Barry C. Best

GILMANTON — Barry Cabot Best passed away suddenly on Sept. 29, 2026, at Concord Hospital after a valiant battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the utmost love and appreciation with his children by his side.

Barry was a loving husband, a seasoned parent, a doting grandfather, a heartfelt brother, a loyal friend, a dedicated teacher and a master mix CD maker.

Barry was born to George and Barbara (Chick) Best where he grew up alongside his brother Lynn, in York, Maine. Together he and Lynn made their own fun — throwing jelly fish at each other, running down the beach, skipping rocks into the ocean waves, and using all their coins at the Fun-O-Rama arcade with cousins and neighborhood friends.

After graduating from York High School, Barry went on to The University of Southern Maine to study teaching. After graduating, Barry taught for two years before teaching an incredible 38 years at Belmont High, a 40-year career. Many of Mr. Best’s students spent their mornings and afternoons in his welcoming classroom.

He was a teacher who believed in everyone, especially his students that challenged others. He harnessed their energy and taught them how to make a plan and accomplish it. He was a man steadfast in his belief that everyone needed a “plan” after high school. He didn’t discriminate between the trades, higher education, or travel; and he was there to help students sort it out.

Over the course of his career, there was often a high school student at the Best kitchen table on a Saturday morning getting caught up on schoolwork or receiving some extra help and encouragement (a gift that may not be allowed these days, but had an incredible impact on those fortunate enough to be believed in by Mr. Best). He ended the Saturday sessions with a homemade breakfast and a few bucks to cover the gas.

During his early years teaching, he met the love of his life, Jan (Elliot). They shared a passion for guiding others and in the summer of 1978, they were married. They made a home in Gilmanton and welcomed three children, Jessica, Alyssa and CJ.

Barry and Jan loved to host holidays at the Best household. Barry was the master cook and Jan’s eye for table settings made for cozy gatherings.

Summers were full of camping trips throughout New England. Barry, ever the planner, would have the trips calculated to the last detail, with the car packed to the brim like a game of Tetris. When they weren’t camping, they were at Gardners Cove in Gilmanton, or by the ocean, almost always near the water.

Barry and Jan could also always be found on the sidelines of their kids' sports games, usually darting from one field to the next. Barry really leaned into the chaos of sporting events and the variety of activities his children participated in…and then needed rides to. Some would say he even liked carting Jessi, Alyssa and CJ around with all their friends in the White Whale (aka the family minivan) with a mix CD he had perfectly crafted himself.

As his children married and had children of their own, Barry and Jan settled into retired life.

Barry’s grandchildren were the light of his life and he loved them with his whole being. He was the first one through the hospital door after the birth of each grandchild, eager to hold the newest lucky one.

He loved to make his grandchildren feel special and because to Barry, food was love, that love took the form of food. Crumb cookies hand delivered for no reason, warm queso dip at every gathering, a large fresh batch of Grampa’s lemon rosemary chicken for almost every visit, or the freshest fruit, especially crisp green grapes were always on hand for all the little mouths.

He always took special care to feed everyone, not just his beloved grandchildren. He was a precise cook with an ability to make food taste like home. He was best known for his massive bowl of death by chocolate used for fundraisers within the community, and the most fought after leftovers — his beef stroganoff made from scratch.

Barry loved to travel, especially for a family trip. He was a man with a plan and an itinerary carefully crafted with a combination of fun, education and relaxation. As the years went by, he and Jan took many tropical trips to Jamaica and Aruba. After Jan passed away, Barry took a solo tour of Ireland and Scotland which re-sparked his interest in family genealogy.

As a loving husband, Barry cared for Jan as she lived with Alzheimer's and dementia. He took his vow "in sickness and health" to mean everything.

He leaves behind a legacy of students he reached, friends that became family, and family that are better off because they were loved by him. Barry will be forever missed by Jessica, Allan, Lily and Sadie Bishop of Gilmanton Iron Works; Alyssa, Benjamin, Roque and Zeke Sousa of Reading, Massachusetts; CJ, Carly and Koen Best of Campton; along with Blake Camp and Jeanne Bishop, loving extensions of the Best family.

He is predeceased by his cherished wife, Jan Best, and his adventurous brother, Lynn Best.

In lieu of flowers, the family is grateful for your support of the students of Shaker Regional School District. Donations may be made to The Barry Best Scholarship Fund, Shaker Regional School District SAU 80, Attn: Debbie Thompson, 58 School St., Belmont, NH 03220.

Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia.

Until they meet again.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.