C. Wade Bell

Our beloved husband and father, C. Wade Bell, passed away surrounded by his family on July 4, 2024. Wade was born January 3, 1945, to Charles and Margaret Bell in Ogden, Utah. He grew up with his five brothers just behind the Bell Bakery, where his father and mother worked. It was not unusual to have a playpen set up there for a new baby. The boys were always involved, and as they got older, they sold donuts door to door. Wade had happy memories of those days.
It was at Ben Lomond High School he became interested in running, with the encouragement of his lifelong friend Chick Hislop, who became his first coach. While watching the Olympics in Chick's living room, Wade set the goal to run a sub-four-minute mile. Chick made sure he had the opportunities to help him reach this goal, including raising funds to travel to the Golden State Invitational Track Meet, which he won after entering with the slowest time in the race. During his senior year, he was the Utah State Mile and Half Mile Champion. It was Chick who contacted Head Track Coach Bill Bowerman to see if he could find a place for Wade at the University of Oregon.
Wade thoroughly enjoyed his experience at the U of O and working with Bill Bowerman, who later became a lifelong friend. Bill coached him to his goal of running a sub-four-minute mile (3:59.8) in 1966. He also became an NCAA Champion, AAU Champion, world record holder, and three-time All-American. In 1967, he won a gold medal in the men's 800-meter event at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and traveled with the AAU Track and Field Team to meets in London, Dusseldorf, and Viareggio. In September of that year, he was a member of the U.S. Track and Field team at the Summer Universiade in Tokyo, Japan. In 1968, he became a member of the United States Olympic Team in Mexico City, and in that same year, he was a member of the world record-setting four-mile relay team. Later, in 1975, Wade was invited to be a manager/assistant coach for the U.S. National Track and Field team traveling to China. He also served as an athlete member of the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Committee 1969-1977.
Wade was so appreciative of Mr. Bowerman and his track experience at the U of O that he felt strongly the urge to give back, which led to 55+ years of officiating track meets at Hayward Field. His goal was to help the athletes feel as comfortable as possible before their events. He also cherished his relationships with his track buddies, the Lame Ducks. A lunch bunch that started with his favorite track supporters and has met for over 50 years. The composition of the group changed over the years, but the friendships were all strong and lasting.
In 1969, Wade married Marie Deming and began his professional life as a Certified Public Accountant. He loved his work and would often cheer when Monday came around. Many of his clients became treasured friends, and he was even known to make house calls when they needed his help, a testament to his dedication and passion for his profession.
Wade and Marie were blessed with four children, and Wade found immense joy in cheering them on in their sports and activities. He became highly involved in the Boy Scouts of America and loved camping, hiking, and especially Dutch-oven cooking. His cinnamon rolls were a family favorite, a symbol of his warmth and affection for his loved ones.
Wade was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many responsible positions, including Bishop. He was generous by nature and loved helping others, a trait that endeared him to many. Over the years, he made many dear friends who will greatly miss his kindness and selflessness.
Wade is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marie; their children, Joanna (Brett) Hadlock, Kevin (Corrine) Bell, Eric Bell, and Bryce (Katie) Bell; his five brothers and 14 grandchildren.
Wade's funeral will be Friday, July 12, 2024, at 12:00 noon, with a viewing from 10-11:30 am. The services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1155 President Street, Eugene, Oregon, 97401.
Services are in the care of Major Family Funeral Home in Springfield. Visit www.majorfamilyfuneralhome.com to share a memory of Wade.