Wayne R. Best

Wayne R. Best, 59, passed away suddenly at his home in Waterville, OH, on May 10. He was born in Columbus, OH, to Dorothy H. and Donald O. Best on March 22, 1963.

Wayne grew up in Columbus and Hebron, OH, where he excelled in athletics at Lakewood High School, setting records for high hurdles in track and playing quarterback. Wayne studied math and electrical engineering at The Ohio State University where his love for the Buckeyes deepened. He was an ardent contributor to Eleven Warriors and maintained a closet full of scarlet and gray wear, including a pair of receiver gloves he wore as he nervously watched the Bucks play on TV.

Joining his father’s business, The Best Insurance Agency, was a unique experience to work alongside his dad and enjoy a deeper relationship. Both were natural salespeople. Wayne had an enviable gift of striking up conversations and making connections with anyone, and he continued working in the insurance industry for many years.

Boating, skiing, golfing, and relaxing with friends and family on and around Buckeye Lake were some of Wayne’s favorite pastimes. His family loved sharing these times with him, especially when he had a good golf outing as spirits were high. You could often find him captaining a boat full of family members crooning country songs loudly and out of tune.

Aside from Wayne’s quick wit and natural ease with people, he is best remembered for his sense of humor. He was an infinite jester, quoting funny movie lines from his favorites (Caddyshack and The Pink Panther) and keenly observing the absurdities of life. He was endlessly entertaining and a joy to be with, an avuncular winking comic. In the immortal words of Carl Spackler, ``He had that going for him, which is nice.”

Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved father, Don Best. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Best, of Toledo; sister, Karen (Bruce) Schoenberger, of Ottawa Hills; and brother, John Best of Columbus. Nephews Scott (Vivi) Schoenberger and Aaron Best survive as do nieces Nikki (Chris) Schoenberger Sala and Rachel (Daniel) Klamo.

Friends may call at The Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH 43623 (419-841-2422) on Saturday, June 18 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Services will be private. Online condolences may be made: walkerfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be made to Metroparks Toledo Foundation; 5100 W Central Avenue, Suite A; Toledo, Ohio 43615