In Loving Memory of Gordon Bell
December 13, 1948 – April 8, 2025
Father, grandfather, brother, husband, cousin, uncle, school principal, teammate, and a cherished friend to many.
Gordon (Gord) Bell was born on December 13, 1948, in Kamloops, BC, to Roy and Isabel Bell. He was a beloved brother to Laurie (John) Scott and George (Cheryl) Bell, and a cherished uncle to their families. He wished also to acknowledge the special relationship of the Bell family with the extended Owen family. He was predeceased by his parents and by his wife, Melinda.
Gord was immensely proud of his sons and their families: Martin and Juliet – Isaac and Eliza; Brandon and Michelle – Ethan and Juliana; Jarrod and Nicole – Nomi and Lilly.
His face lit up when he spoke of them, and his joy in being a father and grandfather was unmistakable.
Over more than four decades, Gord made a lasting mark as an educator and school principal in School District 73. Education was a calling for him. He considered it one of life’s greatest privileges to work alongside children and families, guiding generations as they learned, grew, and found their way. Even years into retirement, he was often stopped on the street in Kamloops or at Sun Peaks by former students and colleagues who simply wanted to say hello—an experience that often amused and delighted his grandchildren, who wondered if Grandpa might actually be famous.
Gord led with humility, kindness, humour, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people. He called himself lucky to have “never worked a day in his life,” because to him, going to school each day was a joy filled with friendship, connection, and purpose.
A moment of deep meaning in his life was receiving a Golden Eagle Feather from DeDe DeRose, an honour bestowed by the Secwépemc people in recognition of his work with students and the community. It remained a treasured symbol of the relationships he built and the communities he cared for.
Gord held a special place in his heart for Audry and Bill O’Donovan and their families. Your friendship meant the world to him, and he spoke of you always with great affection and gratitude. He also wished to acknowledge his lifelong friendship with Jack Fulton and many years of slo-pitch and swinging hammers with his good friend, Cliff Steinke.
Never one to shy away from a new challenge, Gord was a lifelong learner who embraced some new to him sports, later in life. Whether playing hockey or slo-pitch, he brought enthusiasm, laughter, and camaraderie to every game. To his teammates: thank you for your patience with his “skills”—he missed you all deeply after his health sidelined him and he relished the time together with you on the ice, the field, and in the locker room.
A proud and loyal Kamloops Blazers season ticket holder since the team’s inception, Gord rarely missed a home game. Cheering from the stands and doing concourse laps at intermission was a passion of his, and it kept him connected to the community he loved.
In his final days, friends and family gathered to express their love and admiration. At the hospital and hospice, visitors described Gord as “one of the good guys”—a sentiment felt by all who knew him. Even in his last weeks, he made every effort to reach out, share stories, and say thank you. True to his generous spirit, he kept “working the phones” and texting until the very end, ensuring those around him felt seen and appreciated.
A celebration of life will be held for Gord on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2 pm at the Kia Lounge at the Sandman Centre, 300 Lorne St., Kamloops, BC.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home where he received truly fantastic care. A special thank you as well to the committed staff at Royal Inland Hospital – Gord shared his gratitude and admiration for you all.
Gord’s legacy is one of kindness, humour, and wholehearted living. As he often reminded us: live life, move forward, and be happy.
Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
12 Tributes
Gordon was so generous with his love and his talents! His kindness and care showed through in every aspect of his life! He will be so missed! My thoughts are with all his family at this time.
We are truly saddened to hear of Gords passing. He was a fantastic Principal to my step children and a wonderful friend and team mate for many years with my husband and “The Brew Crew” had many wonderful times which will be shared and reminisced for years to come.
Our deepest condolences to the Bell Boys and their families.
Garth and Carolanne Brunn
I was saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing.
He was a generous soul and well liked by friends and colleagues. He always seemed to be in a good mood and was genuinely happy to see you and ask about you. His focus was on others rather than himself. He made a significant contribution to so many of his students and in the community. I hope your many happy memories of your Dad will bring you some comfort in this challenging time. YES, he was one of the good guys and I will miss him.
Unfortunately we will be out of country for his service.
Gord was one of my most favourite people. I worked with him as a teacher and on the Slopitch League executive and on the tournament we ran every September. He was a special person who managed to stay positive in many situations that tested our patience. I will miss him so much. I feel blessed to have known him.
My sincere condolences to the Bell family on the loss of a truly wonderful man. I had the honour and privilege of working with Gord in two schools. I also had the heartfelt privilege of being his friend. Rest in peace, dear man. You will be missed.
Thank you for being you, Gordon! You will be missed, yet you will always be with us. Sincere condolences to your friends and family!
Frank V.
Gord was the first to interview me for a position at his school and I still lived in Vancouver and hadn’t even been hired by the district yet. He is the reason I live here and have since we met in 1993. I was lucky enough to have him twice more as our principal and am forever grateful for his strong, fair leadership, his kindness and his humour. He has left an indelible mark in my life and the lives of countless others. Farewell, Gord and thank you.
I share Ann-Marie’s comments fully. Every time I spoke to Gordon about any topic, I always felt listened to very deeply.
I will definitely miss him from the Blazer’s games(his seat was just 3 seats away) and on the ice playing our version of hockey in our senior years…! Rest well, dear friend.
It was a pleasure to have worked alongside Gord at many of the schools he gave his leadership to as a principal. I remember a day when I was telling Gord how I enjoyed working for him. He corrected me immediately and said no, I enjoy working with you. The world has lost a great man. Very sorry to hear this news.
Oh, how sad. Gord was a KamHi classmate and someone I admired. We had little contact after graduation but we did share an occasional Facebook chat and of course, our class reunions where we were able to share stories. He will always be remembered by many.
We were running and then walking buddies for over 20 years. He truly lit up when talking aabout his family, sports and politics. He was a great sounding board for many. Thanks for many wonderful memories Gord. I miss your guidance and your wit. Hugs to your family.
Gord was a truly an outstanding individual. He was a kind principal to my daughter, a mentor and colleague to my spouse and a friend to me. He will be greatly missed but always fondly remembered.