Evan Best was born in Tasmania on 30 Jan 1937 to Reginald C and Pauline H Best. He was educated at The Friends School, Hobart High School, University of Tasmania (B.A, Hons and Dip Ed) and University of Sydney (M.A in English). He taught at schools in Tasmania and NSW retiring from St Vincents College, Potts Point in March 1997. He has been a member of the Society of Australian Genealogists since 1967 holding the positions of Vice President 1983 - 1984, 1993 - 1996, President 1985 - 1993 and Editor of Descent from 1978 - Dec 2012. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the study of family history on 26 Jan 2010.