Larry Bell

October 7, 1931 - October 4, 2010 Larry made his peaceful transition from life on earth into eternal life after handling a long and arduous battle with C.O.P.D. with dignity and great courage. Born in Belfast, Ireland, he immigrated to Cornwall, Ontario with his parents, John and Bella Cathcart Bell. At age 14, he learned to fly crop-dusting planes, which led him to join the Canadian Air Cadets. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force when he was 18 years old. During the Korean War, he was shot down in North Korea flying a Mustang, and again as a Squadron Officer flying a F86 fighter. He was rescued by the Canadian Helicopter Team at great risk to the rescuers own lives. After spending one year in a Vancouver, B.C. hospital, Larry resumed flying with R.C.A.F. to various countries, as well as a stint when he patrolled the Arctic and delivered food to the Eskimos, who on occasion, gave him shelter in their igloo. Larry attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada. His grand-father, Bill Cathcart, was Grand Master of the Orange Lodge in the Dominion of Canada. From 1962 to 1976 Larry was employed by TRW as an electronic engineer in Southern California. Holding a crypto secret clearance, he worked on several secret space programs during the same time Apollo II landed on the moon in July 1969. Larry and his wife, Kay, had been part-time residents of Rancho Mirage, Calif. since 1978. After Larry retired in 1991, they became full time residents of the city. In 1993, Larry organized and initiated the highly successful Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.S.), a volunteer program for Rancho Mirage, which continues to this day. Larry was always grateful to Arthur Newman and Jeanne Parrish, City Council members, who supported his efforts. He served as Vice President of the Homeowners Board for Rancho Las Palmas Resort with Marc Pevers, President. In 1991, they were responsible for over-seeing construction of a major storm drain throughout the complex to prevent flooding during heavy rains, designing an exercise room for residents, and installing a security transponder system. Larry held a burning passion for helping others. His "acts of kindness" were demonstrated in many ways over and over. Larry and Dr. Sean Degnan of Palm Springs initiated "Friends of Chelation", a grassroots nonprofit for the purpose of promoting the benefits of chelation therapy for those with diabetes, heart, and circulatory issues. Along with Frank Keegan, Larry initiated the nonprofit "Altermed International" utilizing FDA approved non-invasive CardioVision equipment, which was utilized to identify risks for cardiovascular disease for many who had never seeked medical help. Larry is survived by his wife, Kay of 31 years; son, David and daughter-in-law, Lisa; grandchildren, Kristen, Amelia, Zoe and Eliza; Peter Struckmeyer; and Larry's two loving Papillons, Tiffany and Chantilly. Chantilly gave him great comfort during his long illness. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kim; and his Papillon, Kaliko. His greatest legacy to his children and grand-children is to lend a hand to one in need, asking nothing in return. Larry's wife, Kay is very grateful and thankful to the staff of Charter Hospice for their medical and emotional support, kindness and dedication; especially to Dr. Eric Palmer, R.N Michelle Tillamans, and LVN Danielle Pulliams. Kay was also appreciative of caretaker, Lupe Agcaoili. A grateful thank you goes out to Dr. Ron Himelman and Dr. Dan Walters, who oversaw Larry's medical issues over 15 years. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, Calif. Donations may be sent to a charity of your choice.