KRISTINN GLADSTONE BELL

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KRISTINN GLADSTONE BELL Peacefully on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at St. Boniface Hospital, with his family by his side, Dad completed his life's journey and has moved on to watch over us from God's Kingdom. Left to mourn his passing and share in many memories is his loving partner, June Dunning. Dad's memory will forever be cherished by his first wife and special friend, Eleanore Bell as well as two sons, David (Maggie), Dennis (Colleen) and five daughters, Christine (Bob), Cindy (Bob), Liz (Doug), Sandra (Ken) and Susan (Carl), thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Also left to remember Dad are Darrell (Val), Dean (Donna), Ed (Mary-Beth), Wayne (Carla) and the Dunning family grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters, Helga (Victor McDonald) and Gwen (Steve Popowich), brothers, Hannes, Billy (Carol), Jon (Bonnie), Victor, Peter (Louella) and Eggert (Donna), sisters-in-law, Joan Peers and Thelma Bell, brothers-in-law, Ed Couture (Irene) and George Couture (Angela) and other brother , Joseph Delorande. Dad was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Lovisa Bell, two sisters, Sigga Dear and Margaret Dear, brother Olie, sisters-in-law, Winnie and Irene, brothers-in-law, Sam and Lome Dear and Alex Peers. Kris was born on Hecla Island on April 23, 1933. He was born into a large and loving family that worked hard at fishing and farming. He was proud of his Icelandic heritage and was always teaching us some little phrase or word in Icelandic. He was taught to look for the best in people. He was blessed with a tremendous sense of humor and the gift of the gab, striking up a conversation with anyone he met. People were drawn to Dad as he made them feel easy and comfortable. He never judged anyone and always opened his home and his heart to those in need. Dad had a passion for the gift of family and music. Playing the guitar and his violins with his brothers were some of his happiest times. He loved to fill our homes with his and his brothers own brand of down home music. He will be remembered for the many dances they played at Hecla until the wee hours of the morning. Although not always the perfect parent, our family was blessed with a Dad and Afi who was always there for us. We have so much to be grateful for these last several years. There was never anything that Dad wouldn't do for us. He was always so pleased to help out with the grandchildren and ensuring that everything was okay with them. He loved the little ones and was usually the biggest baby taker always having to have a picture taken with one of them. He was a loving brother, uncle and special friend to so many, always with a joke and a comment. We will miss him beyond words. We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses who provided such wonderful care to our Dad, especially Bev, Ishmail and Elena from 4A South, nursing supervisor and charge nurse, Lisa as well as the staff at Selkirk General Hospital. Your compassion will not be forgotten. Viewing will be held at Gilbart Funeral Chapel on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. with Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church with Monsignor Louis McClosky officiating. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and nephews, Wesley Bell and Curtis Thomas. Cremation to follow service and internment of ashes will take place on Sunday, June 15, 2008 on Hecla Island. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hecla Island Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, care of 529 Manchester Avenue, Selkirk, Manitoba, R1A OC1. Dad and Afi, our pain and grief are great and our hearts heavy, our loss immeasurable. Tears and laughter will flow as we visit with your memory. Thank you for making us the people we are. For in the end, all that matters is kindness . Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2008