Thomas Best, 78, of Yucaipa, California, formerly of Worcester, died at home surrounded by his family on Monday, August 30, 2010 after a long illness.

    Mr. Best was pre-deceased by his wife, Minnie (Murphy) Best in 1995, three brothers, James, John, Robert and his sister Sadie, all of Scotland. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, son of Thomas and Minnie (Miller) Best and lived in Glasgow before coming to Worcester in 1968.

    Thomas and his family immigrated to Johannesburg, South Africa in 1964 and then came to the United States in 1968. He was a turner/machinist by trade and worked for the former Rice Barton Company and Morgan Construction, both of Worcester. Thomas moved to California in 1983 and retired from General Electric in Ontario, California in 1990.

    Thomas traveled extensively throughout the world and the States. He was an avid golfer, champion lawn bowler, gardener, and reader. Mr. Best loved to share his passion for all things Scottish.

    He leaves behind his eight children, Ann Cove and her husband John of Grafton, Alice Schreiner and her husband Michael of Worcester, Irene Best of Worcester and her fiancee, Rick Verity of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kathleen Chapalonis and her husband Paul of Holland, Theresa Holohan and her husband Michael of Holden, Thomas Best and his wife Brandy of San Diego, CA, Mary Hathaway and her husband Michael of Worcester, John Best and his wife Elizabeth of Milton, one sister Theresa Bainbridge of Oakville, Ontario Canada, and his fourteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends.

    After cremation, a Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, Sept. 4th at 11 a.m. in St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 929 Main St., Worcester. Private entombment will be at the convenience of the family in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. There are no calling hours.