Obituary for John (Jack) Bell
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our wonderful Husband and Dad, John (Jack) Bell on January 31, 2021 at George Derby Centre in Burnaby at the age of 88.
Jack was born on July 23, 1932, one of six children to William and Helen (McMurray) Bell in Glasgow, Scotland. Growing up in Glasgow, Jack enjoyed outdoor adventures with the Boy Scouts where he also learned some practical cooking skills. He later served 2 years in the RAF and then completed his 5-year apprenticeship in joinery / carpentry.
In 1950 Jack met and fell in love with our Mom, Susan Barton. They were married in March of 1955 and began a long and happy marriage. In 1960 they welcomed daughter Helen and son Jack in 1963. In 1966 the family emigrated to Vancouver and Jack and Susan enjoyed the company of many wonderful new friends. Jack enjoyed being involved in the local soccer community and they both loved cheering on the Whitecaps and the Canucks. They also enjoyed many fun excursions to the USA, memorable trips to the UK visiting family, and also reciprocating those visits, creating life-long, happy memories.
Jack was employed as a finishing carpenter and worked with numerous companies at construction sites throughout the Lower Mainland. He particularly enjoyed his last working years indoors doing finishing work with Polygon. He retired in 1997 and looked so forward to retirement for the sheer enjoyment of not having to get up early to go to work Monday mornings!
Family life, his grandchildren, and helping friends and family kept Jack busy for the next decade. Unfortunately, while being treated for colon cancer in 2009, he suffered a stroke which then led to his dementia. The family would like to thank the care staff at George Derby (especially Adrian) for the wonderful care Jack received during the last few years of his life.
Jack’s story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning his love of music. He loved listening to his records and learning the lyrics as he went along. This came in handy when he was enjoying a good party sing-a-long. And although he wasn’t proficient with any instrument, he had a musical ear and could always pick out a tune on a piano.
Jack is survived by his loving wife Susan, daughter Helen Cheng (Eddie), son Jack, grandchildren Kirsten (Michael), Lauren (Mark), Jocelyn, Derek and great-grandchildren Mila and Brooklyn. He is also survived by his sister Helen Dunlop, brother-in-law Ron Cuthbert and many family members throughout Canada, Scotland and England. Sadly, Jack was predeceased by his sisters Isobel and Anne, and brothers Will and Joe. He was also predeceased by brothers-in-law James Patterson and Herb Dunlop and sisters-in-law Elizabeth Bell and May Bell.
Jack will always be remembered for his easy-going nature, and his welcoming and generous heart.
We will always love and miss you Fatman.
Due to Covid-19 there will no service
Jack was born on July 23, 1932, one of six children to William and Helen (McMurray) Bell in Glasgow, Scotland. Growing up in Glasgow, Jack enjoyed outdoor adventures with the Boy Scouts where he also learned some practical cooking skills. He later served 2 years in the RAF and then completed his 5-year apprenticeship in joinery / carpentry.
In 1950 Jack met and fell in love with our Mom, Susan Barton. They were married in March of 1955 and began a long and happy marriage. In 1960 they welcomed daughter Helen and son Jack in 1963. In 1966 the family emigrated to Vancouver and Jack and Susan enjoyed the company of many wonderful new friends. Jack enjoyed being involved in the local soccer community and they both loved cheering on the Whitecaps and the Canucks. They also enjoyed many fun excursions to the USA, memorable trips to the UK visiting family, and also reciprocating those visits, creating life-long, happy memories.
Jack was employed as a finishing carpenter and worked with numerous companies at construction sites throughout the Lower Mainland. He particularly enjoyed his last working years indoors doing finishing work with Polygon. He retired in 1997 and looked so forward to retirement for the sheer enjoyment of not having to get up early to go to work Monday mornings!
Family life, his grandchildren, and helping friends and family kept Jack busy for the next decade. Unfortunately, while being treated for colon cancer in 2009, he suffered a stroke which then led to his dementia. The family would like to thank the care staff at George Derby (especially Adrian) for the wonderful care Jack received during the last few years of his life.
Jack’s story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning his love of music. He loved listening to his records and learning the lyrics as he went along. This came in handy when he was enjoying a good party sing-a-long. And although he wasn’t proficient with any instrument, he had a musical ear and could always pick out a tune on a piano.
Jack is survived by his loving wife Susan, daughter Helen Cheng (Eddie), son Jack, grandchildren Kirsten (Michael), Lauren (Mark), Jocelyn, Derek and great-grandchildren Mila and Brooklyn. He is also survived by his sister Helen Dunlop, brother-in-law Ron Cuthbert and many family members throughout Canada, Scotland and England. Sadly, Jack was predeceased by his sisters Isobel and Anne, and brothers Will and Joe. He was also predeceased by brothers-in-law James Patterson and Herb Dunlop and sisters-in-law Elizabeth Bell and May Bell.
Jack will always be remembered for his easy-going nature, and his welcoming and generous heart.
We will always love and miss you Fatman.
Due to Covid-19 there will no service