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Robert Bell Obituary

Robert Allen BELL 1928 ~2009 Robert "Bob" Bell was called into heaven on the evening of Easter Sunday. He was surrounded by his family whom he always placed first in his life. Bob Bell was true blue Seattleite. He was born here, attended Lincoln High School, studied engineering at Seattle University and later met his beloved wife of 56 years, Nancy Criez, while skating at Bitter Lake. He only left his city to serve his country in the US Navy in the waters off of Korea in the early Fifties. Under Bob's decades of leadership he grew the family run business, Skyline Electric, into a highly respected and successful electrical manufacturing company. Bob was known as a resourceful and inventive engineer. He also paved the way for the continued success and leadership of Skyline within the family. Bob had an easy going love of life which was felt immediately with his broad smile and infectious good nature. His enthusiasm for the simple pleasures was also extensive including a talent for music whether it was playing the ukulele or the stand up bass. He was a regular musician with the Edmonds Senior Swingers. In his younger years he was happiest skiing and teaching skiing at Stevens Pass with the Lake City Elks and in his later years he spent countless days with his wife and family at their favored retreat on Camano Island. There is also a mint condition Model A in his garage that he beautifully restored but reserved only for special occasion outings. Many hours were also devoted to his outdoor interests of fishing and hunting and to his indoor hideaway global Ham radio communications. Robert A. Bell is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, two sisters, Shirley and Bonnie, his son Michael, his daughter Deborah, and a daughter who preceded him in death, Jeanene. He has six wonderful grandchildren, Greg, Kelsea, Steven, Hanna, Brenna and Jack. He was also always surrounded by loving friends. The family would like to also acknowledge the special and compassionate care Bob received during his medical challenges: the staff of Northwest Hospital, the Puget Sound Cancer Care Centers and the staff at Harborview Medical Center. A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 PM Monday, April 20th, at St Matthew Church in North Seattle honoring his life. Reception to follow. Donations in Bob's honor may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 728 134th St. SW, Suite 101, Everett, WA 98204. 1-800-227-2345

Published by The Seattle Times from Apr. 16 to Apr. 18, 2009.
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Memories and Condolences
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Bob Bell. I Worked For Bob At The Time Of His Passing. I’m Going To Miss That Guy Something Fierce. When Bob Would Come Into Work, He Would Always Say “Good Morning” And Ask Me How I Was Doing. I’m A Below The Knee Amputee And He Was Always Concerned About How I Was Getting Along. Some Mornings He Would Ask If I Thought We Still Had Them Fooled? I Would Reply With “I Think We Still Got Them Fooled Mr Bell”. We Would Both Start Laughing Out Laud.

Tracy Jackson

April 27, 2009

At this sad time, my thoughts are with you Nancy.
With Love and a Big Hug, Nancy

Nancy Agerup

April 20, 2009

"Bobby" was not only a good friend to John but his ukulele buddy from their Navy days together. We had 'the best of the best', didn't we Nancy? Good memories will surely be your solace during this difficult time.
Love, Donna

Donna Floyd

April 20, 2009

Bob Bell, what can one say.He was one in a million. He was a generous man, a loving family man and a great neighbor. His infectious smile and his "thumbs up" greeting as he stood on his deck above us, we will remember always.

There were many great times shared with Bob and Nancy. We called our little group here in the neighborhood, "The Six Pack." We enjoyed our houseboat trip, our trip to Pincess Louisa Inlet, dances at the Senior Center and many "happy hous" here on the Island.

To you Nancy and your beautiful family, we extend our sincerest sympathy.

Much love, onward and upward.

Gloria and Frank

April 20, 2009

Bob was kind and generous and one of the nicest people I have ever known.

Bill Barnes

April 17, 2009

Manaco Beach will never be the same without our dear Bob Bell. When Bob arrived on Camano Island things always got brighter around here from his infectious cheerfulness. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts go out to Nancy, Mike and the entire family.

Teresa Johnson

April 17, 2009

The Bell Family,
I wanted to express my deapest sympathy for the loss of your loving father and husband. My dad was a great friend of Bob and Nancy's.

Jeannine Berard

April 16, 2009

A fond memory of mine was when I visited the family one summer. I believe I was 12 years old. Uncle Bob showed me how to peel a potato all the while leaving the potato skin in one piece. It makes me smile and chuckle to think I would remember that.

During the time with the "Swingers", you could see from his smile how much he enjoyed playing his ukulele and bass. He was so kind, too, always giving a helping hand in transporting my mom's keyboard to their "Swinger" functions.

When I visited him last summer, his face lit up when was telling me about a project he was doing at work. He really enjoyed working.

I'm glad to have shared in some memories. Uncle Bob will certainly be missed.

Love and prayers to all the family.

Cheryn

Cheryn and Bruce Brant

April 16, 2009

Uncle Bob - an image always comes to mind when I think of him; that embracing grin from ear to ear, only to be enhanced by that gentle chuckle.

Most recent memories bring me to the Senior Center where he and my mom were on stage "rocking to the music" for the friends at the Edmonds Senior Center. He loved to play his music, and those around him could sit and listen to no end.

I thank him for such a wonderful family, while they too are beautiful people. My heart goes out to you all.

Love,
Stormy

Ernie & Jeanne Criez

April 16, 2009

In our college years, in the late 70's, Bob welcomed me into his family like another daughter! He always generously shared his talents, often in subtle and inobtrusive ways. He would make Hot toddies as easily for his guests at the Camano 'cabin' as he did for his family. After dinner he would quietly start playing his ukelele or his bass and next thing you knew there was a big 'hootenany' going on!
As our families grew and we shared time together as a HUGE group, Bob was always there steady as a rock, doing what needed to be done (including staying out of Nancy's way, if that is what needed to be done!)
He was the kind of man you felt good doing things for because he was grateful and unassuming.
He was a gentle presence who made a deep impression.
I know I will miss him but not nearly as much as his wonderful family will.
With deepest love, Natalie (Goodfellow) Brodeur

Natalie Brodeur

April 16, 2009

Mr Bell was my God Father. he was so nice to me. He always was happy and friendly. Whenever I saw him he would give me a hug and a big smile.

Julie Flanagan McElroy

April 16, 2009

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