson, Jacob Wilson, Jaymie Dow, Jody Dow, Lindsey Best, Hannah Best; two brothers, Gordon Best of Windsor, VT and Robert Best of Hartford, VT.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, April 25th from 6-8 PM at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday, April 26th at 11:30 in the morning, with Rev. Father Shawn M. Therrien, Pastor officiating. Burial will be held at a late date in Hartland Village Cemetery, Hartland, VT.
The family suggests that donations may be made in his memory to Connecticut Valley Home Care, 958 John Stark Highway, Newport, NH 03773 or to Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Amy Schrom, Office of Development, Hinman 7070, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756-0001.