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JOHN AMBLER BELL
Born: Apr 24, 1930
Date of Passing: May 03, 2021
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JOHN AMBLER BELL
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary (nee Daly) in 2011, and leaves behind his daughter Gayleen and sons, John (Tim), Paul (Sylvia) and Russell (Chantal) and loving grandchildren, Avery, Lily, Devon and Airianna. He also leaves behind his brother Peter and was predeceased by his sister Con. He will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews in the Bell and Daly clans, as well as by a great many friends and neighbours in Winnipeg, West Hawk Lake, Kenora and Mesa, AZ.
John was born on April 24, 1930 in Winnipeg, attended Kelvin High School and graduated as an electrical engineer from the University of Manitoba in 1955. That same year he married the love of his life, Mary, and they began their amazing life adventure together. Shortly after being married they headed off to northern BC for a few years where he worked for CAE Industries setting up radar stations for the Department of National Defence. The young couple returned to Winnipeg where he began a long and successful career with Red River College, starting out as an instructor in electrical technology and retiring as department head in 1991. During that time he also established a company called Bison Electronics, a busy repair shop for electrical equipment, in partnership with his good friends Jim and Beulah Bake.
Amateur radio was a constant companion throughout his life, and with the call letters VE4OL he participated in the local net whenever and wherever he could, sometimes twice a day. You could always see one or more ham radio antennas high above every home and on his cars.
An accomplished competitive swimmer, in his youth John won many races at provincial championships while swimming with the Y Tankers in Winnipeg, and attended the Olympic trials in Victoria, BC in 1948. He also set many provincial and national records later in life as an avid masters swimmer. As recently as four years ago he won gold at the Arizona Senior Olympics.
Probably John's greatest passion and accomplishment is the family cottage at West Hawk Lake. He and Mary obtained the lot in 1955 and started building from scratch. Together they created a beautiful cottage and place of enjoyment and love for the family. What started out as boat access only, cottagers in the bay now enjoy access via "Bell Road" initiated by John in the early 1980s. Indeed he was recognized as the honorary Mayor of Indian Bay by the neighbourhood in 1993. In 2011 he moved from Winnipeg to Kenora to be closer to what he loved - his kids and grandchildren, the cottage and his friends and neighbours at the lake.
The family would like to extend thanks and appreciation to the staff at Pinecrest Home in Kenora for their compassion, expertise and attention to service that made John's stay very comfortable. Sincere thanks also to everyone at the Lake of the Woods Hospital and his home care team.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Canadian Cancer Society or Siloam Mission for the homeless in Winnipeg.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 08, 2021
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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The world has lost a great person and he will be sorely missed. My sympathies to the Bell family. John and I first met at Kelvin High School in Winnipeg 71 years ago and we were best buddies ever since. We renewed our friendship when we both worked at Red River College and again at West Hawk Lake. RIP John and say hello to Mary for me. - Posted by: Ray Newman (Long time friend and school buddy) on: May 10, 2021
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John joined us in many family suppers at the cottage over the holidays. I always enjoyed his stories and catching up on how he was doing with his swimming. He was an amazing athlete. My condolences to all of the Bell children and their families. Rest in peace John. You will be missed. - Posted by: Angie Hughesman (Friend) on: May 09, 2021
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When a group of us revived the West Hawk sailing club in 2006, John became a big supporter of the drive to find a location for a new facility and offered to pursue a number of potential leads. Thank you for your help John, I always enjoyed our conversations about the lake and sailing. R.I.P. - Posted by: Paul Krestanowich (West Hawk Lake friend ) on: May 09, 2021
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John was an amazing instructor and mentor at RRCC. I always valued John's friendship and insights. We crossed paths several times after I graduated and was always so happy to see and speak with him. Rest in peace John and thank you so much. - Posted by: Allan E Pinder (Student) on: May 08, 2021
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My deepest condolences to John's children, Gayleen, John, Paul and Russell and grandchildren! John Bell was a true gentleman, always kind, always polite, helpful and considerate. May he rest in peace and may your treasured memories help you get through this sorrowful time! Your Dad/Grandad will live on in your hearts and now he and Mary can be together once again! Much love! - Posted by: O. R. Daly (Auntie Ricki ) on: May 08, 2021
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Saddened to hear of John's passing. My family were neighbours to the Bells at West Hawk lake until 1978. John was always willing to take us kids on adventures which are some of my favourite memories. Add to that the bonfire nights that would attract the entire bay for a corn roast and BBQ. John was always easy to talk to and would eagerly help you if needed. The group of us at Indian Bay at West Hawk looked up to and admired him. He will be missed. I take comfort in the fact that he is now at rest and reunited with Mary. Thanks for everything John. God bless. - Posted by: Paul Garson (Friend) on: May 08, 2021
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Mr. Bell always had time for the kids on the bay, whether it was hikes in the bush or teaching us how to ski, he gave his time willingly. The platform was a focal point for swimming and fun. Love to all the Bells, he will be missed - Posted by: Jim Garson (Cottage neighbour ) on: May 08, 2021
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Carol and I were deeply saddened to learn of Johnny's passing. We first met Johnny (and Mary) during a visit to West Hawk Lake in 1970. As lake neighbours since 1977, we have considered ourselves blessed to have had him as a friend. He was a kind and gentle man with a great sense of humour and always available to help. We shall miss him dearly. Our sincere condolences to Gayleen, John, Paul and Russell. - Posted by: Dave and Carol Grant (Friends) on: May 08, 2021
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To John's family, I was so sorry to read about John's passing. My sincere condolences to his family, he was so proud of each one of you. I have so many memories of John as a friend and also a co-worker, he was so accomplished, kind and knowledgeable. And, he loved Mary and his family and enjoyed so many aspects of his life with you. John's passing is a terrible loss, my thoughts are with you. With deepest, sympathy, Marlene Van Helden, Gimli, MB - Posted by: Marlene Van Helden (Friend) on: May 08, 2021
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My condolences to the Bell family. John was first licensed around 1947 as VE4CV later VE4OL and when he moved to Kenora held the callsign VE3OLW. John taught amateur radio courses at Tec Voc in the 1960s and early 1970s and was very well known in the amateur radio community. John was a great supporter and Life Member of The Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum (MARM) www.marminc.ca John is now a Silent Key a term of respect for a deceased amateur radio operator. The term originated with telegraph operators later early wireless operators and amateur radio operators. The term is used in telegraphy to indicate an “end of transmission.” 73 John, Bruce VE4KQ - Posted by: Bruce Johnson (Amateur Radio friend Bruce VE4KQ) on: May 08, 2021