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1925 - 2016
1925 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
1925
2016
John (Jack) Hartley Bell Sr. (Dinger), age 90, passed away at his residence on January 11th, 2016.
Jack was born in Penetanguishene, Ontario on February 1st, 1925 to John James Bell and Gwendoline (Hartley). Jack was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Navy), serving as a Merchant Marine during WWII and regular force until his retirement in 1976 as the Staff Officer at HMCS Griffon. His distinguished medals included the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and War Medal 1939-45.
Jack was an avid motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed traveling throughout Canada and the US with his wife Ellen. Jack's Honda Goldwing took them to many wonderful places and they made a lot of new friends in their travels. One of his favorite stops was the bike rally in Sturgis, North Dakota. It was a sad day for him when he had to put away his leathers and boots and put on a pair of sneakers.
Jack will be lovingly remembered by his children, daughter Carol West (John) and children David (Peg) and Bob, sons Jack Jr (Sharron) and children John (Rebecca) and Julie (Darren), Rick (Joy) (former spouse Jean, mother of Chrissie (Ricki) and Ricky (Ashley)), Rob (Susan) (former spouse Wendy, mother of Maurissa and Janessa), Brian (Olga) as well as great grandchildren, Kaeleigh, Samantha, Alec, Ava, Riahna, Parker, Paige, & Kendra; sister Gladys and brother Pat, who reside in Traverse City, Michigan.
Also mourning his loss are step-children Dawn Crosley, Lou (Val), Robert (JoAnn), Wayne, Tracy (Christine), Richard, Ron, Mark, Jim and their families.
Jack was predeceased by his first wife of 37 years, Florence (Biloski) who passed away in 1983, and his second wife of 28 years, Ellen (Crosley) who passed away in 2012, as well as his brother Richard.
As per Jack's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service and internment will be held at a future date. If family and friends so desire, donations may be made in Jack's memory to the TBRHS Foundation - Northern Cardiac Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
7 Entries
Mike Warren
August 31, 2024
So sad to read of his passing. I grew up 2 doors down from him in Thunder Bay. He inspired me to learn guitar.
Mike Warren
February 13, 2020
I grew up in my teenage years on Keystone Court (a couple of houses over from the Bells). He was one of my early inspirations to learn guitar. The Bells were truly lovely people and I was blessed to have had their influence in my life; not to mention Brian and Rob.
Susan K
January 30, 2016
Jack and Ellen welcomed us to the neighborhood when we moved to Westbank in 2008 and became our much-loved friends. After Ellen's passing in 2012, we got to know Jack more and more. We so enjoyed his sharp wit and delightful conversation and have missed him since he moved back to Thunder Bay to be near his children. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family at this sad time. Rest in peace, dear Jack...you're home at last.
Larry & Susan - Westbank, B.C.
January 18, 2016
Deepest sympathy Jack Sharon and family,Audrey and Bob Young
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Rae and Mark MacPhail
January 18, 2016
My condolences to the Bell Family. Sorry to hear of your grandpa's passing, Chrissie.
January 17, 2016
To all the Bell family my sincere condolences. Jack was a great Friend of mine and family, I will miss our coffee times..
Charles Rolfe
January 17, 2016
To all of John "Dinger" Bell's family, we in the Canadian Naval Divers Association send our heartfelt condolences to all of you at the death of your Father. Dinger was a well thought of Naval Diving Officer for many years in Halifax who was well known for his love of bikes. All his Canadian Naval Diving brethren will mourn his passing, but as a fraternal brother he will remain with us in our hearts. Chuck Rolfe, CNDA National Secretary.
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