Susan Meredith Best was born on July 11, 1945. She and her younger brother, Jock grew up in Montreal where her mother was a librarian and her father a banker.  She attended McGill University where she met and married Richard West in 1968.  Her marriage was short lived. She graduated as a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery in 1969. She practiced medicine and also studied various medical specialties in Quebec and Ontario until her move to Vancouver in 1981.

The practice of medicine was central to her life. She loved family practice as well her studies and practice in addictions. Her intelligence, curiosity, energy and empathy combined with her generosity and a genuine depth of caring served her well as a doctor and a friend. She was fiercely committed to her patients and continued to make house calls long after they became a thing of the past. Susan saved lives!

Her life was enriched by her loving union with Lynne and later even more fulfilled when they became David’s foster parents. AA was a focal point in their lives. They were active members for decades and at the time of her passing Susan was 39 years sober.

Susan and Lynne ‘s home in Maple Ridge was a hub for eclectic groups of people. Their gatherings were loud with laughter and filled with fun and food. Susan loved to cook and often commandeered friends for sous chef duties. Her special hamburger soup was said to have healing properties!

Susan also loved animals and lived with a canine companion throughout her lifetime.

Sadly, Susan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014 and after Lynne’s death in 2015 her cognitive decline escalated. She spent the last ten years of her life cared for by the dedicated staff at Dufferin Care Centre. She passed peacefully on February 13, 2026.

For many years we have been holding in our hearts and minds the memories of the dynamic Susan we knew and loved. We will continue to do so now that she is finally at rest.