Luke Best Jr., 84
Luke Best Jr., 84, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away early on June 4, 2010, at Kootenai Memorial Center. He was born on March 3, 1926, in Spokane to Luke Best Sr. and S. Frances Best (Banta).
Luke served in the Air Force and was honorably discharged. He attended Washington State University for his degree in agriculture. He then became a farmer and soil conservationist in St. John, Wash.
He married his beautiful wife, Joyce Best (Spuler), and they subsequently had a son, David Best, and a daughter, Vicki. They later moved to Selah, Wash., and after their children were out of school, moved to Coeur d’Alene. Luke was active in the Lions Club in Selah and Coeur d’Alene, and was a Legionnaire. He continued to farm until fairly late in life and in his leisure time he enjoyed boating, gardening and RV traveling.
Luke’s son, David, preceded his mother, Joyce and father, Luke, in death in 2000. His wife, Joyce Best, passed away on May 29, 2009.
Luke is survived by his daughter, Vicki Scott (Best), who lives with her husband, Brad Scott, and their children in Tacoma, Wash.; his daughter-in-law, Jean Best of Bothell, Wash.; Glen Best, Luke’s brother, and his wife, Loret of Spokane, Wash., and Elinor Best of Cheney, Wash. His grandchildren: Lauren Best of Kent, Wash., Drew Best of Bothell, Tori Scott and Adam Scott of Tacoma, Wash. Nieces and nephews include: Connie Lattin (Best), Glenna Van Allen (Best) and Frank Best.
In their final years, Luke and Joyce lived at the Loyalton in Coeur d’Alene, where they enjoyed getting to know other residents and the friendly and caring staff there. Luke will be remembered for his love for his wife, children and grandchildren and his easy manner and fun sense of humor. We will miss him immensely.
Please send memorials to the Senior Center of Coeur d’Alene. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 18, 2010, at Spokane Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with a reception to follow.
Please visit Luke’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.