Obituary for Mr. Allan Bell
Bell, L. Allan
Allan passed away peacefully in his sleep December 11, 2018 at his home in Barrie from complications of Burkitt’s non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Survived by his loving wife of 57 years Joan (nee Thomson), sons Jeff (Jennifer Bell) and Greg (Tracy Murton), and cherished grandchildren Emily, Aidan, Josh, Annabel and Grace.
Allan was born April 8, 1935 in Parry Sound, Ontario, and as the son of a CNR station agent moved around Northern Ontario, growing up in Hanmer, Westree, South River, and Ardberg, before moving to Depot Harbour/Parry Sound to attend high school, and then the University of Toronto, Victoria College. Education proved his true calling, and for 33 years with the Etobicoke and Simcoe County Boards of Education, he was a respected teacher, vice-principal and principal.
Summers were spent at the family cottage on Lake of Bays, where he enjoyed working on numerous projects – from installing plumbing to building a sailboat – and indulging his fondness for good wine. A keen student of Canadian history, he also found time to author a widely acclaimed book on the Canada Atlantic Railway entitled ‘A Way to the West (A Canadian Railway Legend)’, drawing on the personal experiences of his railroading family.
Allan was an active member of his church community, and latterly a keen volunteer in Barrie municipal politics. His passion, dedication, inquisitive mind, sense of humour, and love of family will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be scheduled in the early spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation in Barrie or a charity of your choice. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Allan Bell December 11 2018..
Source: steckley-gooderham funeral homes
Death notice for the town of: BARRIE, Province: Ontario