Feb. 12, 1919 - Feb. 13, 2013
Gilbert D. Best died one day after celebrating his 94th birthday. He was one of seven children whose parents were Charles and Sadie Best. They made their home in Chico, CA., where Gil was born.
He served in the U.S. Army during WW II, as a Cannoneer Light Artillery. Additional duties included batteryman and carpenter in the 146th Field Artillery in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign. He also earned a ribbon with the Bronze Star during that time.
Upon his return home, he settled into becoming a long-time almond grower and rancher in the counties of Butte and Tehema in Northern California. He received a lot of enjoyment from being a "cowboy" on cattle drives in Lassen National Park. Upon retiring in 1991, he and his wife, Marilyn, moved to a small ranch near Bend to make their new home.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; their children, Janet Best, Ellen Soehner, Donald and Alan Best, Amy & Ted Yannello, Janice Yannello Holden; his sister, Verna Seavers of Paradise, CA; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services with Military Honors will be held Tuesday, February, 19, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Deschutes Memorial Gardens. Contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, 61170 SE 27th St., Bend, OR 97701. Please visit our website www.deschutesmemorialchapel.com to leave condolences for the family.
