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