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Suzanne Yakabowich-Thompson posted a condolence
Saturday, October 14, 2023
I was reminiscing today and Dr. Bell (“Dick” as he insisted I call him after graduating) came up in my thoughts. I am sad to see he has passed before I could tell him one more time how influential he was in my life. He was, without a doubt, my favourite teacher of all time (from Kindergarten through 3 university degrees:). He always gave 100% of himself to his classes and students. He prompted me through the beginning of a final Ex Phys exam when he quickly noted I was drawing a total blank!…. He inspired me to always learn, ask questions, learn more, ask more and grow. When I went back for a visit to the University, I stopped by to see him and he knew exactly who I was, was eager to hear about my life and said he always knew I would continue on in my post graduate studies. He helped me to believe in myself! I’m sure he will be so missed by many but his legacy goes on through so many lives that he touched. My deepest condolences to his wife and family.
Best Regards,
Suzanne Yakabowich-Thompson
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Gail Rothery posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
I met Dick when I used to run at noon hours from the Physical Education Building at the University. He was invariably cheerful, funny, and kind to all - and brightened my day whenever I saw him. He will be missed by many.
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Patti posta posted a condolence
Friday, January 27, 2023
Dr. Bell was defn. One of my Favorite teachers at U of S while I was in College of Phys. Ed. He was a fun guy with such an aura of GENUINENESS about him. He actually was my professional guarantor for my first ever passport !! He was an amazing teacher and friend to countless kids at U of S and has left such a positive impact on so many of us. Rest easy Dick you made our world better with the time you had on it.
Patti Posta
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Gerry Moroney posted a condolence
Monday, January 23, 2023
DICK was a person you met and instantly liked..I first met him through mutual friends in Waskesiu,it was only a couple of hours of sharing and caring…the next time we met was couple of years later at the Heathrow Airports terminal and I hear Gerry ,he had great smile on his face and we visited while waiting for our flight to e called…as we sat chatting away two stewards from Air Canada came up addressed me, said they had a problem..I was seated next to a lady with a newborn child and were afraid it might be disruptive on the overseas flight , would I mind if I were given a different seat,no problem I said…a little while later they returned with a new boarding pass…and said I would be sitting up front…well Dick got a great kick out of that and called me a lucky whatever,.15 minutes after take off he arrives and sits in the vacant seat beside me and we had great fun enjoying AC hospitality.,eventually he was escorted to his seat…but what a pleasure…I met him frequently at the range at RCC. ,always with a smile And not many got past him that he did’nt engage with….I have no doubt he left many friends with beautiful memories.
MAY HE REST IN PEACE
GERRY Moroney and family
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Peter Nicholson posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
I have not seen Dick for over twenty years since I moved from Saskatoon but for twenty five years prior he was a constant weekend partner at Riverside golf course and what a joy he was. As a player he was very good in spite of issues with the putter and he was a great partner to have because he was always positive and encouraging. All has been said in his obituary about his many accomplishments academically and as a teacher, but his true worth was as a caring and down to earth real person. He was respectful to everyone, genuinely interested in all aspects of his friends lives, and was always helpful without judgement. He was special and after being with Dick for any length of time, you felt special yourself.
Thanks Dick for everything you did for me. From the “buck, buck, buck “ golf games to the Saturday breakfasts during the winter to keep the golf group together for laughs and fun and anticipation of a new golf season, they were times that all of us will never forget. Yanner,Watty, Richey and now you are gone. I am saddened to learn this news and I pass on my sincerest sympathy and condolences to Caryl, Rich and the rest of your family members because I know you will be so very much missed by all.
Rest In Peace, my friend and know that when I think of you I will give thanks for the part you played in my life. I will smile.
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Michelle Lanovaz Duchene posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
My sincere sympathies to Dr. Bell's family as I am certain he will be so dearly missed. I was a student of Dr. Bell in the College of Kinesiology. We were actually just talking about Dr. Bell during the Christmas break - wondering how he was doing. I was so fortunate to have him as a professor in exercise science but even more so to have him as my golf professor! I always laugh when I think of him joking with me that he thought I was only in golf class for the socializing, said by the most social guy ever! He was genuine, brilliant, ambitious, motivating and kind. He increased my love for all things Kin and am a better person for it. Thank you Dr. Bell and I hope that you will be promoting exercise and socializing up there too!
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Al MacLean posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Late brother Iain and I had many happy times growing up with Dick at Victoria Public School, Nutana High school, and the University Of Saskatchewan. And in particular at Waskesiu. His many accomplishments were exemplary. My sympathy's and condolences to Caryl and family.
Al MacLean
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Bob and Debi Coffin posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Dr. Bell.
From 1970 - 1974 we were students in the College of Physical Education, attempting to earn a BSPE, and Dr. Bell was an integral member of the faculty. His classes were filled with smiles and laughter that originated with him and spread throughout those in attendance. As a professor, mentor, role model and friend it can truly be said he made a difference.That difference would be apparent in the way his students transferred confidently into the career path of their choice. We became better people, better professionals, because of his influence, his teaching abilities and his belief in us. And we are grateful for that.
His obituary personified the qualities he brought into so many lives. He will be remembered for his smile, his energy and his innate ability to connect with the people he encountered. It didn't matter if you were one of his students or someone whom he'd just met, he made a person feel welcome and valued. He had a gift for sharing knowledge and reaching students. May he rest peacefully.
With heartfelt condolences,
Bob and Debi Coffin
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Wenda McArthur posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
To Caryl and your family: please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss.
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Elizabeth Di Sarno posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
To the family of Dr Bell - my sincerest condolences. Dr Bell was my Professor as well as advisor during my grad studies from 1996-1998. He was always supportive, always there for any questions that needed answering, and always had a smile on his face! He was extremely popular among the students, and just a wonderful person to be around. I was so fortunate to have spent time with him, and have thought about him often throughout the years.
I am truly grateful to him, and his support and friendship throughout my University career.
All the best to his family.
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Claude Duke posted a condolence
Monday, January 16, 2023
To the Bell family,
I was saddened to hear of Dick’s passing.
He was such a great person. I knew him from Nutana and U of S days.
May happy memories sustain you during this difficult time.
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Jane and Mark Kulbida posted a condolence
Monday, January 16, 2023
Caryl, Rich, Emi, Lauren, David and the Bell family. What a legacy this man left. From the time I was 9 years old when Millie and Bussie bought the Bell cabin until a few years ago when I last saw him, Dick was larger than life. Running away when he tried to grab us and throw us into the lake, laying on the beach, our favourite place, where he coined the phrase saying "Janie, I wonder what the peasants are doing", and being on Daytona Beach where the sign on the lifeguard station announced that the water was 84 degrees that day and taking a picture for him. So many memories that will remain for all of us. Our deepest condolences to you all.
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Dave King posted a condolence
Monday, January 16, 2023
To the entire Bell family, please accept our deepest condolences. Dick was a terrific teacher and later a very positive colleague. I will always have great memories of a great person! Sincerely Dave King
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Shannon Forrester posted a condolence
Monday, January 16, 2023
To the Bell Family,
My condolences on your loss. Dr. Bell was one of my undergraduate professors and he ignited my passion for exercise physiology. I now teach exercise physiology in the College of Kinesiology at the U of S and I have thought of him often throughout the years. I always enjoyed seeing him (enthusiastic and a smile on his face) when he attended a college function.
With sincerest sympathy,
Shannon Forrester
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Judith Tokaryk posted a condolence
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Please accept my condolences to all the Bell family regarding Dick. He leaves a wonderful legacy and great memories for his family. He always had a smile and a joke and he will be missed by his friends and community.
Sincerely Judy Tokaryk
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Jill Phillips posted a condolence
Sunday, January 15, 2023
My sincere sympathy, Caryl and family. Cherish the memories you have of all of Dick’s contributions to Saskatoon and country. He gave so much. I will miss seeing him at Luther Care, but know that he is in a restful place.
Thoughts and prayers,
Doris Serne
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Ron Montgomery posted a condolence
Sunday, January 15, 2023
I always liked cousin Dick. A really cool guy. Not mentioned is he was predeceased by his Dad Gordon, Bus Bell and mother Milly.
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Dr. Mel Hosain posted a condolence
Sunday, January 15, 2023
It is not mentioned in the obituary, but Dick was one of the ten professors across disciplines who received the USSU Teaching Excellence Award in 1993, the inaugural year. I met him at the Awards Ceremony held at the U of S Faculty Club and became a friend ever since. We will all miss him.
My heart-felt condolences to the family.
Most sincerely,
Mel Hosain, Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering, U of S.
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Marg & Don Ravis posted a condolence
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Caryl and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. The last few years have been difficult but the lasting memories will help the passing of time. Please accept our sincerest sympathies and condolences.
Marg & Don Ravis
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Wendy Benson posted a condolence
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Caryl, Rich and extended family. We are so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. The photo brings so many wonderful memories. His compassion, enthusiasm and love of family and friends was always apparent. We have fond memories of your family as our dad and Dick had a special golf relationship. I believe they just finished a round together… with some laughs and a few gimmes along the way.
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Rich and Andrea Chapman posted a condolence
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Rich Emi and Carol,
Sorry to hear about Dick passing, i always enjoyed our visits at the lake or Riverside on the range, he was always interested in others and took the time to have a great chat on the beach at Waskesiu, He will be missed, condolences to you and family.
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Marnie Elaine Storey posted a condolence
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Me and my family were fortunate to grow up across the street from the Bells. Rich being one of my first childhood friends in the 70’s, I have fond memories of hanging out at the Bells home. Dick would always have jokes for us, always a kind, humorous, generous personality. Whether it was making a skating rink in their backyard for Rich and his buddies, setting up the sprinkler in the front yard for the kids to run through or my absolute favorite: inviting the kids on a warm prairie evening to get in his fantastic yellow Mach convertible mustang, drive down 8th street to the Dairy Queen! I felt so cool and that Dilly Bar never tasted so good!
What a gift! Forever grateful to have had him touch my life.
My deepest condolences to Caryl, Rich and the rest of his tribe❤️
Marnie Storey (Sabiston)
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Herb Pinder posted a condolence
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Dick Bell was a special person.
I came to know Dick well from golfing together, primarily at Riverside, and spending time on the lake at Waskesiu. An early fun activity he introduced was boat jumping - jumping off the back of a boat at high speed.
Dick shared himself generously with friends, students, fellow fitness fanatics, and especially his family, Caryl and Rich. Given his PhD, a group of us nicknamed him Dick Doc. He was a natural athlete with the golf swing others envied - smooth, rhythmic, and consistent. He was a low handicap golfer who enjoyed friendly competition. I will always remember losing a match in the club championship as he chipped in twice. He apologized after the match - it was never about winning, rather the joy of friendly competition, friendship, and participation.
Such a nice guy, he could even be annoying on the golf course when after someone made a bad shot, clearly lost or out of bounds, he would invariably say “I think it's OK”. He didn't just research and preach about fitness, he lived it. He and a mutual friend John Wedge ran together frequently, actually out running not one but two dogs.
He became a world class authority in his profession, but as he was with everything, very humble about his academic achievements. One can only wonder about the regard in which he was held by his students given his knowledge, personable demeanor, and helping personality.
His priorities were family, fitness, friendships, teaching, and researching. He leaves a large footprint that is also characterized by deep humility. Thanks for everything Dick Doc, you are a very special person.
Herb Pinder
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The family of Richard Bell uploaded a photo
Friday, January 13, 2023
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