Ronald Best

August 3, 1956 - June 3, 2016

Ronald Edgar Best, father, step-father, grandfather, brother, son-in-law, friend, and beloved husband to Vicki passed away peacefully on June 3rd, 2016 after a courageous battle with Encephalitis. Born August 3rd, 1956 in Spokane, Washington, Ron was the firstborn son of Howard Edgar Best and Helen Louise Anderson and brother to Monte and Janet. After spending two years in California while Ron’s father worked for Union Carbide, the family returned to Spokane in 1960 to run a grocery store. In 1966, the family relocated to Seattle, WA where Ron received a degree in Economics from The University of Washington. Ron met and married Samye Cummings which prompted one final move for him - this time to Salt Lake City, Utah. He then received a second degree from The University of Utah in Architecture. Once in Salt Lake City, Ron was introduced to his new passion (chocolate) through his Mother and Father-in-Law, Paul and Marion Cummings. His career then became his focus on becoming a master chocolatier, which he enjoyed and shared with his four beautiful daughters, Chelsa, Mikelle, Allie and Annie who now run Cummings Studio Chocolates. Ron married Vicki Golledge Clark in 2001 and became a commited step father to Vicki's four children, Summer, Derrick, Sterling and Brittany. Ron was known for his generosity and ability to encourage the best in those around him. With his love for small business and his entrepreneurial skills, Ron and Vicki founded V Chocolates. Throughout his life, Ron was passionate about many things, including skiing, cooking, hunting for stray golf balls, being in the outdoors, woodworking, wild flower identification, scooter rides with grandkids, and being a treasured friend to many. He had piercing blue eyes and a big white smile. He was a committed and loving grandfather to Madeline, Makani, Izzy, Abby, Zeke, Lucy, Ruby, Hannah, Brody, Brightyn, William, and Beckham. He loved life and was kind to everyone. He will be greatly missed by all that were influenced by the sweetness he gave to everyone. A service to honor Ron’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 12:00 noon. 5565 Neighbor Ln Salt Lake City, UT 84117