Declan Charles Bell

2011 - 2018

Declan Charles Bell
October 4, 2011 - March 21, 2018

Declan Charles Bell blessed the lives of his loving parents, Gavin and Elizabeth; big sister, Elyse; and big brother, Ian, on October 4, 2011. Declan left this world on March 21, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family.

The name Declan means "full of goodness" and Charles translates to "warrior." That is exactly what Declan embodied. He fought everyday to make the lives of all those around him brighter with his radiant smile, subtle sense of humor, love for music, and strength. There was nothing but goodness in Declan. He was selfless, considerate, loving, and happy. He was perfect.

During Declan's life he taught us how to be better people. We will live our lives each and everyday trying to be more like Declan. We will smile, even when it hurts, because a smile can make another person's darkest day a little brighter. We will stay positive, even when life gets hard. We will love unconditionally. We will find joy in the simple things. We will not take anything for granted. We will be brave.

Declan was born with an extremely rare genetic mutation (SCN8A) that causes severe neurological problems, including intractable seizures and developmental delays. Only 260 cases of this genetic mutation have ever been diagnosed. In Declan's name, we would like to thank the many nurses who have cared for him, Hoffman Hospice, and his wonderful BCSD teacher, caregiver and friend, Diane Ramirez. We would also like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital who provided compassionate care for Declan. Also, our friend Dr. Larry Yokoyama and staff from Centennial Medical Group who provided us with their support and love.

Declan is survived by his loving parents, Gavin and Elizabeth Bell, siblings, Elyse and Ian Bell, Grandparents, Thomas and Glenda Bell and John and Kay Alexander; Great-grandmother Juanita Alexander; and his aunts and uncles, Michael and Jennifer Bell, John and Victoria Trichell, Kathryn Karlen, Brian and Megan Bock and many loving cousins.

A Rosary Service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi, 900 H Street, Bakersfield, California, at 8:30 am on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, with a Celebration Mass to follow. We will be wearing purple for Declan and in recognition of epilepsy awareness. We also invite everyone and all who can attend to do the same. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to WishesForElliot.org, a charitable organization raising money for research on Declan's rare condition, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation Central California, who blessed Declan and our family with a Disneyland trip that created memories that will last a lifetime.