Lynn Darcy Best

LYNN D. BEST

Lynn D. Best, 73, of North Berwick, passed away at his home on Monday, May 27th, 2024, of pulmonary fibrosis, in the loving presence of his beloved family.

Lynn was born on April 9, 1951, in York, Maine, to the late George A. and Barbara M. (Chick) Best.  Lynn was raised in York Beach, Maine, graduating in 1970 from York High School.  He received his associate degree in drafting from New Hampshire Technical College in 1972.

Lynn married Bonnie Austin in June 1987; they have resided in North Berwick since 1996, building their home on family land.

Lynn was employed in the natural gas industry from 1972 until his retirement; first with Northern Utilities, starting as a draftsman in the maps and records department, advancing to construction supervisor, then technical trainer; he then became the superintendent of Granite State Gas, supervising the operation and maintenance of natural gas pipelines from Massachusetts to the Canadian border.  Lynn continued his natural gas career working as a construction manager for Hawkeye Construction, then as a technical trainer for the Northeast Gas Association.  Lynn joined Unitil as a senior gas engineering technician in 2006, retiring in 2017.   

Lynn is survived by his wife of 37 years, Bonnie (Austin) Best; his daughters, Jolene D. Best and her fiancé Brian Neilsen of North Berwick, and Kelsey B. Morin and her husband Edmond Morin III of Lee, ME; his brother, Barry Best, of Gilmanton, NH; and several nieces and nephews.  Lynn was predeceased by sisters-in-laws Janice Best and Linda Ridlon, and brother-in-law Wesley Ridlon, Jr.  Lynn was blessed with a grandson, Gregory Morin, in February 2023; an addition which brought great joy to him during his difficult illness.

Lynn enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, ATVing, and going on canoe camping trips.  He especially enjoyed his annual spring fishing trips to the Allagash in Northern Maine with his fishing buddies. He treasured time at his camp on Worthley Pond in Peru, ME with his family and friends; where he could be seen early in the morning trolling the waters in his beloved Scott freighter canoe, fishing for rainbow and brook trout.

Lynn was a devoted family man and a true friend to many; he will be greatly missed.

Visiting hours will be held from 10 to 12, followed by a service at noon, on Saturday, June 1st, at the First Congregational Church, 15 High Street, North Berwick.  A light lunch will be provided in the church hall following the service. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation; either online at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or mailed to 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611.  The PFF is an organization devoted to accelerating the development of new treatments and ultimately a cure for pulmonary fibrosis.   Arrangements are entrusted to the Johnson Funeral Home, North Berwick.  Condolences may be expressed at www.JohnsonFuneralHomeME.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lynn Darcy Best, please visit our floral store.