Thomas Best

BEST Thomas 'Tom' It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Tom Best, Jr. of Petty Harbour on March 31, 2020. Tom is predeceased by his mother Gladys and father Tom, Sr., brothers Calvin and Cluney, and special uncles Arnold Chafe, Harold Chafe and Cyril Best. His life and legacy are cherished by his wife Lynn (Ansara) and their daughter Allison (Jeff Stanley), daughters Leslie Ann (Colin Boyd), Kelly, Christa (George Chaulk), Holly and their mother Betty Best. Tom was the proud grandfather of Justin Rockwood (Cassie), Jonathan Best, Taylor Best, Abigail Aylward, and great-grandfather to Abel and Annabelle Rockwood. He will be forever loved by his sisters Catriona Colthart and Barbara Everard, his brothers Reg Best (Cora), Perry, and Floyd (Lynn), brother-in-law Mark Ansara (Michelle), uncle Frank Chafe, and a loving family of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Tom was grateful for the friendship and love of his little neighbours Lucy, Adelaide and Wyatt Burridge. Tom was a fiercely proud inshore fish harvester who dedicated his life’s work to advocating for sustainable fisheries and communities. He chaired the Petty Harbour Fishermen’s Committee for many years and was the founding president of the Petty Harbour Fishermen's Co-operative, serving as President for most of the past 36 years. Tom served on multiple local and national committees related to the fishing industry and was privileged to support others around the globe in their quest for sustainable fisheries and co-operative development. In 2012 he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal. Tom will be missed by his friends on the waterfront sheds in Petty Harbour, with whom he shared a special bond. We offer our gratitude and thanks to the health care workers in Community Health, the Bliss Murphy Cancer Clinic, and the Palliative Care Unit. Details on funeral service and a memorial scholarship for fisheries management will be announced. The family and staff of Barrett’s Funeral Home encourage people to post their condolences, share photos, and tributes by visiting the online memorial guestbook at www.barretts.ca “When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.” - HW Longfellow