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Obituary of Andrew Malcolm Bell
September 7, 1939 – Edinburgh, Scotland
May 9, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
This obituary was written by Ian Bell, Andrew’s younger brother.
Andrew Bell, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the age of 83 years.
Andrew was born in a one-bedroom tenement flat in Edinburgh, shared with his sister Joan, and mum and dad Cathy and John Bell. Later I joined the family, so it was cozy.
He went to Parsons Green School where he was a perfect scholar, then onto Broughton High School where he excelled. He had the opportunity to go to university, but money was tight, so it had to be turned down. When he left school, he worked in the local co-op and once he secured a job with Scottish Provident, his life in insurance took off and he worked for a few prestigious companies in the city.
Andrew absolutely loved the Scottish game of rugby and could be found every weekend with his friends at various rugby grounds around Edinburgh and loved Murrayfield. Needless to say, there was the social life afterwards which he thoroughly enjoyed. I remember helping out my big brother with funds to cover his social life by pawning my only suit, and I got into terrible trouble from my mum when she found the pawn ticket.
Andrew enjoyed the bachelor life until he met Darlene, the love of his life, who was studying midwifery at the Royal Infirmary. They married and moved to Canada in 1977, where Andrew continued to work in the insurance sector.
He loved volunteering with the Calgary Stampede and volunteered for 35 years on the Promotion Committee. My wife Kay and I visited on a few occasions and were well looked after.
Andrew will be terribly missed by myself, Kay, and his sister Joan. I will miss our hour-long phone calls on Sunday nights to discuss rugby scores and anything else of interest.
He was a larger-than-life character and made many friends in Canada, but remained a ‘True Scot’.
You will be in our hearts forever.
Your wee brother, Ian.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
A Gathering will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6), on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
In living memory of Andrew Bell, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
