BELL
It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Louis “Dick” Bell announce his passing on Thursday, December 12th, 2024, at the age of 83 years.
Dick was born in Moose Jaw, SK on February 26th, 1941. He grew up in Moose Jaw and attended William Grayson and Moose Jaw Technical High School (Peacock Collegiate). Dick married Shirley MacDonald in 1962 and together they raised four amazing children.
Among his many careers Dick worked in Optometry as a Manager at Imperial Optical and Optician with Acme Optical, and then building maintenance with the YMCA and then for SPMC at SIAST (Sask Polytech). Dick also served as a Director on the Moose Jaw Exhibition Board for a number of years.
He was involved with the Elks and Anavets Clubs and was a huge advocate for youth sports in Moose Jaw, and he made sure that we all got involved. Dick refereed hockey and football, umpired baseball, as well as coaching in all the above. While out and about in the community, you would always hear someone say to him, “Hi Coach”!
Dick was a longtime Blue Jay and Rider fan, cheered on Jimmie Johnson in NASCAR, but above all will be remembered for how much of a diehard Toronto Maple Leaf fan he was.
He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Louis Bell; siblings: Jim Bell (Carol), Shirley Porter (Bill), and Vern Bell (Ev); brother-in-law, George Axon; and his in-laws, Cameron and Jean MacDonald. Dick is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Shirley; sons, John (Holli) Bell and their children Carson (Kasey), Kaleb (Shaylee), Brydon (Taylor), and Rick (Sandy) Bell and their children Rikki, Tyler, Brooke (Tyler); daughters, Jodi (Louis) Cossette and their daughter Camryn, and Derenda (Paul) Moerike and their son Dylan (Tiara); his sister, Pat Axon; sisters-in-law, Peggy Poudrier and Louise (Larie) Rolston; great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Emily, Theda, Luca, Bowen, Jude, and Calla; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Homecare, EMS, the ICU staff, Dr. Rodwan, and nurses, Aleah and Sabrina for their great care and compassion of Richard during his hospital stay.
Family and friends are invited to join in a Celebration Memorial Tea on Saturday, December 28th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Everyone is asked to wear their favourite ball cap or jersey. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s name may be made to Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football, P.O. Box 994, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 4P8. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com