Obituaries : Edwin DeLoss Best Jr.; Balcom Ranch Owner
Edwin DeLoss Best Jr., owner of Balcom Ranch in Santa Paula, died Sunday of a stroke. He was 51.
Best was the great-great-great-grandson of William Elder Balcom, who purchased Balcom Ranch in 1893.
Although Best began his career as a purchasing agent for The Newhall Land & Farming Co., he was best known for his management of the ranch as well as his love of trucks and trains.
His interest in vehicles began when he was 6 and he developed an extensive knowledge of his hobby. An avid history buff as well, Best traveled across the country in search of rare manuscripts and books.
Best is survived by his mother, Thelma Best Komasa of Santa Paula; an aunt, Frances Best of New Orleans, and cousin Philip Balcom of Ojai.
Memorial services are planned for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Santa Paula Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Santa Clara Valley Hospice in Santa Paula and to the Edwin D. Best Microneurosurgery Research Laboratory in Los Angeles.
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