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Ernest Bell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Bell
Kim Dorwin
October 15, 2019
Toby Bell was the most influential man in my life! He took me under his wing and taught me what it meant to be a man. My own father abandoned me as an infant, my regret is that I didnt meet him sooner and that our relationship didnt last longer!
Garrett Miller
February 23, 2019
Ernest and Margaret Bell were two of the finest individuals I have ever known. They were in the delivery room the day I was born in Virginia Beach, Va. They raised my brother Graham and I and the memories we made were and are amazing. There is no other person that had walked this earth with more love, honor, and character then those two individuals. Best wishes go out to Anne, Skipper and Jennifer, God bless you both and your families.
Thomas Bridgers Jr.
November 30, 2005
Toby was one of the finest gentleman that I have ever had the pleasure to know. He was forthright, honest to a fault and always looking out for his "flock".
Over the years my staff I and always looked forward to a visit from Toby. We traded fishing stories which were always fun and mostly the truth.
I'll never forget the time he took me fishing out of Deltaville. It was a great time and I've always looked back on that day with fond memories.
While we had lost track of one another over the past few years I knew that if we crossed paths it would be as if we had seen each other the day before.
He was that kind of person. They don't come along every day.
I offer my sincerest condolences to the family.
Thomas D.Bridgers, Jr.
Jim Snider
November 9, 2005
I am sitting at my desk saddened with tears in my eyes. I just learned of the loss of a man that had a place in my heart. We prayed together, laughed together, cut firewood together, shared the ownership of a rusty blue truck, and worshipped Jesus together. I am so grateful this life is not all there is and that there is a hope of eternity where we will be able to renew friendships that we value. Toby will be one of those that I renew in heaven with great joy. Bless you Margaret and family. We will pray for you in the days ahead. Remember Psalm 46:1 and 121. You will make it through this....Much love,Jim and Diane Snider
Rob Strootman
November 4, 2005
I met Toby and Margaret while hiking the Appalachian Trail with their son Skip. To me they represented a great example and (rare) role model of a long time married couple; each different with their own passions and interests and yet somehow together a new and beautiful synthesis. As a stranger, unexpectedly thrown into their lives after a float trip accident; I was welcomed into their home and family.
I too will miss the sparkle in his eye. The joking and laughter, strength of person and spirit; the depth and multi-dimensionality of his character.
Be who you seek to be: one moment, one breath, one step at a time!
Joanne Walters
November 1, 2005
Toby was my neighbor for nine years. I was blessed by his helpfulness (getting rid of the bees in my lawn, carrying a snake away from the house). I was blessed by his knowledge and training, as he taught me, at age 50, how to REALLY fish, (he shared all of those tips and tricks.) And his humor, that deep laugh, that twinkle in his eyes when he was trying to pull the wool over my eyes, (or Margaret's). And Toby's extraordinary knowledge of nature...I had no need to consult a book, I'd just ask Toby. We would share stories of Eagle encounters; he’d tell me about his bass fishing trips, we’d look at the sky and talk weather…the list goes on. He told me about tomatoes, how to make 'em grow big and strong (like him). I always shared my crop with him and Margaret, because I just knew that he, more than anyone, would appreciate the effort I put into getting them to grow. I always thought of Toby as a roaring fire, emitting warmth and comfort. He had this way of making you feel so comfortable, it was as if he was our shelter from a storm. He was such a good friend to me, and to my other half, Tom. We will never, ever forget him. We will never be the same without him. We hope and pray that he is at peace. We hope and pray for Margaret, Skip and Jennifer, and Toby's parents, that they, too, will find peace. We loved you Toby. We always will. We are so glad that you were a part of our lives. God bless you and your family.
Marjorie Bucknor
October 28, 2005
My thoughts and prayers go out to Margaret, Jennifer and Skip. Toby was always a smiling face in my memories of growing up in Richmond. I pray that the Lord comforts you all.
Bruce Velzy
October 26, 2005
I knew Mr. Bell as my scoutmaster. He also spoke at my Eagle Scout Court of Honor. I was terribly saddened to learn of his passing, but I am a better person and was a better scout due to his leadership of my troop. My condolences go out to his family. Sincerely, Bruce Velzy
Dr. John W. Daniel
October 24, 2005
Toby Bell was a rare man. A "man's man" with a gentle and compasionate way who saw the hand of God at work in life, creation, and the world. My life is blessed to have known him (and fished with him) and there will be an empty place in my heart left by his absence. I rejoice in his faith in Jesus Christ. I look forward to a great reunion at the feet of St. Peter.
Kim Dorwin
October 24, 2005
Toby was my best friend, I knew him over 30 years. I pray for his family. I will never be the same.
Bob Walker
October 24, 2005
From the first time I met Toby, I realized that I had met someone that shared many of the same passions as I. It was always a pleasure to see Toby. I will miss him and have you all in my prayers.
melanie mozingo
October 24, 2005
Our prayers and thoughts are with tobys family. Sadly my husband and myself were only able to meet him one time as we were made members of st.giles and that was enough for us to know what a special person he was. He is with the angels now and god bless his family.
Kathy Miller
October 23, 2005
May the fond memories help you to find peace in time. You will all be in my prayers.
Dave Jones
October 22, 2005
Hello to Margaret and Family and to All who will miss Toby:
He will be missed more than words allow...
...I heard his laughter in the James River's rapids this morning...I went there to remember the spirit of one of the best men I have ever known... Toby~ You were loved...
In the 15+ years we shared in our Old Dominion Smallmouth Club, Your Love of the River and All the multiple conservation causes that you served and shared, Shine as a beacon for the rest of us to Follow. Thank You for the blessings you have bestowed on so many lives...
Dave Jones-President:Old Dominion Smallmouth Club
Neva Anderson-Garrett
October 22, 2005
My parents were employed at Beaumont School for Boys for many years and I met Toby there. Toby was a dear friend to me, my brother, Courtney and my sister, Carol. Toby spent lots of time in our home and I have so many fond and wonderful memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family and especially his dear mother and father who I so fondly remember. May God's love comfort and enfold you and may the hope that we will see Toby again give you peace. God bless you.
Roger Ernst
October 22, 2005
Toby always made me feel great when ever I came to the agency. I will miss him. My prayers are with you and the family, as well as Toby.
Fellow Agent and Friend
Charles Douglass
October 21, 2005
Margaret, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the children during this time. Toby will be missed.
Chip Woodlee
October 21, 2005
Toby was wonderful person who I was fortunate enough to know for the past 4 years through the Old Dominion Smallmouth Club. He really had a positive impact on my life and I will miss him. He was the best fisherman I will ever know and someone I really looked up to. God bless you Toby.
Janet Varvel
October 21, 2005
Toby was the rare kind of friend we could always count on. My husband and I will miss him greatly, and remember fondly the sweet times we shared over the years.
Susan Mann-Blankenship
October 21, 2005
I knew Toby when he lived at Beaumont School for Boys where our parent was employed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family especially his Mother and Father with whom I remember fondly.
Barbi Partlow
October 21, 2005
My deepest sympathy to Margaret and the family. Toby was a dear and wonderful man, with always a great story or anecdote in conversation. He will be sorely missed. May God grant peace and comfort to the family...our prayers are with you.
Frank Galleher
October 21, 2005
Toby was a good friend.I enjoyed spending time with him fishing and on the Richmond Chapter Ducks Unlimited Committee.He was a great help to me when I was Chairman.I will miss him very much.
Jim Hamlett
October 21, 2005
Virginia DU will miss Toby and I will miss his always smiling face and always having something to say. May God be with you Toby.
Collins McNeill
October 21, 2005
The Ducks Unlimited family has lost a devoted supporter, volunteer, and friend. We will all miss Toby, but will treasure the time we had with him, and his selfless dedication to our organization.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rachel Bollinger
October 21, 2005
Friend and co-worker
Joe Corley
October 21, 2005
Friend and KA brother
Tricia Holland
October 21, 2005
Toby was a wonderful friend, choir member and brother in the Lord. I am going to miss his wisecracks during practice and miss his beautiful bass voice. Most of all I will miss him. May God wrap his family and friends in His arms and give them comfort and a special peace knowing we will see him again.
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