Obituary of Lawrence Donald Bell

Lawrence Bell of Rapid City, Manitoba passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the age of 93 years. Lawrence was born on July 2, 1926, in the Rural Municipality of Harrison, Manitoba to Donald and Agnes (nee Jury) Bell. His parents farmed in the Fairmont District near Basswood, Manitoba. Lawrence attended Basswood Consolidated School. In 1945, Lawrence joined the Canadian Infantry and after the war he attended the University of Manitoba and received his Agriculture diploma in 1948. He also later completed a four-year course of studies in technical and business management conducted by the Manitoba Department of Agriculture and Conservation. In 1952, he purchased the land that he spent most of his life on. Lawrence was involved in pedigree seed production and achieved his forty year Long Service Certificate in recognition of successful contributions to the Canadian Seed Growers Association. In 1959, Lawrence married a local school teacher, Arlene McDonald, and together they raised three children, Glen, Max and Shauna. Lawrence was a great sports enthusiast. In his early years he played on baseball teams in both Basswood and Rapid City. He also played hockey for various Intermediate teams: Erickson, Pierson, Cardale, Rapid City and Oak River All Stars as well as in the local Rapid City district League. Lawrence and Arlene were both active supporters of the Rapid City Skating Rink. Lawrence cherished the opportunities he had to coach minor hockey throughout the years. Lawrence was passionate about being involved in community activities and he committed to public service throughout his life. He served two terms as President of the Manitoba New Democratic Party. He sat on many boards and committees, including: the Co-op, Credit Union, United Church, Canadian Legion, National Farmers Union, Manitoba Pool Elevators, Manitoba Seeds Growers Association, Farm Lands Protection Board, Manitoba Feed Grain Commission, Manitoba Agricultural Museum, Agricultural Manpower Board and the Manitoba Agricultural Credit Corporation. Lawrence was recognized for his valued service to the community and for his outstanding contribution to the development and progress of the Keystone Agriculture and Recreation Centre. He was honored to be recognized for his service as a school board trustee from 1968 to 1980 and for serving as their chairman from 1975 to 1977. In 2008, he was recognized for his support of and commitment to conserving Canada's Natural Wetland Habitat. Lawrence was proud of his Scottish heritage and enjoyed the music and writers that celebrated its culture. Lawrence loved to farm and in his later years enjoyed gardening and the opportunity it provided for him to share his produce with family and friends. He was a true steward of the land and cared deeply about nature and habitat protection. He proudly partnered with Ducks Unlimited to preserve the wetlands under his care. Lawrence was a voracious reader and stayed interested in current events throughout his busy life. Lawrence accomplished a great deal in his lifetime, but it was family that meant the most to him. His most important role was that of a husband, father and grandfather. Lawrence and Arlene loved having their grandchildren visit the farm and many wonderful memories were created there. Lawrence and Arlene celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on their farm on July 4th, 2019. Lawrence was a loyal friend and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He strove to leave this world a better place. "To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - that is to have succeeded" - Ralph Waldo Emerson He was mature in youth Youthful in old age Adorned with the grace of wit Wise, kind, faithful in friendship In all his dealings honest and humane Lawrence will be lovingly remembered by his wife Arlene and children, son Glen and his children Alexe, Jesse, Robin and Mackenzie, son Max, daughter, Shauna (Bill) Sherven and their children, Justin, Jennelle, Kaitlin and Meghan, Brother Neil (Mary), sisters-in-law Shirley (Les) Cummins and Bev (Gary) Phillips and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents Donald and Agnes Bell, siblings, Frank, Margaret Greig (Bob), (Stan Greig), Islay Bell and Bella (Jack) Belcher, Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Violet and Archie McDonald. A Memorial Service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, Brandon, Manitoba on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be held by the family at a later date. If so desired, donations in memory of Lawrence may be made to the RM of Oakview, "Rapid City Community Complex/Arena," P.O. Box 130, Rapid City, Manitoba, R0K 1W0.