It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Herbert David Bell, husband of the late Toots Bell (Sobey), who passed away peacefully at Percy’s Place on July 12th at the age of 91. 

Dad was born on April 30th, 1934, to the late Sarah (Holt) and Wilson Bell. In 1955 he and Mom married and lived in their home in Newcastle for 66 of those years until her passing 2 years ago, and then he remained in their home until he couldn’t.

Dad is survived by two sons; Robert "Bobby" of Sevogle and Dana of Miramichi, three daughters, Maureen Ellis (Kerry Parks), Nola Chiasson (Gilles), and Wendy (Donny LeBlanc) all of Miramichi. Dad was so proud of his grandchildren: Kristel Morrison (Craig) of Fort Saskatchewan AB, David Ellis (Julie) and Kayleigh Thibeau (Fabian) both of Bathurst, Mike Chiasson (Michelle) of Miramichi, Matthew Chiasson, and Danielle Wilson (Kyle), both of Toronto ON; and his six great-grandchildren; Ayden Ellis, Annabelle and Henry Thibeau, Jaxon and Jenessa Morrison, and Morgan Chiasson. He is also survived by one sister, Joan Mahoney, and several cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Besides Mom and his parents, Dad was predeceased by his sister and-brother-in law Glornah and Ray Savage, brother-in-law Gerald Mahoney, brother and-sister-in-law Jack and Kay Bell, and sister and brother-in-law Carol and Ben Murphy.

Dad was the example of a life well lived. He worked hard - an entrepreneur, a volunteer, a loyal friend, and very active in his community – he would tell us that volunteering was the rent we pay for being a part of the community. He loved his time with the Kinsmen, K-40, the curling club, summers at the camp, salmon fishing, skiing, politics, playing bridge and 45s, and watching the Blue Jays and Leafs. He walked daily up until February of this year, pulling his oxygen tank through any weather.  But he most enjoyed time with family and friends, always there for us, and never forgetting those lifelong friends that left before him and talking about them often. He too will be greatly missed and thought and spoken of often.

The family will be holding a visitation at Jardine's Funeral Home, 597 Old King George Highway, Miramichi on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025, from 4:30pm until 8:00pm. A graveside funeral service will be held at the Maple Glen Cemetery on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, at 10:00 AM with Minister Willard Watling officiating.

A celebration of life will be held at his home – 529 Newcastle Blvd – from noon to 5PM on Wednesday – everyone welcome to come and share food, drink and stories.

Our family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Dr Kris; the wonderful nurses and therapists with the NB Extramural Program; Dr Losier and the amazing staff and volunteers at Percy’s Place; Darrel Roy for getting him to the Timberwolves games and Charles Asoyuf for the drives to cards, and too many others to mention for their kindness and care shown to Dad.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Percy’s Place, or a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family. Messages of condolence can be sent through the funeral home website: www.miramichifunerals.ca

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Jardine Funeral Home & Crematorium, 597 Old King George Highway, Miramichi, NB. Telephone: 506-622-3600 or 506-622-7464.