Obituary of William Thomas Bell

Bill Bell beloved husband of Betty Bell passed away in Calgary on December 19, 2008 at the age of 83 years. Bill was born in Guelph, Ontario. After high school, he became a Pilot Officer in the RCAF, and later, served in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. He returned to the University of Toronto and graduated as a Mechanical Engineer. Here, he met the love of his life, Betty and they married on May 29, 1948. Over the next 8 years, they had three children. Bill held several senior sales positions in both the oil and gas and manufacturing industries. His career took the family to cities in Virginia, Ontario and Alberta. It included three years in Calgary from 1962 to 1965. Bill and Betty volunteered at the Woodcliff United Church where they ran the Youth Group. They thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship of the young people, and spent endless hours providing valuable guidance. This work continued in Guelph, where they ran a similar program at Dublin Street United Church. Bill also volunteered in other community activities, as an active member of the Rotary Club, and as a leader of Junior Achievement. Bill was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed canoeing, hiking and skiing. He and Betty loved to entertain friends and family at their cottage on Clear Lake in Haliburton. Bill was a people person, one who always cared for others and never forgot a name. Most of all, Bill was a family man, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was extremely proud of all of his families’ accomplishments, and would always provide support in their adventures. Bill is survived by his loving wife Betty. Son and daughter-in-law; Paul and Colleen Bell. Daughters and sons-in-law; Wendy and Bob Carter and Sue and Rob Howlett. Grandchildren, Melissa (Kevin) Conniff, Michael and Martin Bell, Sarah (Stu) Black and Kim Carter, Jason (fiancée Krista) and Amy Howlett. Great grandchildren, Ella, Melodee and Samantha Black. Brother, Phelps (Judy) Bell as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Alma and one brother, Fred Bell. A Private Family Memorial Service was held in Calgary, and a Celebration of Life Service will be held in Guelph in late spring 2009. Details will be announced at a later date. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Canadian Alzheimer’s Society, at www. Alzheimer.ca. Bill’s family would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff at the Colonel Belcher Care Residence who did such a wonderful job of caring for Bill over the past three years. In living memory of William Bell, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.