Thomas G. “Tom” Best, 64, died Sunday, October 11, 2009 at Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Modesto. He was born on October 26, 1944 in Oakland, CA, and was a resident of Manteca for 20 years.

He is survived by his wife Dawn Best of Manteca; daughter, Tamara Swenson and husband Neil of Manteca; siblings, Grant Best of Oregon, Miriam Avilla of Tracy, and Kathleen Kelly of Minden, Nevada; granddaughter, Samantha Swenson; many nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

Tom retired in 2002 after over 37 years as a journeyman plumber for Union Local #342. He loved trains and was building a train set in his garage. He was an avid NASCAR enthusiast. He also loved working on his Corvette. He always had a good joke to tell you.

An online guest book is available at www.plfryandson.com. Arrangements are under the direction of P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca. Visitation and final resting place will be private.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to: American Heart Association, 1212 W. Robinhood Drive #50, Stockton, CA 95207 or United Cerebral Palsy Association, 333 West Benjamin Holt, Stockton, CA 95207.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009