Sydney

It is with deep love and profound sadness that the family of George Whitfield Best announces his passing on August 18, 2025, at the age of 90. Born January 20, 1935, in Sydney, Nova Scotia, George Whitfield Best lived a long, remarkable life rooted in faith, service, and devotion to both family and community.

From the age of 10, George 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, assisting under the leadership of Father G.A. Frances, 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, and 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, George 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.

In his younger years, George was well known as a dog trainer and German Shepherd breeder, a passion sparked while working alongside veterinarian Dr. Kennedy. 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, George 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, George 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.

George’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 loving family, his church family, and the countless friends and community members whose lives he touched.

Services for the late George Whitfield Best will be announced when the arrangements are complete.

For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website.

Donations in memory of George Whitfield may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

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