POLAND — Philip Eugene Best of Poland, formerly of Cumberland and Greeley, Colo., passed on Sunday, Dec.18, at the home of his daughter among family.

Phil was born Feb.14, 1936, in Rifle, Colo., the son of Archie and Hallie Hawkins Best, and grew up with 10 siblings.

In 1954, he graduated high school in Greeley, Colo., and went right into the Navy. He made the Navy his career, stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Japan, among other duty stations. Phil retired from active duty in 1974, and spent the next 10 years in the Naval Reserve. Phil later worked for the town of Cumberland. He also operated his own business, Strictly Mowing. Phil enjoyed woodworking and was a skilled furniture maker. He was also always ready for a game of cribbage. In his later years, he often went to Denny’s for breakfast and camaraderie. Phil married Jeanne Shea in 1964. She predeceased him in 1994.

Phil is survived by a brother, Ernie Best of Missouri; two daughters, Pam and Jake Heffernan, of New Gloucester and Phyllis Best and her partner, Mark Zinninger, of Poland; a son, John Best of Mechanic Falls; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a dear friend, Julie Austin.

The family would like to thank his many caregivers, Barb, Pam, Cheryl and Erica from America, everyone at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, Betty Brown, his hospice nurse and dear friend, as well as the people from Pine Tree Home Health Care, especially Casey, James F., Pie and Amanda.