In Loving Memory of Vaughn M. Best

Grand Terrace resident of 52 years, Vaughn M. Best passed away Aug. 9 at the age of 87 at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana. He was active until the last week of his life. Best started life as a farm child in the great depression, suspended his high school education for 2 years during his service in the US Navy, and went onto graduate third in his class at Western Michigan University of Kalamazoo Michigan. For Best, formal and informal self directed education was a lifelong pursuit. His employment accomplishments included: helping run the family farm and family-run Hudson Lake Hotel, the Hudson Lake Casino and Picnic Area, training women machine operators supporting WWII, serving in the United States Navy, working for Bendix Fuel Delivery System as a jet propulsion team member, working as the production manager at McDonald Douglas, Program Director for the Minuteman Missile System at STL aka TRW, Director of Training Films produced at Goldstone Tracking Station, Senior Contract Negotiator at Hughes Aircraft, and Vice President of Contracts at Kelly Space and Technology. The technology launched still travels and functions in space due in part to his management skills. Devices used by fire and rescue services are in part available because his management allowed the technology to advance and transfer into civilian uses. His recent interests and professional activities included alternative medicine, magnetic levitated high speed rail and alternative energy production. Hobbies included repairing musical instruments for local school children and schools, restoration of fine violins played by professional musicians, oil painting, growing the ever elusive perfect summer tomatoes, and cooking pan-fried breakfast potatoes. Vaughn Best is survived by his wife of 54 years, Edna Best of Grand Terrace; their daughters: Cheryl Best of Crestline, Therese Best of San Bernardino and Yvonne Best of Grand Terrace; four granddaughters: Tami Taylor, Frank'e Byma, Tara Smiley and Chevy Best; great grandchildren: Justin Taylor, Wyatt Palen, Alex Byma and Sebastian Best; and great great grandson Joshua Taylor. Proceeded by his mother Florence Mae Morley-Best, father Alva Allen Best and siblings: Grey Best, Mable Best, and Lillian Best-Jenkins. Graveside services will be held Aug. 27 at 11 a.m., at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, 92518. Assembly time is 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Heifer International or your local veterans hospital.