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
