Sydney
It is with deep love and a profound sadness that we the family of George Whitfield Best announce the passing of our beloved dad on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the age of 90. Born January 20, 1935, in Sydney. Whitfield lived a long, remarkable life rooted in faith, service, and devotion to both family and community.
Born into the church family in 1935, and from the age of 10, Whitfield found his spiritual home at St. Philip’s African Orthodox Church, where he faithfully served on the Altar from 1945 until his passing in 2025. For eight decades, he dedicated himself to the service of God and community, assisting under the leadership of Father G.A. Francis, Patriarch V.M. Waterman, Reverend Mother P.M. Marsh-Jarvis and most recently mentoring Pastor Rose Gaynair. His commitment to his church family was unwavering; Sundays on the Altar were sacred to him, he rarely missed a single service. His craftsmanship can still be seen in the church today, a testament to both his faith and his skilled hands.
Beyond his devotion to the church, Whitfield lived a life of community service and leadership. He served proudly in the Canadian Armed Forces in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He gave his time to several boards, including the Whitney Credit Union, the SPCA Sydney, the Nova Scotia Parole Board, and Habitat for Humanity, where he shared his voice, his wisdom, and his commitment to building stronger communities. He was also one of the founding members of the Menelik Hall in Whitney Pier that continues to serve many community needs.
In his younger years, Whitfield was well known as a dog trainer and German Shepherd breeder, a passion sparked while working alongside veterinarian Dr. Kennedy Sr. His love for animals was lifelong and deeply rooted.
He was also active in political life, serving as a campaign manager for Paul MacEwen for both the NDP and Liberal parties, and he remained a proud and engaged supporter of the Liberal Party through the years.
A man of many talents, Whitfield worked as a television repairman in the 1970s and later pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by founding Whit’s Hot Sauce and Seasoning, a creation that delighted many. His skills as a Master Craftsman left a legacy not only in his church but also in the many projects he completed with care and precision.
Outside of work and service, Whitfield found joy in simple pleasures—watching the Toronto Blue Jays, enjoying the intensity of bare-knuckle fighting and martial arts, and cherishing time with his family, who were always the center of his world.
Whitfield is survived by his four loving and devoted children, Kimberley G. Best (Joe Jessome), Whitfield H. Best (Sandra George), Robert C. Best, Cheryl L. Butler-Berkeley (Mark Berkeley) and siblings, Audrey Pyles (Warren), Philadelphia, PA, and Erwin and Marvin Best, Sydney. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him endless pride and joy. His memory will live on in their hearts and in the stories and lessons he passed down through the generations.
Whitfield was predeceased by his parents, Harold C. Best and Millicent G. (Atkins) Best, siblings, Germaine (Best) Bodkin, Samuel Best, Catherine Best and his grand-daughter, Kendall Best, who held a special place in his heart as the first one to call him Poppy.
Whitfield’s life was defined by faith, family, hard work, and generosity. He was a man who gave of himself tirelessly, whose presence was a constant source of strength, and whose memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.
He will be deeply missed by his family, his church community, and the countless friends and neighbors whose lives he touched. If you knew him, you knew the smile.
“If you knew him, you knew the smile”.
Visitation for the late George Whitfield Best will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025. Memorial Mass will be celebrated in St. Philips African Orthodox Church, Whitney Pier on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Rose Gaynair officiating. Interment will take place Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney.
For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website.
Click Here: https://www.facebook.com/35925689617/live/
Donations in memory of George Whitfield may be made to St. Philip’s African Orthodox Church.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
We are deeply sorry for the loss of such a genuine gentleman! Whitfield had a one of a kind personality. His smile never failed to brighten your path.Besides knowing him through our group of Inspirational Singers, we remember him from the church,and he was also our neighbour on Weidner Dr.Rest in peace true and faithful servant.
From: Joan C Macintosh
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Whitfield (Godfather), a truly respected member of the community and a man of unwavering faith. His life was a testament to kindness, integrity, and spiritual strength. He touched the lives of so many with his wisdom, humility, and dedication to serving others.
In this time of loss, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones. May you find comfort in the lasting impact he made, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.
His presence will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
With deepest sympathy. Vivian & family
Sincere condolences on your loss. He was a fine man. I enjoyed meeting him!
From: Theresa Johnstone
My deepest condolences to the Best family on the passing of Whitfield.
I always enjoyed our friendship over the years especially his updates of the Pier whenever I happened to be visiting my home. A tremendous loss to St Philip’s Parish. May he rest in peace.
From: John Hawrylak
The Best Family
I was very saddened to hear of Whitfield passing. I regarded him as a dear friend, always so very helpful in matters related to the church as a great support to Mother Phyllis who I also regarded as a dear friend. His unwavering support to the church will enduring. He will be very much missed.
From: Bruna DiSano
My condolences in the loss of your dad.
From: Eileen Flynn
My thoughts and most sincere sympathies are extended to all. Our community has lost someone very special. Fly high Whit.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Deepest condolences on the loss of this wonderful man. We enjoyed many a laugh with him during family celebrations in our home. Rest in peace dear Whit.
Allan and Julia Townsend
❤️❤️❤️❤️ We sure did my Sister xo
Rena; Ray; Kate; CJ and Kal.
Sad to hear about Whitfield’s passing, he was a very nice man. Condolences to his family and friends.
Dear Kim and family, we want to send you our sincerest condolences. He was such a lovely man; may he Rest In Peace.
Too All Family and Friends of Whit’s.
He was out neighbour for years on Weediner Drive.
Whit was one of the finest and kindest man I have ever known.
Was a great pleasure to have known him
I just spoke to him briefly at the Pier Clinic and I got a HUGE smile from him. My deepest condolenses on your loss. You have a community grieving with you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry & Sandra Hrynick
My deepest condolences to the family and may your soul rest in eternal peace. Rest easy Whitfield
My condolences to Kim and family of Whitfield, grant eternal rest to Mr Best, may you rest in peace.
Tandea and I send our sincere condolences to Kim Whit and Rob
Sending my deepest heartfelt condolences in this awful time. Whitfield was a great man and I am proud to say I knew him. Sending love to all..
Deepest condolences to all family
So sorry for your family and our community’s loss. Whitfield was a true gentleman, always with a friendly smile. Keeping all those who will dearly miss him in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerest condolences to Whitfield’s family on their loss at this sad & most difficult time.
Sending prayers & kindest regards to his families on their loss . May Whitfield RIP
Sincerest condolences to Whitfield’s family on their loss at this sad & most difficult time.
Sending prayers & kindest regards to his families on their loss . May Whitfield RIP
My sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to all of Whitfields family, friends and all who loved him. God bless. May he Rest in Peace knowing he was loved and respected.
Karen Andrea-Crocker
Danny Andrea
My sincere condolences to the whole family . Thoughts and prayers are with you all
Deepest Sympathy from the Rozicki Children: Eddie , Francis and Helen. We loved Whit and he used to drive me (Helen) and Kim to our Hockeys Practices. RIP my friend you will be missed.
Very sorry for your loss. I remember my dad and Mr. Best trading TV parts on the weekends.
My deepest condolences to Whitfield Best’s family and friends , he was a great man. R.I.P. Whitfield. 💔💔🙏😇
My deepest condolences to the Best Family on the loss of your father. May he Rest In Peace.
So very sad to hear that this fine gentleman has died. My sincere condolences to his family and everyone who had the privilege to know him. RIP 🙏
My condolences to Kim and family, Mr.Best , rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord
Kim I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad.
My deepest condolences to the family
Whitfield was an absolute gentleman with a smile that could light up a room and may he Rest In Eternal Peace
My condolences to all of his family. I remember him coming to our house as a kid to fix the TV. I was always happy to run into him, he was such a lovely person.
My deepest condolences to the Best’s and extended families on the passing of Whitfield. May he rest in eternal peace.
A good friend to all – always loved bumping into Whitfield in the Marketplace 💔❤️
Deepest sympathy💐 to all family & friends, 💐💐he will be missed. 💔
Doddy & Bobby
Sending my deepest condolences at this time. Whitfield was a great man always smiling . He will be truly missed by all .
To his family and friends …Deepest condolences thoughts and prayers to all …To know him was to love him a true gentlemen indeed…He certainly will be missed HE was a great family friend to the Burt family Sherry ..Wendy ..SCOTT ..Tracey ,,,Brent and TREVOR…May he rest in peace
My condolences to Kim and family. May he Rest in Peace
Our deepest condolences to the family. May he Rest in Peace.
Kim and family I truely sorry for your loss my sincere condolences to you all
Kim: my deepest condolences to you and the rest of your family members.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Our deepest condolences to Whitfield’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Our Family want to express our sincere condolences in the loss of your loved one. whitfield was a true gentleman who always had a warm smile for you. Our community is grieving his loss RIP Whitfield
Kim and family:
Our sincere and deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad.
A lovely man who loved his community and family.
Dave, Mary French and family
Wit worked at the steel plant and drove heavy equipment for me. He was one of the best operators in his department. Along with that he was a great friend always smiling and sooo easy to get along with.
Rest in piece my friend as no one deserves it more than you do.
My deepest Condolences to the family.
He was a long time friend and will be missed by all who knew him.
We The MacPherson’s are very sad to say goodbye to our wonderful neighbor and friend. We only met in the last few years after moving to the neighborhood but we held him with great respect and Kindness.
Stella MacPherson and Family Weidner Dr.
My condolences to all of Whit’s family. I was fortunate enough to share many good times with him and enjoy his sense of humour.He will be missed in the Community as well as at St.Phillips Church . He was a bright light and a Faithful Servant. Hugs going out to all of you.
I understand that words cannot take away your grief. However, as you grieve the loss of your Dad, please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I wish you the kind of peace that brings you comfort, courage to face the sad and difficult days, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. I am truly sorry for your loss I used to enjoy our chats when he would come into Stephens building Supplies and at one time we all lived on Weidner Drive. He was a true gentleman.
Sending condolences to Whitfield’s family and friends,hé was a kind and generous neighbour .Fly high with the angels Mr Best,you have earned your wings….
Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time…..
My condolences to all of Whit’s family. Whit was a great friend of mine and the family who helped us often. He will be missed.
May he rest in peace.
Carol and the family.
Kim & family: so very sorry for your loss
Rita & Paul Orychock
To the Best family, our sincere sympathy on Whitfield’s passing. He was a true gentleman, always with a big smile when we would meet. He truly was a good man and a good friend to our family. May you find comfort in your many memories and may he rest in peace.
My heartfelt condolences to all the family of the late Whitfield Best. Whit was a wonderful person I remember him coming to our home to fix the TV. He also showed me how fix a rubber tree plant. I’ve been in his company many times. R.I.P. Whit you will be greatly missed.
To Whit s family, please accept my condolences. He was a pleasant man and always had a nice word.
Hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences. A man of faith, service, and unwavering devotion, Whitfield touched countless lives through his work, his community, and his church family at St. Philip’s African Orthodox Church, where he served faithfully for eight decades.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and strength that will never be forgotten. To his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who mourn his loss — may you find comfort in the many memories and the light he brought into this world.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Kim, Whit, Robert and Cheryl & families please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences.
Whitfield was a gentleman and the kindest man you would ever meet. Every time I seen him he always had a beautiful smile and gave a laugh.
Rest Easy “Mr. Best”you will be truly missed and loved🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾❤️
My sincere condolences to the entire Best family. May he rest in peace.
Kim, whit and Robert and Cheryl. So sorry for the loss of your father. He was always smiling and a good neighbor and friend. He helped build my first back deck. He will be missed. May his memories make you smile when you think of him
Our sincere condolences to Mr.Best’s family. We will miss him greatly as a neighbour and friend. Whitfield would often send over rhubarb, his famous hot sauce and one time a fruit bowl that he hand crafted himself, he truly was so thoughtful. We will miss his smile, his stories, and a small wave from across the street very much. May he rest in peace. ❤️
Kim and Family members
Your dad was so pleasant to be around , always had a smile on his face . He bought our first starter home from us when our family started to expand and I would see him often when he would stop by Canadian Tire to shop and have a quick chat with Kim . Stay strong for one another and know that many people are praying and thinking of you at this difficult time .
Brian and Mary (Baldwin) Campbell
Our Deepest condolence our thoughts and prayers are with Whitfield and his family May he RIP
Condolences to the Best family and friends…our community is getting smaller and smaller as we lose some good people…Rest In Peace and God Bless..
My deepest condolences to the family
To Kim and family I’m truly saddened to hear of Whitfield’s passing. I remember him as a kind gentle man always with a smile for everyone. May you find peace and comfort in shared memories of him.
To the Best family, my sincere condolences. May memories of earlier times comfort you all during this difficult time and his memory be a blessing. Rest in eternal peace.
To Marvin and the Best family, I’m sorry to hear of Whitfield’s passing
Condolences to the entire family… my sister and I attended university in Sydney and lived with the Watermans. We were introduced to Mr. Whitfield and his family. We were met with kindness and love. Condolences to the entire family all the way from the Turks and Caicos islands.
My sincere condolences to all the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.
To Kim and family so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. A true gentleman always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rip Whitfield.
Sincere condolences to all families on the passing of Whitfield. He was a loyal member and served his community well throughout his lifetime.
May he rest in Peace.
My sincere condolences on the passing of your father. May his memories be a blessing and offer solace.
Deepest condolences to all of Whits family and friends,Kenny and i are so sorry for your loss he was a lovely man,he will be missed.Hugs to all.
Whitfield will be remembered for his guidance in the St. Philip church and the community. May he rest in peace.
Our condolences 2 the best family, at this very sad time. He was a well respected man in the community, may he rest in peace. From the arthur family.
My deep sadness for the lost of special Whitfield Best who was close to my dad the late Rev. George A. Francis former head clergy of St. Philip’s AOC. He and my dad and mom and our family were close. God Bless and rest his soul.
Our Deepest Condolences to the Best Family and Friends…Whitfield was a true Gentlemen and well liked man …May he rest in peace ..
My condolences to Whitfield’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.
To Whitfield, Robert and Kim my deepest condolences on your Fathers passing, He was always nice and kind to me, A good man, may he rest in peace.
Kim, Whit ,Robert & Cheryl
My condolences to you and your families on the passing of your dad.
Whitfield will live on through each of you.
God Bless.
My deepest condolences to all the family. Whit will be greatly missed
My sincere condolences to Whitfield’s children, family members and loved ones. You all have a lifetime of memories in your heart 💜
Elizabeth Emond
our sincere condolences to the entire Best family. our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.. Rest in peace Whitfield.
The Toussaint Family