Obituary of David Bell

David McCulloch Bell of Wingham passed away in his 74th year at University Hospital in London, Ontario, on Friday December 23, 2022. He was born in London, Ontario on April 11, 1949. 

He was a loving husband to his wife, Heather Elizabeth McGuire-Bell of Wingham, for forty years. He was a devoted father of their children; Rachel Bell (Matt Higgs), Baillie Bell (Iain Wilkinson), Matthew Bell. They were also foster parents to many children in Saskatchewan and Ontario. 

Brother to Robert Bell (Kathy) and Heather DuMaresq (Bob). Brother-in-law to Cheryl Hunt (Rick), Colleen Snoddon (Jim), Erin McGuire, Shannon McGuire (Greg Adjodha), and Cliff McGuire (Janet Gaunt). Loving uncle to all his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Edwin Alexander Bell and Margaret (McCulloch) Bell and his parents-in-law Greg and Aileen McGuire. 

Dave was a man of uncanny wit, great intelligence and loyalty. He was a quiet man who could say much in a few words of humour and a quick smile. He had a booming laugh hence the nickname ‘Laughing Jerome’. He always appreciated the simple things in life such as a good cup of coffee, a slice of homemade pie, a good debate and a beautiful sunrise. He was the king of trivia and effortlessly won games and contests. He loved Rock and Jazz music and played the guitar and drums. Over the years Dave cherished family time at his summer cottage on Manitoulin Island where extended family and friends visited often. He was an avid reader and loved watching movies of all genres. 

Dave enjoyed his teaching profession, particularly when he taught all grades 1-8 in a one room school at a Hutterite Colony in southern Saskatchewan. In the remote northern fly in community of Black Lake, Saskatchewan he was a school principal and taught in multi-grade classrooms. In Perth Country he taught Special Education. He was often praised and appreciated by students and parents alike for his unique and easy going manner of teaching.

At Dave’s request, he has been cremated and there will be no service. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Wingham & District Hospital Foundation.