Obituary of Gerald Alan Bell

 

The death of Gerald Alan Bell, age 86, of Upper Kingsclear, NB occurred on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital from complications of COVID and pneumonia. He was the husband of Muriel Joy Bell. Born in St. Stephen, NB, he was the son of Mary and Lewis Bell of Old Ridge, NB.

 

Gerald graduated from St. Stephen High School and the Maritime Forest Ranger School. He was then employed as a forest ranger in and around Kenora, ON. He returned thereafter to work during summers as an under-graduate at UNB, Fredericton. He held a high regard for those he had worked with. In 1996 he graduated from UNB Fredericton with a BSc in Forest Economics.

 

Muriel and Gerald were married in 1965. Their son, David, was born in 1974. Gerald was employed for twenty-seven years by the Province of New Brunswick in the Department of Natural Resources; at retirement as Director of Policy and

Planning. And, for ten years, he served in the Department of Treasury Board, Board of Management as Budget Analyst. He retired in 1994 He was the family historian, completing decades of genealogical research. He enjoyed music, was a prolific reader of history, finances, science. He loved dogs.

 

There were memorable summers of boating on the St. John River, of RV camping at Fundy Park and other Maritime locations, of driving south along the American eastern seaboard to Washington and Boston to explore museums, historical sites, art galleries, to attend major league baseball games. Driving to Expo86, a world fair in Vancouver, with twelve year old David was unforgettable. A loving husband and father, he took care of his family.

 

David's parents shared a bond of courage and strength with their son throughout his fatal brain stem cancer in 1992 and 1993. David was a scholarship student in

chemical engineering at UNB.

 

Later, Gerald and Muriel sought healing through RV travelling with their dog, crossing many states and provinces, the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines, visiting friends and relatives.

 

Following this, fifteen summers until 2018 were spent alternating between home or beside the ocean at St. Andrews, NB. Annually, Gerald actively maintained their house and property. An early riser, he worked outside before the heat of summer days, resting as he chose. He cut, split and stacked wood for the winter. He was in good health until short days before his sudden death.

 

From the graduating class of 66,

“The Long Portage”

There’s a broken canoe where water’s white

Thrown up by the water’s might

Remindful of something there’s no use to fight.

Well, that’s the last load, I’m tired tonight.

We’re over the last portage.

 

Gerald is survived by his wife, Muriel; niece, Mary Craig (Fran Steer); honorary grandchildren, Brooklin Craig, Camryn Steer, Jordyn Craig, Lydia Steer, Coby Steer; nephews, Robin, Peter, John Craig and children; niece, Kim Kaldor (Dale Kaldor); brother-in-law, William Woodgate; nephews, Todd, Dean, Scott Woodgate.

 

There will be no services per Gerald’s request, Donations may be made to The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, The Alan David Bell Memorial Scholarship, UNB, Fredericton, MS Canada. Personal condolences may be offered through

www.yorkfh.com