What a wonderful service. Amazing to have Marilyn herself speaking at the end. Such a brave lady. She was a great one for helping others. Always willing to step forward. So kind and so enthusiastic.

To the Best and Bousfield families, to the Megabits family and to Marilyn's friends – We were so sorry to hear about the death of Marilyn. She was a kind, adventurous, and optimistic human. We will always remember her enthusiasm and positive energy. Our thoughts are with you all in this time of grief and sadness. From Annabel and the team at Vectorworks Australia

To the Best Family, Marilyn's Megabits Family and friends I was saddened to hear the news of Marilyn's passing, way to young......my thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this difficult time of grieving. My association with Marilyn and Dave goes back to around 1995 when Vectorworks was MiniCadd. I thank you Marilyn for ALL your help Advice and Guidance over the years for making my CADD journey a pleasant one! You were always Friendly, up beat, Positive, helpful and a Joy to interact with in our phone conversations and emails. May you Rest in Pease :)

Dear Megabits Team, and Family, Having not used Vectorworks for some time and recently started a business with Vectorworks as my primary tool, Marilyn has been so understanding and generous with her time over the last few years. In fact, she selflessly sorted out issues for me right up to a few weeks ago. I couldn't believe the news. So knowledgeable and positive. Sadly missed.

Dear Megabits Team and Marilyn's family, I'm sad to hear of Marilyn's passing. Over the last few years I had spoken to her in relation to Vectorworks and always got a warm and helpful response which, being self employed was greatly appreciated, and even more so in these Covid times. Her positivity, generosity and kindness will be missed by many. Lesley Fowler

Dear Marilyn, I'm very saddened to hear the news that you're no longer with us. Your positive outlook to the very end, and your warm personality and relentless enthusiasm the entire time that I've known you are an inspiration. Thank you for believing in me, and for everything you did to help me towards my goals. Rest easy Marilyn, you've earned it. Condolences to Marilyn's family, friends and colleagues.

I got a special relation to Marilyn when she in the autumn of 2006 at a business meeting with Vectorworks in maryland spottede me and recognised I didn't look goos. She convinced me to lay down and "get some collar back in the face". 3 months later I was diagnosed with colon cancer and talked to her, and she shared that she had been through that as well. Since then we got a special bond and kept in touch between the yearly meetings in US. In 2009 we visited her in Auckland and typically Marilyn she picked us up in the airport at 1 am (without us knowing). As she did 2 weeks earlier when our friends, which she did not know arrived in Auckland at 1 am! In 2014 she visited us in Aarhus, Denmark celebrating my 60 years birthday. (picture from Ebeltoft, Denmark) I have never met a woman like her - her compassion, joy and optimism were stunning. May she rest in peace

I don't have the words. Marilyn Best when growing up was the stern auntie that liked things done right and who didn't muck around. Jeremy Best said it Best when he said that it wasn't immediately obvious how it's possible to show love in different ways. Every single thing about how she lived life is the right way. Work damn hard, zero excuses, do good ethical and wholesome things. Don't tolerate any bullshit. And then I had this sudden realisation that she could be the one I could lean on as she would not break down or fuss like others. Be brutally practical and in that the perfect person to share the hardest moments. She has been amazing to talk to about death and the very darkest experiences I have had and told no one. Love you so much and I am going to live the good traits you lived by and inspired me with. So proud of my cousins and the grandkids for such lovely speeches. I'm super proud of all you guys. Both how we live and who we have all grown up to become.

What a lovely service for a brave, strong and inspiring woman. It was great to share your love of music through the Rose Singers. Safe travels Marilyn. You've clearly left wonderful memories for everyone to treasure. Rest in Peace. Love Angela xxx

It was a privilege knowing Marilyn, an enthusiastic member of the Rose Singers. A wonderful strong voice and always so keen to be up there singing. Clever with her harmonies and duets when out singing socially. A strong and positive person. Yes Marilyn, we will miss you. Rest In Peace but sing out loud with the Angels choir.

To Peter, Helen,Ethne& Delwyn. I watched her service.What a wonderful send off to your lovely sister & my old Putaruru Sunday school friend.Yep I remember the "organiser "even at a young age. Sending hugs.Esther ( nee Crampton).

Dear Marilyn I am sorry to hear that you are no longer with us. You were a magnificent woman, full of love and energy; your smile lit up the room, and your beautiful eyes always had so much warmth and love. Thank you for everything you have done for me; you will always have a special place in my heart. Fly high angel Love Olya

Dear Marilyn , We are very sorry to hear after all these years that the cancer has got the better of you. We would like to thank you for being such an inspirational friend and advisor overall these years. You have been extremely supportive of your family and they will miss you dearly when you depart this world. We wish you all the best on your next journey. God bless you. From Michael and Andrea Short and family in Dannevirke. Cheers, Michael J Short

Marilyn was a family friend of my parents, I met her first when I was a child. First as a travelling drug rep who would stay with us and chat with my parents. Then as my parents computer expert and manager of all our hardware. The visits were always exciting, especially to see what exciting things were in the boot of the Prius (usually also her bike!). She was one for taking advantage of every opportunity and filling in every moment. When I finished university in 2006, I got my first job in Auckland. I had studied the same degree as Marilyn at Otago University. We always chatting about our "Home Sciences" education - ironically we both ended up working in IT! Marilyn invited me to live with her and Dave in Remuera to help get myself established. This was such a generous offer and I accepted because the idea of living in the big city was very overwhelming. I lived with them for 3 months before I was confident enough to step out on my own into a flatting arrangement. Living with Marilyn was fantastic, all the chats, trips and swims after work. Sending love to the family at the loss of such a bright vibrant force of a woman who always inspired those around her to do more, be more and work hard. She was inspiring to be around, generous of her time and I will always treasure the opportunity that I got to know her and learn from her for the rest of my life. She was always with her phone on her hip, and was always excellent at taking photographs. That leaves a huge trove of lovely photographs to remember her presence. xx Rest in joyful song, bright Marilyn.

Marilyn was an amazing person and a friend to me for around 25 years. She was a strong woman and a great role model to me when I started out in business for myself. She was and always will be an inspiration to me. She was fun-loving, cheeky, with a wicked sense of humour and a love for life. She had a wonderful positivity that was contagious, and courage beyond most. I have read so many tributes from people who had no idea and that's how she lived. She never wanted sympathy or attention, instead she wanted the focus to be on those around her and she spent her life helping others. Even at the end of her life she was thinking of others and reminding us to 'get around to' those things that we have always wanted to do but seem to find reasons to put off. I am proud, humbled and forever grateful and thankful to have had such a beautiful soul as a friend and I will miss her dearly. Ski all those mountains, hike all those trails, fly and be free my friend, Love you Heaps! Hugs and Love to all those near and dear to her. I feel this song from The Sound of Music reflects her message Climb every mountain, Search high and low, Follow every byway, Every path you know. Climb every mountain, Ford every stream, Follow every rainbow, Till you find your dream A dream that will need All the love you can give, Every day of your life, For as long as you live. Climb every mountain, Ford every stream, Follow every rainbow, Till you find your dream. Ru Clements-Jones Taupo

I am so saddened to hear of Marilyn's passing. I would like to acknowledge Marilyn’s contribution within the education sector. I have taught Architectural and Product Design at Cashmere High School in Christchurch for over 25 years. Early on in this period I wanted to introduce 3D digital modelling into our programmes of learning and so started a long, fruitful and friendly working relationship with Marilyn. Her knowledge, advice and personal support over the years has been invaluable and I really appreciated meeting up at least once a year with Marilyn at school, when she was in Christchurch visiting family. Our last meeting was over a glass of wine in my home chatting about life. This was our debrief after she had paid her usual visit to the school talking technical details with our Network guys and looking at the work being produced by our students using the VectorWorks programme she had introduced to us to so many years earlier. Marilyn was such a professional, approachable, helpful and friendly person and somebody who I, along with past and present students, owe much of our successes to. I am personally going to miss Marilyn and send my heartfelt condolences to her family and colleagues. Karen Kennedy HOD Architectural & Product Design HOF Technology Cashmere High School.

My condolences to Marilyn's family and Friends - It is very sad to hear and read about her passing. I met Marilyn for the first time in 2006, and every year that she visited us, it was an experience. She was that joyful person to be around. I will miss her laughs, singing, and positive attitude in front of life. Juan P.

Shocking and unexpected news to know about Marilyn's passing. Marylin has always supported our team at Coastgroup and we appreciate the service she has provided for us. Our prayers are with you and everyone at Megabits. Our condolences to all her friends and family.

This is a shock to read of Marilyn's passing, this dynamic driven bright & shining light in the Apple retail & VectorWorks Software service to the Architectural, Engineering, associated Construction & Creative Service Industries within New Zealand. A wonderful lady with a very positive personality, a can-do attitude where nothing was impossible. I will fondly remember your asking for your 60th Birthday wish for me to take you for a blast on my R1200 RT motorbike, which we did and the adrenalin rush & excitement was plan to see, dear friend; Rest In Peace

We are very saddened to hear about the loss of Marilyn Ruth Best. On behalf of all of us at the School of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University, I extend our genuine sympathies to Marilyn’s whānau during this period of bereavement. Marilyn was an avid supporter of student excellence and innovative design processes. She was generous with her time and set up a number of initiatives to support our students and our landscape architecture programmes. She regularly attended the students’ Major Design Exhibition and entertained us with her speeches. It was always a pleasure to work with her and she always lit up when discussing new education perspectives. Her presence will be missed among us, and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences. Gill Lawson & Andreas Wesener Co-Heads of School School of Landscape Architecture Lincoln University

I'm very sad to hear of Marilyn's passing. I did not know she was sick :-( She was always so upbeat, energetic and a great communicator. She helped me many times over the the last 15? years of so with my Software. I'll miss the surety she brought. All the best to the family at this sad time. May you come together to celebrate her. Felicity Christian

“Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane” Marilyn was a unique lady. Helped and supported many. Condolences to the Megabits family and her family. RIP

Wow dear Marilyn. You sure were a vibrant trail blazer. I hope you are in peace and comfort now. Helena Stuart and Geraldine Burnett

I'm sad and heartbroken to hear of the passing of Marilyn. I spoke to Marilyn often over the years on the phone in relation to Megabits/Vectorworks. She was always upbeat, positive, and very kind to me. A lovely person, we always had long conversations that always left me feeling positive. Sadly missed. My condolences to her family. Ben Furniss ELEVATION ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

We are all heart broken to hear the news and will remember Marilyn's beautiful smile, cheery personality, and tenacity so fondly. I wish her Vectorworks family could all be there in person at her celebration of life this weekend, but please know we are there in spirit. Love and condolences to her family and friends, you have all lost such a bright light.

Marilyn May God rest your soul. You have fought the good fight Condolences to the family, may Your memory be Eternal. Our prayers are with You and the family George Tzouramani and the Team ARCHITEKTON (AUS)

I’m in chock - talked to Marilyn regurarly since she in 2006 saw I was in need for help. My thoughts go to all in her everyday life, where I know its empty right now. RIP Marilyn, an extraordanary soul! John, Denmark

What sad news to hear of the passing of Marilyn. I have dealt with both Marilyn and Dave since the mid 90's and what a great team they made. My condolences to the Best family, near friends and colleagues of their loss from the team at Krokis Ltd.

Our beloved Marilyn, We will always remember her with joy and esteem. Our condolences to her family. Ruben & Irina (DR. Friends).

Sad to hear this. I always enjoyed chatting to Marilyn. A good person. My condolences to all her friends and family.

To Marilyn’s family, colleagues and friends. I am very sorry to hear Marilyn has passed. Such a positive, enthusiastic and lovely person. I enjoyed my chats with her and she was always great to deal with. A very sad time and I hope the happy memories will offer some support at this time. My condolences to everyone.

Very sad news...always such a wonderful and pleasant person to deal with, sincerest condolences to family and friends.

Dear Team Megabits/Vectorworks NZ, Please pass our condolences to Marilyn's family. We were fortunate to have been able to work with her and will miss her. Kind Regards Andrew Pene Director Buildings & Government Architect Ministry for Infrastructure Fiji

My deepest condolences to Dave,Jeremy & Pip. Marilyn was always cheerful and extremely easy to talk to. She certainly made my queries with Vectorworks issues so much more pleasant. Always had the solution at hand over the many years of support. I can only hope everything goes as smoothly as possible from here on. My kindest regards.

Deepest sympathies to Jeremy, Marilyn’s family and the team at Megabytes. 💐 Lesley Parker

My deepest sympathy goes out to Marilyn's family and friends. Marilyn was a joy to speak to when we discussed Vectorworks over the phone, always so bright and happy. Thinking of you all.

The team at MGLA wish to pass on our condolences to Dave, Jeremy & Pip and the rest of the family. We had a long association with Marilyn over the years and will miss her support.

So very sad to hear this news. I enjoyed meeting Marilyn at NKBA events, she was always so friendly and easy to talk to. It was so special to have a working relationship with a parent and my deepest condolences especially to you Jeremy at a difficult time for you all. Kind regards Stephanie

Very sad news to hear of the passing of Marilyn. She was always on hand to take my phone call and will be missed. Our sincere condolences to David and family.

Very sad news. My condolences 💐

That is so sad, Marilyn's helpfulness will be missed. RIP

Sad news. RIP. Always enjoyed chatting to you.