John Best

John Richard Best 03/19/48 - 02/09/17 John passed away peacefully with his wife Susan by his side on 02/09/17. Born to Lora and James Best in Phoenix AZ, John grew up in the Redondo Beach area of CA. As a child, John enjoyed fishing with his sister Barbara, while his brothers, Jim and Rick, surfed nearby. The family spent summers at their cabin in Crestline where John fell in love with the outdoors. In 1968, while attending Jr. College, John was drafted into the Marine Corp. Due to his quest for knowledge, John was sent to the Monterey Defense Language Institute to learn the Vietnamese language. While in Vietnam, he served in an artillery unit assigned along the DMZ and saw combat as a forward observer. After serving his country, John returned to CA to finish his education He attended CSU, Chico, graduating in 1976 with a BA in psychology and received his master's degree in 1980. From 1982 to 2002, John put his degrees to use by helping adults with disabilities achieve their goals at the Work Training Center. In addition, he was proud to chair the Butte County Special Olympics. John was an active member of the Chico Elks, BPOE 423, and served as Exalted Ruler, 1994-95. He was a member of Chico Community Congregational Church and served as a Board Moderator. John met his wife Susan on a blind date and the rest is history. Once a Dodger fan, at Susan's convincing, the SF Giants became his team. John is survived by his wife, Susan Weinreich Best, son Micah Best, brothers Jim (Diane) Best, Rick (Michiko) Best, sister Barbara (Mike) Cunningham, brother-in-law, Mike Weinreich, and many nieces and nephews. John was a wonderful caring man and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Susan wishes to acknowledge Enloe Medical Center for the outstanding care given to John. We are a fortunate community to have Enloe Hospital. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to John's favorite charities: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) or The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (aspca.org). Visitation Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, 5-8:00 p.m., Brusie Funeral Home. Graveside service Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, 11:00 a.m., Glen Oaks Memorial Park, 11115 Midway, Chico. Reception following, Manzanita Place, 1705 Manzanita Ave., Chico.