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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Best, Jack Arnold
Jack Arnold Best, 62, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, in his home after a short illness. A memorial service will be held at Teahen Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 1 p.m. Friends may visit at the funeral home Thursday after 12:30 p.m. The Rev. Joe Kane will preside.
Jack was born Aug. 4, 1947, in North Carolina. Jack was the son of Jack W. Best and Myrtle Best.
Survivors include his daughter, Amanda Best of California; his mother, Myrtle Best of Elizabeth City, N.C.; his sister, Linda Curtis of Raleigh, N.C.; and his two nephews, Thomas Cherry and wife Becky of Pennsylvania and Joseph Neizer of Raleigh, N.C.
Jack was preceded in death by his father, Jack Wallace Best in 2003; and his son, Christopher Best in 1987.
Jack received his undergraduate degree and Ph.D. in chemistry from North Carolina State University. Jack worked at BASF, retiring in 2003 after working for BASF for 30 years. He traveled extensively for BASF, including China, where he purchased paintings which are on display at Jiamen restaurant in Cedar Rapids.
Jack was extremely generous. He had a tree planted at Ellis Golf Course for his friend, Gary Schirm. He also gave one of his favorite golf pictures to Dustin Miller, golf pro at Ellis Golf Course. Jack was very competitive. He liked to play golf and bowl for small wagers. Just ask his many friends he knew at Ellis Golf Course.
Jack loved to listen to Rush Limbaugh. He carried a small radio on the golf course and at the bowling alley so he could listen to Rush. In retirement, Jack enjoyed golfing, reading, photography, nature, music, feeding the birds, his wildflowers and yard. One of Jack's favorite sayings was “Life is good.”
The family and friends wish to extend a special thanks to Home Instead Senior Care and Mercy Hospice for the loving and compassionate care they gave Jack. He enjoyed being in his house sitting in his chair smoking his pipe and being around nature.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mercy Hospice which took great care of Jack at the end of his life.
Condolences may be left for the family at
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