Rick Best Memorial Scholarship Fund
Donation protected
Rick John Best was killed on May 26, 2017 in Portland, Oregon, when he stepped in to defend two teenage girls on a train who were being verbally attacked by a white supremacist. He was stabbed and died at the scene. His final brave action on this train is an example of the kind of honorable, caring, decent person he was. He stood against hatred and bigotry, and paid the ultimate price.
Rick was 53 years old, and retired from the U.S. Army as a platoon sergeant for Corps maintenance after 23 years of service.
Rick was employed by the City of Portland in the Bureau of Development Services, and was well-loved by his colleagues. I am the Interim Director of Portland's Bureau of Development Services (BDS), which can be confirmed on the BDS homepage: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/
This GoFundMe account was originally set up by me to give Rick's co-workers a place to be able to contribute to Rick's kids' college education. I was happy to see other people are also contributing. Every bit helps.
Rick is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter, ages 19, 17, 15, and 12. He frequently spoke of his family to his friends at work, and was so proud of his children. He clearly had a close relationship and special rapport with each of his children, and his family gave him so much happiness.
With the loss of their father, it is important that we, his friends, colleagues, and the broader community who are touched by his sacrifice, step in to assist the family in financially supporting the children's college education.
This fund will be used to help pay for college tuition and expenses for Rick's four children.
The funds will go to his wife, to be distributed equally to their four children.
Rick was 53 years old, and retired from the U.S. Army as a platoon sergeant for Corps maintenance after 23 years of service.
Rick was employed by the City of Portland in the Bureau of Development Services, and was well-loved by his colleagues. I am the Interim Director of Portland's Bureau of Development Services (BDS), which can be confirmed on the BDS homepage: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/
This GoFundMe account was originally set up by me to give Rick's co-workers a place to be able to contribute to Rick's kids' college education. I was happy to see other people are also contributing. Every bit helps.
Rick is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter, ages 19, 17, 15, and 12. He frequently spoke of his family to his friends at work, and was so proud of his children. He clearly had a close relationship and special rapport with each of his children, and his family gave him so much happiness.
With the loss of their father, it is important that we, his friends, colleagues, and the broader community who are touched by his sacrifice, step in to assist the family in financially supporting the children's college education.
This fund will be used to help pay for college tuition and expenses for Rick's four children.
The funds will go to his wife, to be distributed equally to their four children.
Organizer and beneficiary
Rebecca Esau
Organizer
Portland, OR
Erik Best
Beneficiary
