Obituary of Dr. Michael John Best

It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of Michael Best at the age of 76. Cherished husband of Patti (Creagen), they enjoyed 30 loving and devoted years together. He was born in Toronto, predeceased by his parents John and Winnifred Best. He is survived by his loving sister Cathie (Don) Carter and cousins Anne Hilmer and Betsy McDonald, nephews Ian (Chrissie) and Colin (Heather) Carter. He will be lovingly remembered by Zheng Zheng Zhou (Charlie Bai), Julia Huang, and Karen (Van) Tu, each of which he always considered his own children. A warm and loving Grampy to Michael, Mellissa, Meaghan and Victor. He will be remembered warmly by a multitude of graduate students throughout the world with whom he continued friendships after graduating.

Michael had a distinguished 40-year academic career within the Combinatorics and Optimization Department in the Mathematics faculty at the University of Waterloo. Michael earned two degrees from the University of Waterloo and another two from the University of California Berkeley, including a doctorate. He authored many research papers and wrote three graduate level textbooks. He particularly enjoyed international teaching in China, Italy, and Kuwait. He will be fondly remembered by a multitude of students for the obligatory cookie break in his classes. He loved woodworking, making stained glass lamps, and playing his baby grand piano in the evenings to entertain Patti.

Special thanks to the doctors and medical personnel at Grand River Cancer Center for making his journey a comfortable one.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Thursday, November 18 from 1-2 pm with the service following in the funeral home chapel at 2 pm. A reception will follow the service in the Fireside Room of the funeral home. Relatives and friends must register (RSVP) at www.erbgood.com or by calling the funeral home at 519-745-8445.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Pet Patrol, a cat rescue organization serving the Kitchener-Waterloo region may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.