Michael J. Best

Michael J. Best, 54, of Ottawa Hills, died August 12, 2021 following a brief illness. Mike was born February 25, 1967, in Toledo to the late Robert and Mary (Blanchard) Best. He graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in 1985 and the University of Toledo in 1989 with an accounting degree. Following graduation, Mike began a more than 30-year career in benefits at Dana Corporation, IBM, Aon Hewitt and most recently served as Senior Director of Defined Benefit Plans at Alight Solutions. He was immensely proud of his successful career and company and developed lifelong friendships with his clients and colleagues. He had a magical childhood, spending his summers fishing, hiking, swimming, and engaging in shenanigans with his brothers at their family cottage in Blind River, Ontario. Mike had several passions, one of which was baseball. On summer nights you could often find him at a Mud Hens game – where he held season tickets for more than 25 years – chewing on sunflower seeds and listening to the Detroit Tigers on his transistor radio. Never one to eschew the finer things in life, Mike cultivated an appreciation for fancy watches and single malt scotches, of which he amassed quite a hefty collection. And the jokes! His reputation as a master joke-teller was known far and wide. They were sometimes hilarious and oftentimes corny but were always followed by his boisterous guffaw. A jovial man, Mike had a knack for bringing levity and joy to any situation. With a mind like a steel trap, his knowledge of details, facts, stats, history, and pop culture made him a master trivia contestant – often earning the coveted first place prize. But Mike’s biggest passion in life was his family. He adored his wife, Libbey and his son, Griffin was the center of his universe. He never missed an opportunity to express how dearly he loved him. He will always be remembered as a generous, thoughtful, and loving father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Libbey; beloved son, Griffin; brothers, Bob (Heidi) and Tim (Sara) Best; Parents-in-Law, Chey and Archie Call; nieces and nephews, Alec, Noah, Nick, Maggie, and Hannah Best; and countless friends who will also deeply miss Mike’s powerful and uplifting presence. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. concluding with a Farewell Scotch Toast at 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at Gesu Catholic Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd., Toledo, where additional visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Committal will be private. Contributions in Mike’s name are suggested, in lieu of flowers, to St. Francis de Sales High School.