Tribute

Bob left life the same way he lived it, with dignity and on his own terms.

He passed peacefully at Cowichan Hospice House surrounded by family and friends on November 27, 2024.

Bob was born in Reigate, England on December 13, 1943, to Kay and Doug Bell and came to Canada as an infant.

He lived most of his younger life in Powell River. He got the travel bug early on and lived in England for several years, as well as spent time in Australia, Bali, and later in life, Vietnam.

He worked at Crofton pulp mill as a pipe fitter for many years and made lifelong friends with his work mates. He had a very strong work ethic and volunteered at The Sassy Lion for 10 years making the drivers crazy by hold them up if there was a dog to be pet, or an elderly lady needing to be hugged.

He was a compassionate trustworthy, loyal to a fault, and a great listener. He was an avid reader and never went without a book. His love of dogs and anything living was legendary. Our friend Jake said once when he died, he would come back as one of Bob Bell dogs!

Bob and Lorraine wintered in Desert Hot Springs for many years. He loved his desert home, walking his dogs, making lifelong friends, and dragging his firepit out to the desert, and having many happy hours with friends. It was one of the happiest times of his life.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Lorraine, his brothers Mike (Marlene), his sister Penny (Eric), His brother Jim (Liz), his stepsons Ken, Wayne, and Jeffery (Kim) as well as his nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, and his stepson Craig, and Linda Bell. As well he leaves behind Trisha Bell, and Gail Murphy.

Thank you to the Cowichan hospice house nurses and volunteers for their loving care over the last 5 weeks he was there, and to all the family and friends who spent many hours sitting with him and keeping me company.

Cheryl, Midge, and Sherry I could not have done it without your support.  Vern, Gary, Bill, Ralph and Jeff, and all the friends that would come almost daily, there are not enough words to thank you.

I always said he was a lover not a fighter, he proved me wrong. A life very well lived and loved.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cowichan Hospice House. A celebration will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Duncan, on Saturday December 14th from 1:30pm – 4:30pm.