SHAUN RICHARD BEST

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SHAUN RICHARD BEST June 4, 1968 - June 11, 2011 It is with shock and great sadness that we announce the sudden passing in Montreal on June 11, 2011 of our beloved Shaun Best: son, partner, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. Shaun leaves to mourn: his longtime girlfriend Denise Duguay; parents, Rick and Shirley Best; brother Mike (Jennifer); nieces, Ella and Abby; and nephew Matthew; grandmother Vi Best; as well as family from Denise's side including nieces and nephews: Sydney, Hayden, Mason, Marcus, Matthew and baby Violet; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins across Canada and many friends around the world. Shaun was born in Winnipeg on June 4, 1968, growing up in Westwood and graduating from Westwood Collegiate before going on to three years of Arts at the University of Manitoba. A self-taught photographer, he worked for the Free Press through high school and was then hired by the Winnipeg Sun. Freelancing for Reuters, specializing in sports photography - golf and hockey in particular - he moved to Montreal in 1995 and as an award-winning staff photographer, travelled and worked the world over, including the United States and countries across Europe and Asia. Shaun and Denise enjoyed travelling, especially a trip to Ireland, where his paternal grandfather, Herb Best, was born. Second to his work as a photojournalist, Shaun's greatest joy was to return home to his family, especially Matthew, Ella and Abby. No matter how widely he travelled, Shaun always made time to return to his favourite place, the family cottage at Matlock, where he will be especially missed. In keeping with Shaun's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Monday, June 20 at 2:00 p.m. in Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Drive. A memorial service will follow in Montreal, his home of the last 16 years, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 18, 2011