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John Bell Obituary
Dr. John Howard Bell, 58, of Lynchburg, died Saturday, May 26, 2007.
He was born in Wilmington, Del., son of Dr. George E. Bell of Columbus, Ohio, and the late Evelyn Adams Bell.
In addition to his father, John is survived by his wife, Michelle; daughter, Tatum; and son, Connor, all of Lynchburg, and his brothers, Richard, Jeff and David all of Columbus, Ohio.
John was a gifted and well-respected Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon in Lynchburg for the past 16 years. In addition to his passion for medicine, he was a loving and devoted father and husband, and an avid cyclist.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, with the Rev. John M. Scholer officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Dr. John Howard Bell Fund, C/O Centra Health Foundation, 1920 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.tharpfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Bell
Ted & Janice Jennings
June 22, 2007
When my husband needed heart surgery he was blessed to have Dr. Bell for his three surgeries. He was the most compassionate Dr. we could have had. We will never forget his very personal concern for Ted. We are thankful to have known him.
With love and prayers,
Ted & Janice Jennings
Mr & Mrs. J.D. Evans
June 19, 2007
It is with great sadness that we learned of John Bell's tragic accident. Having known him since childhood, his concern and professional, caring ways have touched, healed and inspired many through the years. Our deepest sympathy to all who loved and respected him.
Ruth Rowles
June 11, 2007
Not only did my family and I have the deepest respect for Dr. Bell's medical ability, we knew he truly cared about us. He performed heart surgeries for me and I am distressed at the waste I feel because of his death. He was special and my heart aches for his family.
Dr. and Mrs. William Boettcher
May 30, 2007
John Bell touched many lives with love and friendship. Having known John over 40 years, his professional talent and caring ways will be missed immensely. We express our incredible sadness and sympathy to all who knew and loved him.
Central Virginia Family Physicians Diagnostic Center
May 30, 2007
We express our sincere sympathy to the family and community on the loss of Dr. John Bell. He will be truly missed.
Diane Detlefsen
May 30, 2007
Dear Bell Family,
I'm sorry to hear of your tragic loss and hope you find solace in knowing how many lives he touched. I worked with Dr. Bell several years ago at LGH, and I have fond memories of him reassuring his patients with his gentle and thoughtful explanations of the surgery. May you find comfort in your beliefs whatever they are.
Regards, D. Detlefsen
Jo Ellen Burnette
May 30, 2007
I offer my sympathy and prayers to Dr. Bell's family. Dr. Bell leaves us with his legacy, it will live on in thousands, family, patients, friends, co-workers. I remember his hands, as odd as that sounds, now I will remember all the good that his hands touched! God Bless.
Lorraine Ohlschlager
May 30, 2007
I will always remember Dr. Bell for how he saved my husband's life and gave us hope when other doctor's gave us none. He will be missed.
James & Margaret Hicks
May 30, 2007
To the Bell Family:
Dr. Bell was the surgeon that did James' heart surgery. He was very kind and gracious to us as a family during a most difficult time. James is diabetic and had pneumonia at the time he had his heartattacks. Dr. Bell was very honest about the seriousness of his condition and yet at the same time very compassionate to us as a family assuring us he would do everything he could. James made it through the surgery and we have always been very grateful for what Dr. Bell did. We know you will miss him greatly, but his life lives on in all those people he touched in such a special way. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Robert Wilson
May 30, 2007
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Bell through his relationship with LifeNet. He was such a kind, gentle man and was always very accomodating in helping with the cardiac surgery education of LifeNet personnel. He will be sorely missed.
Naomi Hess
May 29, 2007
Michelle and children, I was shocked today to hear of the loss of Dr. Bell in such a tragic way. He used to stop in our little country store, Sedalia Country Store on Rt. 122 north when he was out riding his bicycle. He also looked in on me when Dr Messier did valve replacement surgery on me in January 2007. He was such a kind man and a wonderful surgeon. He will be greatly missed.
Candace Brown
May 29, 2007
Deepest Sympathy to the Bell Family. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Bell when I first started at Centra in 2004 as a Nursing Assistant on PCU. He was truly a gifted and talented person. God Bless the Bell family during this extremly hard time.
Sharon Kastner RN,C MICU
May 29, 2007
I had the pleasure of working closely with Dr.Bell for the first 7 years of my nursing career. Some were tough, but he always had something to teach.In my later years we didn't work so closely, but I always remembered what I was taught. My sympathy goes out to his family and we share in this tragic loss.
Eric Waldbaum
May 29, 2007
My deep condolences are with the Bell family. Two years ago, I was blessed to have Dr. John H. Bell perform CABG-4 surgery on me at LGH. Not only did I come to respect him as a consummately skilled CT-surgeon but also, in post-op chats, I came to know and enjoy him as a thoughtful physician dedicated to preserving high-quality medical care and individual attention. Our region has had wrenched from us a very special human being whose life, skills and person have touched, enriched and nourished many. As one who was privileged to share some precious moments with him, moments that I will remember and treasure, I join to mourn his untimely passing.
Kim Brown
May 29, 2007
To the Bell Family,
I am deeply saddened by your loss. I can not imagine your grief. Dr. Bell was an extraordinary doctor and man. He saved my father's life 3 times with his incredible talent as a surgeon. In my eyes, he is a hero. The world is not the same without him. May time heal and may memories bring you some comfort. My sincerest thoughts are with you during this time.
Tom Moring
May 29, 2007
I worked with Dr. Bell 16 years ago when he first came to Lynchburg. I moved away a year later and had only seen him a couple of times until last year at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Our prayers are with his family.
Melvin and Susan Wilbourn
May 29, 2007
It is with Great Sympathy that I write this today, we just heard of Dr. Bells passing and it really hurts. My husband was air-lifted to Lynchburg Hospital from South Boston on February 14, 2006 he was introduced to everyone briefly because he had a dissecting Aorta and needed immediate surgery after the surgery was performed Dr. Bell came out and talked to us and explained in great detail what he did and what to expect I am greatful to him and God for putting our loved ones in his hands, he will be greatly missed find comfort in knowing your loved one did an exceptional job and heaven is smiling because they sure did get one of the best. Our prayers are with you.
Rhonda L. McGlothlin
May 29, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Dr. Bell was a great talent and a fine person who gave much of himself to many. He will be greatly missed.
Rhonda L. McGlothlin, Director
Department of Risk Management
Centra Health
Dean Birt, PA
May 29, 2007
My sympathy to the Family of Dr. Bell. I learned a lot from him in the handful of years we worked together. He touched many lives and he will not be forgotten. In years to come I will always tell others that I learned how to do this or do that by a gifted surgeon I onced worked with and his was Dr John Bell.
I always said that if I ever needed a new heart valve he would be the one I would go to, the only problem is that I wouldn't be there to help him.
Rarely, did he speak of his personal life, but when he did it usually involved his children and how proud he was of them. You can always judge the worth of a man by the quality of his children.
He was an avid cyclist and once a year the main topic of conversation in the OR always involved THE TOUR DE FRANCE. He once told me that he even recorded the races. Now, thats a cycling enthusiast.
Some classic quotes from him I will never forget: "PATIENT CARE, PATIENT CARE, PATIENT CARE", "Its FemorAl not FemOral", "purposeful movements", "tissue respect", "That darn vein of Hiddel", and "some one get online and find out how Lance is doing".
Lynchburg has truly lost a valued physician and member of the community.
Pamela Herbert Minkler
May 29, 2007
Although I did not work directly with Dr. Bell, I encountered him many times during the course of my residency. There is a huge knowledge gap between a practicing cardiothoracic surgeon and a family practice resident, but Dr. Bell always went out of his way to answer my questions or sometimes just to say hello when we both happened to be sitting in the doctors' lounge at Lynchburg General. Please know that his tremendous knowledge and his obvious love for his chosen profession made an impression on me and I'm sure on many of the other residents with whom he interacted. While none of us will go on to become cardiothoracic surgeons, we will carry the knowledge that he passed along to us and the example that he set for us along with us as we continue in our careers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jerry W & Kay Brown
May 29, 2007
Our sympathy to Dr. Bell's family, friends and collagues. It has been almost 10 years since he operated on my husband and gave him back to me almost brand new. His kindness and understanding have not been forgotten. God has gained a wonderful soldier. The angels continue to smile for receiving such a kind soul in their heavenly kingdom. Blessings
Karen Bass
May 29, 2007
My first contact with Dr. Bell was 11 years ago when my mother was very ill and needed bypass surgery. We were very pleased with Dr. Bell's care of mom.
My father needs to have heart surgery and was scheduled to see Dr. Bell in June. We chose Dr. Bell because of the wonderful expience with him in the past.
Dr. Bell will be greatly missed by our family along with many others.
Karen Bass, Daughter of Richard and Edith Hobert
Gwendolyn Hartzog
May 29, 2007
Dear Michelle, Tatum, and Connor,
I can not begin to imagine your pain, my heart goes out to you. I had known Dr. Bell since his arrival in Lynchburg. He was a physician with high standards and expectations. He was an advocate for nursing and safe patient care, he will be missed by many.
Warm Regards,
Gwen Hartzog
Bonnie Sorrells
May 29, 2007
To the Bell family, you have my deepest sympathy. Dr. Bell was a very talented surgeon and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Michelle Kitchen
May 29, 2007
Dear Bell Family,
You have truly suffered a great loss.On Sunday May 20 2007 your Father and Husband saved my brother-in-laws life.Who would have dreamed just one week later he would be gone.He was a fine Doctor and someone you can be proud of.He saved many lives and apparently God felt his work here was done.I will continue to pray for peace and comfort for you all.
Linda St .John, RN
May 29, 2007
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Dr.Bell's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Bell for 7 years in CVRU. I gained alot of knowledge from him. I will continue to keep his family in my Prayers, and that God will provide peace and healing during this difficult time. I know that Heaven has received another angel.
Donna Steuart
May 29, 2007
May God bless the family of Dr. Bell. He will be greatly missed. Our community has lost a dedicated and great heart surgeon. He has healed alot of hearts.
Don & Faye Brooks
May 29, 2007
Our prayers are with the family of Dr. Bell. He was a one of a kind man. His thoughtfullness and compassion were unbeatable.
Dr. Bell operated on my husband just about a year ago. I know that he helped save lives every day. At a time when we were so afraid of all the information that was being told to us that we did not yet understand, Dr. Bell took the time to sit down and explain the surgery, what would happen and what to expect when it was over. I thank God for talented men that he uses to help his people.
Jean Reeves
May 29, 2007
To Michelle Tatum and Conner,
I'm so sorry. I worked with DR. Bell for 6 years in CVR before moving away. Those were the best years and my favorite job ever.I think of him often and I know he'll be in our hearts forever. God Bless you, your family and the Lynchburg community.
Trish McBride
May 29, 2007
I enjoyed working with Dr Bell. He was a wonderful person and an amazing surgeon. He will definitely be missed greatly. My sympathy goes out to you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Trish McBride Centra Health Payroll Accountant
Linda Fulks
May 29, 2007
Words cannot express my deepest sympathy for Dr. Bell's precious family. Dr. Bell was such a wonderful surgeon and man. I worked for Dr. Bell for 4 1/2 years as his Office Manager. I will greatly miss him in the office and working so closely with him. My prayers are for Michelle, Tatum and Connor. May God give you comfort and peace. Linda Fulks , Office Manager
Sara Rawls
May 29, 2007
To the Bell family,
I had the opportunity of working with Dr. Bell and learning from him as a nurse extern on the CVRU. I am sorry for your loss.
Nurse Extern, LCSN
James & Debbie Lucy
May 29, 2007
It is with a deep void in my heart today as I write this email. I worked indirectly with Dr. Bell, and saw him in the hall ways, upstairs and in the front lobby in Admissions. I will miss him. My family and I will be in thought and many prayers for his family and friends. I respected his cardiac skills and the fact he was like me, never letting anything get in his way when there was something he wanted to do. I hope his adventures will always be a part of us all. I will be in prayer for his colleagues as they continue on with the respected cardiac care they all give.
Deepest Respect and Sympathy,
Debbie Lucy
Georgette Gorchoff
May 29, 2007
With sincere sympathies to a wonderful doctor who helped prolong my life.
Yvette Otey, RN, Coronary Care Unit
May 29, 2007
To the Bell Family,
Although I know that I can not imagine the loss that you are experiencing at this time, know that I share your sorrow and I` will continue to lift you all up in prayer.
Sincerely,
Patricia Bradley RN
May 29, 2007
To the family of Dr. Bell,
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Bell in my early years at Centra Health on PCU and was saddened to hear of his passing. My prayers are with you.
Roxane Kays
May 29, 2007
My condolences and sympathies to the Bell family. My father, Jerome Coleman, was one of the many lucky patients who were touched by Dr. Bell. I'll always be grateful for his kind and reassuring words as he explained the surgical procedure to my parents and I. Reviewing the other comments, it is clear that Lynchburg has lost a talented, gifted and well respected surgeon as well as a good and caring gentleman, husband and father.
Cecil Mason
May 29, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the Bell Family. I owe my continued good health to the gifted surgeon.
Kimberly Horne
May 29, 2007
My thoughts and meny preyers go out to his family. Dr.Bell was a highley respected Dr. I know that I will miss him .I'm a CNA on PCU at LGH, He always joked with me and I will miss seeing him on our floor
Patricia Parrish
May 29, 2007
My deepest sympathy to Dr. Bell's family. Dr. Bell saved my mother's life and also assisted in saving my husband's life. I also worked some with him as a secretary in the operating room. His gift will truly be missed. God needed this rose to adorn His garden in heaven. God bless all of you.
Tammy Stoner
May 29, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Bells family and friends. I am sorry I never introduced myself to him on the Progressive Cardiac Unit, but I admired him as a doctor.
Dee Crawley
May 29, 2007
To the Bell family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dr. Bell was truly gifted and used his God given talent to operate and replace my mother's heart valve. She always spoke highly of him, and shares in your sorrow. God bless each of you.
Kristen Hodge
May 28, 2007
John Bell was a truly gifted man. While working with him on the heart team, he became a special friend whom I will never forget. My prayers are with his family and friends--may God give you peace.
James McQuade
May 28, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Trish Owens
May 28, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the Bell family. I only had the experience of meeting Dr. Bell last summer when he was the surgeon who saved my step-father's life. Although I only met with him very little, I immediately knew what a wonderful, talented and calming man and physician he was. If it were not for Dr. Bell, my step father, Ed Sulzbach, may not be alive today. For that, our entire family is so thankful. You are so lucky to have known him as a husband, father and family member. Our hearts are broken.
Tammy Bagby
May 28, 2007
My brother, sister, and I met Dr. Bell briefly in December 2005 when our father was rushed to surgery after suffering a heart attack. Our father passed away the next day. We are eternally grateful for Dr. Bell's valiant effort to save our father. We have peace knowing that he was in the best of hands that day. We will never forget Dr. Bell's manner, professionalism, and compassion. You are a blessed family and please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. (THE FAMILY OF W.G. OVERSTREET)
Debra Martin
May 28, 2007
He was a good man. He helped my husband and also did surgury on my father. I am very hurt he left this way but he will be remembered well. Thank you for what he did for my family members.. I will always remember him... God bless him and his family...
Larry Bowen RN
May 28, 2007
To the Bell Family
I had many occasions to speak with Dr. Bell, mostly on Wednesday mornings during Cath Conference. His opinion was well respected in the Cardiac Community at Centra Health. He will be deeply missed by the Centra family, his colleagues and many friends.
Respectfully,
Bob and Lynn Green
May 28, 2007
Michelle, Tatum, Connor, and to all of John's family: please accept our deepest gratitude for having shared the man you know and love so well.Gary Fisher once said: "Anyone who rides a bicycle is a friend of mine."
John was a classic cyclist: from his signature Campagnolo blue jersey and matching Trek bike, to his uncanny resemblance to a famous cycling legend, he loved to ride. Sharing a passion for this eclectic sport, he admired all others who shared it with him. Crashing a couple of years ago, he nursed his injuries, and got right back on his bike. Our community has lost a true gentleman, heartmender, and friend. Many will say cycling is too dangerous and unsafe. Life is dangerous and unsafe. I think John would want us to remember him best by getting back on our bikes and doing what he loved best.
Bob,Lynn,Jackie,Robert,& Alex Green
Albert and Beverly Kean
May 28, 2007
We extend our profound sympathy to John's family, to our beloved friend George, as well as to Dick, Jeff and David. Lovingly, Albert and Beverly Kean.
Joyce Whalen
May 28, 2007
To the Bell Family. With our deepest and heartfelt sympathy. I too was one of his patients and I am very thankful for his expertise and professionalism. I hope it gives you great comfort in knowing he has saved so many lives including mine. He was a great physician and he will be truely missed.
Debbie Dudley
May 28, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Wanda Goodman
May 28, 2007
My thoughts, prayers & thanks go out to each of you during this tragic loss. You (Mrs. Bell) I'm sure lost your best friend, the children their Dad and I am sure Hero; but to us, his patients, the ones he "saved" and gave us more years with our loved ones, he was an answer to our prayers. My thanks to you, for I know you did without him many times on behalf of his patients and their needs. I encountered Dr. Bell in 1992 when he operated on my mother and again in 2006 as he operated on me. His professionalism was outstanding and his caring, reassuring ways helped me get thru my surgery. I remember him talking to me before hand and he said "I will literally have your heart in my hand, I'll do my best" That was all I needed to hear, even though I knew if his best was not enough, it was meant to be that I would not make it; not once did I ever loose my trust in him. I replied, "You have my heart in your hand, the Lord has my soul in HIS, you two just do what you want with me". Thankfully I have had almost 1 yr 1/2 more of life, have been given a different outlook on life and yes, because he was there I have him to thank. May you find peace in knowing that there are probably hundreds like me in this area that feel the same way, and will hold him and his loved ones in our HEARTS forever. Wanda Puckette Goodman, Mended Heart 1-16-2006
Sheri Smith
May 28, 2007
I am among many who had the honor,privilege and pleasure to work with and befriend Dr John Bell. He was key in teaching me how to become a proficient and skillful cardiothoracic operating room nurse and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew him! My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends today and always!
Megan Gezen
May 28, 2007
My husband and I both had the pleasure of working with Dr. Bell at Centra Health. He was a truely gifted and wonderful man. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to your family.
Dr and Mrs Megan and Murat Gezen
Judy Kean
May 28, 2007
To John's family, Dick, Jeff and his family, David and his family and George - you will all be in our thoughts and prayers today and all the days ahead. Our deepest sympathies.
Nancy Ware
May 28, 2007
Dr. Bell was a well respected and gifted surgeon. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
David M. Avance
May 28, 2007
Dr. John Bell was excellent mentor, a teacher, surgeon and a great friend, I will miss him greatly. My sympathy and sorrow goes out to his wife ,children, who he loved dearly.
Jesse Miller
May 27, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Bell family. I am one of a legion of people who Dr. Bell saved with his skill and talent. My family and I will always honor this fine Doctor who gave me life again.
Donna Wilson
May 27, 2007
To the Bell Family- our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry
for your loss.
Cardiothoracic Surgery - Secretary
Vickie Falwell
May 27, 2007
Dr. Bell was a highly respected and talented surgeon, who will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to his family.
Susan Barnett
May 27, 2007
To the Bell family, We grieve with you. Our prayers are surrounding you. The Orthopaedic Floor Staff
Linda (Adams) and Herb Russell
May 27, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, John's beautiful wife and children, my loving Uncle George, and the entire Bell family at a time of great sorrow. We pray beautiful memories will comfort you as you work your way through this tradegy. John was a kind and loving man and our "Childhood memories" will forever remain treasures to me.
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