CHARLES LESLIE (DINGER) BELL

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CHARLES LESLIE (DINGER) BELL Charles Leslie Bell affectionately known as Dinger , passed away on Monday, September 14, 2009 with the love of his life, Flo, by his side and in the home they shared for 56 years. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Florence, daughter Val (Warren) Barker, son Geoff (Nicole) Bell, grandson Jared (Hollis) Kauble, stepgrandson Brad (Colleen) and little Addie Barker, sister Doris (Colin) Shotton, as well as many dear friends and family around the world. Dinger was predeceased by his parents, John Bell, mother Gertrude and stepfather Kip Purvis, brother Viv, sister Marnie, and stepsister Renee. Dad was born on July 7, 1920 in Broomhill, England and spent his youth in Northumberland until he joined the Royal Air Force in 1937. He travelled the world but while stationed in Carberry, Manitoba he met his love at the front of a church where they were both standing up for their friend's wedding. Dad helped clear an eyelash out of her eye and so began a sixty-four year love affair. Mom moved to England in 1944 while Dad was stationed in Iraq and Egypt. Dad finished his career in the RAF and keeping his promise to his mother-in-law, brought his wife back to Winnipeg in 1949. Dad's passion was electronics and he started work as a technician in a small radio shop in Transcona. From there he worked for CKY-TV followed by Imperial Oil when he moved to East Kildonan, then later the CBC. In 1961 Dad found his second love, working at the University of Manitoba as an electronic technician for the Zoo/Psych Department. He loved his job and met his good friend and cohort Phil Gerson along with many other friends and co-workers. Dad reluctantly retired at age 72 in 1992 at the same time as Mom retired from teaching. They did a little travelling but were most happy at home with their family around them. In the later years the tradition of Friday Pub Night at the kitchen table began. Dad loved to hear all the kids' stories of the work week and their life antics. Laughter was abundant and many times we left with sore sides from laughing so hard. Dad was best known by neighbours for his walks up and down the lane with his best pal Skipper , their little Bichon. Four times a day, rain or snow they did their walk. Skipper misses you terribly Dad but he's looking after Mom. Dad had many friends in the neighbourhood, but in particular were George and Madge Bain. He did what he could to help them as time took its toll on their health but through it all he also cherished his 60 year friendship with their son George (Gwynneth) Bain. Dad loved his own son's passion for drag racing and it was not uncommon to see Dad under the hood with Geoff at Gimli Racetrack. We think he would have loved to jump behind the wheel and just let it rip down the drag strip at least once. Many thanks to the Winnipeg Fire and Rescue Paramedics, as well as Concordia Hospital ER staff for the care and compassion shown in Dad's final moments. Thanks to Dr. Erroll Doermer, his family doctor for many years as well as Kim his Home Care worker, who took such good care of Dad. We especially want to thank Warren, his son-in-law, for all of his help getting Dad to his appointments, taking care of the house, and especially for keeping him laughing. He loved you very much Warren and we appreciate all that you did for him. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street, Winnipeg Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6. Dad you gave Mom, Geoff and I a wonderful life. You embraced our mates and extended families into your own and made everyone welcome. We only have memories now but they are happy ones of a kind, loving and generous husband, father and grandfather. We're raising a toast to you Dad and missing you forever. Sleep peacefully and know that We'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places . . .

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 19, 2009