Obituary
David Bruce BEST, a long-time resident of Edson, passed away at the Edson Health Care Centre on Thursday, August 05, 2021, following a short illness. He was 74.
Bruce was born in Glace Bay, N.S. to Thomas and Verna BEST. There he honed his skills in hockey, baseball and fishing which he continued to enjoy later in life. He also found his love of horses at the small farm on the street he grew up on. He was a Queen Scout.
Following high school Bruce went to Corner Brook NFLD where he earned a certificate in paper making at the Bowater’s Pulp and Paper mill. Not satisfied with that he went on to his true calling and enlisted in the R.C.M.P. in April 1968. Following his training he went on to postings in Ottawa, Three Hills, Provost, Ponoka, Foremost, Rocky Mountain House, Elk Point and finally Edson, where he retired with 35 years of Service retiring as a Staff Sergeant in charge of Edson Detachment in April 2003. He retired from the RCMP but did not retire from work. Bruce started line locating in the oilfield servicing sector until 2021.
It was during his time in Ottawa where he met the love of his life Joanne WAINWRIGHT and married in 1970. Besides his parents he was predeceased by Joanne in 2014 and his brother Fred in April 2021. He is survived by his two loving daughters Trisha, of Revelstoke B.C. and Jodie (Matt), of Edson, a sister Judith and brother Terry.
In his many years in Alberta, he spent his time with Family and friends back country camping with the horses, particularly in the Cadomin area, continued playing hockey, baseball, fishing and took up golf and skiing. He supported both his girls in whatever sport they took up, any way he could.
What makes a man. The internet says it has to do with being there for someone, offering loyalty and support, being a good friend to both men and women, having a sense of humor and perspective on life are really important. He needs to be compassionate, unwaveringly loyal to family and a willingness to stand up for what is right, endure pain or hardships without showing his feelings or complaining. Bruce was all that and more. He had a warm smile and smart wit; he was tough but fair and a great mediator at home. He let his children make mistakes without telling them he told you so. Bruce was a great friend to many and a good friend to all. He loved all animals. He went hunting one time and encountered a deer caught in a fence. He put his rifle down and went and released the animal. Bruce loved his old cars but mostly Mopar products becoming good friends at the local Chrysler dealership. He was a Royal Canadian Legion member for 35 years and was an adherent to Anglican Church where he was a Lay-Reader.
The family would like to thank Dr. ZDRIIL, Dr. KRUGER, Nurses and Staff at the Edson Health Care Centre for their care and support during his brief time in hospital.
Respecting Bruce’s wishes there will be no service. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date. Those who wish to remember him can do so by making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, the SPCA, the Huntington’s Society or a charity of one’s choice.
To send flowers to David’s family, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of David Bruce Best January 18 1947 August 5 2021 (age 74)..
Death notice for the town of: Edson, Province: Alberta