Valin G. Best

TROY, NY: Valin G, Best 73, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010, Born in Virginia on Jan 9, 1937, he was the son of the late Lt. Cmdr. Valin Grandy Best, USCG and Mabel Salter Best and grandson of Fannie May Hudgins Salter, the last woman light house keeper in the US at the USCG Turkey Point Lighthouse in MD. A graduate of North East, MD High School, Mr. Best continued his education and was the holder of three academic degrees, an associates in electronics, bachelors in business/economics, and a master's in media. He enjoyed an active work career, working in the oil fields of Venezuela, at Launch Control at the Kennedy Space Center Power Plants, and during startups for Westinghouse Corp. in CA. and the Princeton University Cold Fusion Project. He was a member of the Brevard County, Fl Democratic Executive Committee, Brevard Geneaology Society, and Past President of the Rollins College Alumni Association. Survivors include his beloved wife, Joan A. Robertson of Merritt Island, Fl., his daughter Victoria Ron Lynam of Bear, DE., Grandchildren Madison and Olivia Lynam, step children Debbie, David, Susan, Rich, Lisa and the late Stephen: thirteen step grandchildren and 1 step great grandson, his half sister Stella Best Grubb. In addition to his parents, Valin was predeceased by his wife, Vida Emma Cochran Best. A memorial service to celebrate Valin's life will be held on Jan. 23, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Hart's Cemetery.