Obituary of Frederick Percy Bell

BELL: Frederick Percy. It is with deep sadness that his children announce his passing on August 8, 2014. We are comforted to know that Dad will join Mom (Gladys) his loving wife of 63 years, who passed away in April 2013. Fred was born in Brandon, MB. on April 16, 1928, the third son of Dick (John Richard) and Elsie Mabel. Fred leaves to mourn his son Gordon (Karen) of Hamiota, son Bruce (Margo) of Brandon, daughter Diane of Brandon and grandchildren Lauren, Kelsey, Jillian and Tanner. He is also survived by his brother Dave (Joanne), sisters Ethel (Ken) Surette, Betty (Ron) Leblanc and sister-in-laws Ethel and Phyllis. He was predeceased by brothers Bill, Reg and sister Alice. Fred was named after his mother's two brothers, Fred and Percy. As a boy, Dad had a paper route and worked at Johnny Cram's Market Garden, now the Green Spot. He and his friends enjoyed sledding and skating in the winter at the East End Community Center and swimming in the river by the CPR bridge in the summer. In 1945, Fred worked at a paper mill in Powell River, B.C. for a few years. He then returned to Brandon and worked in construction until he took up house painting for Bob Turner, Government at Rivers and Shilo, Tim Higgens and Glawson Decorating until retirement in 1998. Fred met Gladys Eloise Myers from Belmont, MB. in 1948 at the Orange Hall Dance Hall. They were married on September 4, 1950. Together Fred and Gladys enjoyed family camping trips, golfing, bowling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Fred was always very proud of his families' successes. Fred will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. A come and go memorial reception will be held at the George Brockie Fellowship Centre at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, 332-8th Street, on Friday, August 15, 2014 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Donations in memory of Fred may be made to a charity of choice.