BRIAN ROBERT BELL

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BRIAN ROBERT BELL

1959 - 2026

The prosecution rests.

Family, friends and professional counterparts in the legal community are mourning the profound loss of former Manitoba Crown attorney Brian Bell, who fought valiantly but finally bowed out of his self-proclaimed "Rat  F--- Road Trip" that is cancer.

Brian was preparing for a trip of a lifetime to Antarctica last fall with Beth, the love of his life and faithful travelling partner, as part of their goal to visit every continent, when he was diagnosed. Sadly, that journey had to be cancelled.

He was 66 and still the most handsome man in the place when he passed away Monday, January 19, 2026 at Grace Hospital with his family by his side.

Brian leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Beth; daughter Andrea and her partner Blake; son David and his wife Sara; and their children, Bridget, Charlotte and Tripp, who brought so much joy and light into Grampie’s life. Loving them was so easy and uncomplicated for him. Time spent playing with them in the pool in Westwood or playing in the park and reading stories at their home in Toronto was cherished. Also left missing him is his sweet and obedient dog, Lucy.

Also left to mourn Brian’s loss are his brothers, Bruce (Enza) and Brad (Theresa); his mother-in-law Patti (George); his sister-in-law Allyson and husband Jason; and many nieces and nephews he cared for deeply.

Brian developed many close and enduring friendships over the years, far too many to list, however, the bonds he built with The Himmel, Craig, Buck, Schille, Brett and Frank were unbreakable.

Brian was predeceased by his parents, Norm and Bev Bell, and his father-in-law, Hugh Turnbull.

From an early age, Brian had a keen interest in serving Canada in uniform. At just 15, he made the weekly bus journey from Selkirk to McGregor Armouries to parade as an air cadet. After high school graduation, he enrolled in the Canadian Forces and saw duty in West Germany with the Royal Canadian Dragoons. He joined the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry at Kapyong Barracks where he served for three years at the rank of lieutenant as the commander of a rifle platoon. Brian saw operational service with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus during 2PPCLI’s tour in 1982-83 for which he received the United Nations Cyprus Medal and the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal. Later, he joined the Fort Garry Horse as a Reserve Force Officer to help train subsequent cohorts of armoured officers.

After his discharge, he began his studies at the University of Winnipeg in 1984 and entered the University of Manitoba School of Law in 1986. He was called to the Bar in 1991 and began a long and distinguished career in the Crown’s office.

A consummate professional, Brian’s remarkable courage and dedication to serving and safeguarding our community left a lasting mark. He had a gentle personality and was witty, well read and wise. But he was also stern and honest, gaining the respect of judges, lawyers and court staff across the province through to his retirement in 2016.

Brian demonstrated an enduring commitment to volunteer work. He was a founding board member of Candace House, served on the boards of the Commissionaires of Manitoba and the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Foundation, and walked the large dogs at the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter daily – rain or shine – for a decade.

But of all his great accomplishments, being an adored husband and true partner for Beth, a fantastic father, silly Grampie, brother, uncle and friend was what made him the proudest.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be held Tuesday, February 3 at 3:00 p.m. at Centro Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter, 2727 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0R2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2026