Richard Louis “Dick” 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
To the Bell famialy sorry for your loss
Our sincere condolences to the Bell family on the passing of Dick. Wayne And Doreen Horsnall
Our sincere condolences to the Bell family on the passing of Dick. Leo and Linda Beaulieu (Wiste)
Dear Shirley & family we are so sorry for your loss….we had many a good time with you & Dick way back when! Remember all the happy times to help heal your broken hearts..
Marv & Ethel Fryklund
My condolences to you Shirley and all of your family. I had the pleasure of meeting all of you when I lived next door to you on 1stAvenue. Haven’t seen you for a few years but still remember Dick calling me the crazy cat lady. He was a kind and funny man always. So sorry for your loss.
So sad to hear the passing of Dick. My heart and thoughts are with you Shirley and family! Rest in peace Dick, you were a beauty!
My sincere condolences to Dick’s family
Our Deepest Sympathies to Dick’s Family. Dick will always have a special place in our hearts. Lots of great memories❤️
To the bell family my condolences. I played high school football at Riverview and he and Joe Gould where the refs most of the time. I considered him a fair man although I sometimes you disliked some calls but he took thee to let a lot of high schools play football Greg Nicholls.
My condolences to the Bell family, RIP Coach
To Shirley, John, Rick, Jodi and Derenda please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dick. He always treated my family with respect and dignity. I remember helping him and Uncle Louis set up the school displays during the annual exhibition. His contribution to Moose Jaw sports will always be remembered and appreciated. He will be missed
Brian and Susan Kefford
Much love sent to you today Shirley, John, Rick, Jodi and my dear friend Derenda! I will be with you in spirit. Love you Dick! You will be dearly missed. Thank you for showing me what a father looks like. You left an imprint in my heart and my life. Rest in peace. Xoxo Zoe
My sincere condolences to the Bell family on the passing of Uncle Dick. So many great memories. Miss you all.