Henry Bruce Macleod Best was born in Toronto on October 9, 1934, the younger son of Dr. Charles Best, the co-discoverer of insulin, and his wife, Margaret. He was educated at Upper Canada College, the University of Toronto (BA, 1956), and the Université Laval, Québec (MA, 1957) before working as the executive assistant to then Secretary of State for External Affairs, the Hon. Sidney Smith, and other ministers from 1958 to 1960. He returned to Laval for his doctoral studies, and obtained his PhD in 1969. Best later taught Canadian history at York University, first as a lecturer and research associate to President Murray Ross, then as an Associate Dean and Associate Professor of History. He authored a report on “The Establishment of Professional Faculties and Schools at York University” and became the coordinator of a new interdisciplinary Canadian Studies program. During this time he also served as a Member and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Ontario College of Art.

Best left Toronto in 1977 and moved with his wife, Janna, to Sudbury, becoming the President of Laurentian University early on in its establishment. He recognized the need to bridge the gap between “town and gown”, becoming an established and visible member of the community, attending both local and university events. He was lauded for his contributions to developing the social, economic, and cultural wellbeing of Sudbury. For example, he initiated the Falconbridge Public Lecture Series at Laurentian, bringing experienced, thought-provoking figures from academia, business, public service, professional fields, and the arts to Sudbury to share their knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the University and the Greater Sudbury community. This lecture series continues to this day.

After his tenure as president ended in 1984, Best continued on as a Professor of History at Laurentian, teaching courses in both French and English on the history of Québec, the Atlantic Provinces, and Canadian Art. He was also awarded the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy in recognition of his services to the Italian Canadian community. He never faltered in his commitment to remain a visible and active member of the community. He passed away on April 9, 2004, at age 69 and despite health problems in his later life, authored a biography about his parents, titled Margaret and Charley: The Personal Story of Dr. Charles Best, the Co-Discoverer of Insulin, published in 2003.

— Written by Cindy Tao