It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald “Rick” Bell on December 31, 2023 at TBRHSC.
Born on January 23, 1952 in Halifax, NS, Rick and his family moved around a lot due to his father’s career in the Navy. Rick worked for Intermodal Services & Motorways as a semi-truck driver before getting his own semi-truck to become a contract driver. Buchanan Forest Products was his next job where he drove log trucks.
Finally, he spent the next 20 years at Great West Timber, until his well-deserved retirement. Moving to Murillo in 1986 allowed him to develop a passion of hunting with bow & arrow and rifles, fur-trapping, vegetable gardening, and volunteering at the Murillo Fall Fair in the 90s. He never met a stranger and he found friendships that lasted decades.
Rick was usually a well-liked guy, though he could be very stubborn and opinionated if he felt he was right! Even with the ‘debates,’ he was always surrounded with laughter and stories – and usually a few bottles of Crystal. He mellowed in his later years with his second wife Joy, who managed to teach him more patience and to enjoy new things like cooking and dancing together.
She was eager to learn and to join in at his trapline with him which became a favourite place for Joy as well. His newfound outlook made him a better husband, father, and papa.
He is survived by his wife Joy; kids Chrissie (Rikki), Rick (Ashley), Margaret (Darren) and Michael. Siblings Carol, Jack, Rob, and Brian. Grandchildren Samuel, Parker, Paige, Jaxton, and Kendra. Rick was predeceased by his father Jack Bell and his mother Florence Biloski Bell. Cremation has taken place; per his wishes, there will be no service.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Condolences and fond memories may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
