Kelly's Homelike Inn
205 Third Street, Cobourg
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With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Ronald H. Best on Tuesday October 7th, 2025 peacefully at Ed’s House hospice in his 79th year. Ron was the beloved husband of Judith (nee Foss). Cherished father to Dave (Nancy), Jo-Anne Graham (Jason), Jayne Martin (Edward), Lynda McIntosh (Kevin) and Mike (Jodie). Much loved step-father to Tara Koster (Tom), Greg White (Laura), Megan Wakeford (Arend) and Scott White (Angie). Pre-deceased by his parents Horace and Majorie Best and his brother Robert Best and sister Nancy Ann Best. Treasured brother to Anne Hooey (nee Best) and uncle to Jill (Marque) and Paul (Preet).
Grandfather to Olivia Allen (Christian), Meredith and Bryar Graham, Quinton, Diem and Channing Best, Rodney Martin-Gray, Riley Martin-Gray (Alyssa), Hannah and Tessa Koster, Abigail and Sophie White, Fynn, Zoe and Scarlett Wakeford and Nolan and Charley White.
Great-Grandfather (GiGi) to Manon, Leon and Maeve Allen.
Ron’s journey began in the quiet fields of Orono, Ontario, where he was raised on the Best Family farm—a place that nurtured his love for family, and the simple joys of life. Even in his later years, after moving to Hastings, his heart remained tethered to the farm and the memories it held.
A devoted fan of the Detroit Lions, Ron cheered passionately for his team and was gifted one final victory before peacefully passing.
Above all, Ron’s greatest legacy was his unwavering love for his wife Judith and family. It was this love that surrounded him during his last week at Ed’s House Hospice, where he was cared for with tenderness and dignity.
A private family funeral service will be held for Ron on Tuesday October 21st followed by a Celebration of Life at Kelly’s Home Like Inn (Cobourg) from 4pm to 8pm where we can all raise a glass to Ron. Interment at Orono Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Ron’s family are deeply grateful to the dedicated staff and volunteers at Ed’s House hospice, whose kindness and gentle support brought peace, dignity, and comfort to Ron in his final days. Your compassion made all the difference, and we will forever hold that in our hearts. The family kindly invites those who wish to honour Ron’s life to consider a memorial donation to Ed’s House hospice in his memory.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
During our 30 years in Cobourg we enjoyed many memorable outings with Ron and family. Rest in Peace.
Fond memories of his time on Armour Crt . So sorry for his family who will deeply miss him, but he will live on in all our memories.
To the Best family Our condolences on the loss of your father. I will always remember his sparkly personality, quick whit and most of all his zest for life. I have fond memories of times at police golf tournament. He was a pleasure to be around. He will be missed!
To the Best Family…please accept our deepest condolences in the loss of your Dad. What a great guy, We have such great memories of Ron . He was so much fun to be around. Let all your great memories help you get thru this difficult time. Sending love and prayers💕
Ron was a wonderful client and friend. He was a jovial golf partner, fund raiser and hell raiser! Our condolences to you Lynda and to all your family. Be at peace in your memories of Ron and his brilliant smile.
The Best family, growing up across the street from the farm was a childhood memory I will never forget. Having long chats with Mrs Best who would always have the right answers for you and would always have an ear to just listen. When Ron and Judy moved in permanently, having afternoons in the pool swimming with the dogs while Ron watched having a cigar and a beer with the football game on! Too this day it is still “the best house” My condolences to all.
Jo-Anne and family, We're so sorry to hear about your dad. We'll certainly miss seeing him at the campground. Thinking of all of you and sending our sincere condolences. Cindy, Craig, Riley and Lauren
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
So sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. Ron was a great asset to the community when living in Cobourg. He was always fun to be around as he shared his joy for life with everyone in his presence.
Dave and Nancy, Lynda, Jayne, Jo'Anne and Mike my deepest condolences to all of you at this extremely difficult time in your lives. Cherish all your memories and surround each other with strength and support. God Bless.
My condolences to the Best family, Remembering his great personality.
Lynda & family, we are sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. May he RIP
Best family. Sad time. Ron was a Man among Men and a Boy among Boys. Have some great memories thanks to Ron.
Sorry for your loss...Ron was one of a kind...we shared a lot of good times...He will be miss..RIP buddy..
When we moved to Cobourg in 1986 Ron and his family were next door neighbours. What a character! Ron knew how to enjoy life and made sure that others did. Gone but certainly not forgotten. R.I.P. Malcolm Blackburn
Our sincere condolences to the Best family. Ron brought smiles to all he met with his welcoming personality. Will always remember Ron in his Kinsmen days and his support to the Cobourg Police Christmas events.
Lynda and family. We are so sorry for your families loss. Sending love and prayers at this very sad and difficult time. Love the Gill family
There aren’t enough great words to describe this amazing man. Soooo many laughs and such an amazing person. Golfing. Coming to Parry Sound “icefishing”. Grey Cup parties etc etc. He will be missed by EVERYONE who crossed his path. My most sincere condolences to the entire family.
Dave, Joanne, Lynda, Jayne and Mike - my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your dad. We had many great times during our Kinsmen/Kinette years. I especially remember your dad’s “industrial strength” Caesar salad. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Lynda and Jayne, so sorry for your loss.
This is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute. It paints a vivid picture of someone who was deeply rooted in family, community, and the simple joys of life, The mention of his unwavering loyalty for the Lions was also true for the Leafs, Blue Jays and golfing with his many friends and associates. His warm hospitality really brought his personality to life. I recall many gatherings at the farm where he and Judy welcomed, with open arms, all who were able to attend. My condolences to his family and closest friends.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dave, Joanne, Lynda, Jayne and Michael I am sorry to hear you have lost your Dad. I remember Ron’s love of sports, history and cars. His page two smile resonated his love of life.
My condolences to the Best family. Unfortunately I hadn’t seen Ron in a few years but I remember a jovial and terrific guy. Dave
Our Heartfelt Condolences to the Best Family...
Jo-Anne and family, We were deeply saddened to hear of your father’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the cherished memories you hold of him bring you comfort and live on forever in your hearts. Please accept our most sincere condolences. Shawn, Joanne, Emma and Sydney Tobin
Thinking of all the Best Family at this sorrowful time. Ron was a great proponent of Kinsmen, and this is when Bob and he became very close. He was best man at our wedding and his jovial bigger than life personality was always present. There will be havoc in heaven when Ron is reunited with so many of his past mates. RIP. Bob and Linda Marr
So sorry for your loss to all of you. We had many fun family times together and many great memories to cherish. Now Ron will catch up with Dave and hopefully the two of them won’t get into too much trouble up there together again! Love to you. Sandy
Jayne, Lynda and family. Sending you love and strength during this difficult time. Xo
I met Ron in the early ninety's when we were participating in one of many fund raisers. Ron always had a smile, a joke and projected a lot of warmth to those around him. My condolences to the entire family.