It is with great sadness that the family of Frank Graham Bell, aged 88, of Liverpool, N.S., announce his death on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. Born on January 7, 1928, in Caledonia, N.S., he was the youngest child of the late Charles Samuel Alexander and Abbey Hazel (Wolfe) Bell. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years Georgina Mae (Hines) in 2009. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family, predeceased by siblings Arnold (Eileen), Wendell (in childhood), Ivis (Donald Nickerson), and Arthur (Joan, Norma).
At age 16 he left home to attend Bridgewater High School and following graduation attended Acadia University where he received both a BA and a BSc (Honours) in Chemistry. He graduated from Dalhousie University Medical School in 1955. In 1957, after interning and working briefly in Halifax, he moved to Liverpool where he practiced Family Medicine until his retirement in 1992. He loved Family Medicine and among his favorite patients were children, and they could always count on a green candy or a piece of “Juicy Fruit” gum following their office visit.
Frank loved many sports, and in his younger years, he loved to play baseball. He was an avid bridge player, a passion he cultivated at Acadia. Together Frank and Georgie enjoyed curling and golf. They also loved to travel, including annual family holidays, trips to Europe with friends and family, and making their annual retreat to Florida to escape the cold winters on the South Shore. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren at “The Camp” in Greenfield.
Frank was a preceptor in Family Medicine for Dalhousie Medical School for many years, a role he enjoyed immensely, exposing students to the role of a family doctor in a small community. He valued education and established the Bell Family Scholarship at Acadia to support a graduate from the Liverpool area in post-secondary education. He was on the board of Maritime Medical. He was an elder of Zion United Church, and a longstanding member of the Liverpool Curling Club and Liverpool Golf Club and a strong supporter of community events.
Frank was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. A man of few words, he was generous and caring. He was a voracious reader and followed current events closely. In his later years he illustrated a remarkable ability to adjust and tolerate social change although he usually had an opinion on it.
Frank is survived by his three children: Pat (John Miller), David (Diane), and Joanne (Jeff Redden), and seven grandchildren: Doug and Kate Miller, Lauren, Erin and Bryan Bell, and Jill and Drew Redden, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool where visitation will be held Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 1:00 until 2:00 and funeral service will be at 2;00 p.m. Reverend Carol Smith officiating. Reception to follow. Burial will take place at a later date.To share memories or condolences, please visit www.chandlersfuneral.com
The family extends their sincere thanks for the kindness and care offered by the physicians and nursing staff on Ward 8.2 at the Halifax Infirmary. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Queens General Hospital Foundation or the Greenfield Fire Department.
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Paul and Shirley Neals
Please accept our deepest condolences on Dr. Bell’s passing. We have many, many good memories of working with him at QGH over the years and seeing him in the community at large. God bless you all with comfort at this difficult time.
Gordon and Jackie Eisnor
Patty,David and Joanne:Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing.Sincere condolences to all your family
Walter and Sherri Miller
To all of Dr. Bell’s family,we were so saddened to hear of Frank’s passing,a more caring Doctor you would never find.You were not only a patient but over the years a friend.He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.Our condolences go out to you all at this very difficult time.RIP.Dr. Bell.
Murray & Myrna Wigglesworth
To the Family – We were very sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. Our sincerest condolences to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with during these difficult times.
Elizabeth Brown
To Frank’s family,
I’m so sad to see Frank is gone. Like hundreds, I was one of his patients as a kid but it wasn’t until we opened the Woodpile Cafe that I got to know Frank better. Every birthday I had I would say,’thanks for yanking me out Frank’ and he’d wave me off and call me a nut.
After the cafe closed I would run into him on the street and get a big hug and a genuine ‘how ya doin Liz’
He was quiet but caring and I am so glad to have spent those years visiting with him every day that he came for coffee.
Condolences on the loss to your family and know that he will never be forgotten in this little town he called home.
Barry & Connie Cole
David and family , Sorry to hear the sad news of your father’s passing. I remember him well. He was our family doctor for many years. Keep all of your fond memories of your father in your hearts always. Barry & Connie Cole
Ron & Barb Campbell
David and Family,
We are saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you in your time of loss.
Dr Bell was a great man and a wonderful Doctor.
Carla (MacIsaac) Whynot
JoAnne and family,
So sorry for the loss of your Dad. I have many memories with you, your Mom and Dad driving us off to skating school, playing at your home, staying for suppers. They were wonderful parents. Your Dad a great Dr. Sincere condolences to you and your family. Treasure all your memories.
Enid MacKay
To the Bell family. My sincere sympathy on the passing of your father.Not only was he my Dr. but I worked with him for a number of years. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Enid
Jeff Johnson
I will remember Dr. Bell for his ease to work with, his quiet demeanor, his ability to turn a unique situation into a learning experience, but most of all the dry wit delivered without emphasis. Maybe a delayed smirk. Always respected.
Doris Francis
Heartfelt condolances to the entire Bell family.I worked with “Daddy Frank” for many years at QGH His quiet humour and compassion will long be remembered.
Vivian Croft
To Dr. Bell’s family
Wonderful Doctor he was. Sending my condolences and so sorry for your loss.
Darren Whynot and Lisa Tarr
We would like to send our Deepest Sympathy to all Dr Frank Bells Family
Don and Vi Mackenzie
Our sincere condolences to the Bell family on the loss of your father and father in law. Hold fast to the precious memories.
Eleanor and Sherman Roberts
To the family of the late Dr. Bell:
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences. He was my family physician since he delivered me in 1960 until 1989. He was a warm, kind doctor and listened intently for any ailment that may be bothering you. The last we spoke was a couple of years ago and he still remembered me and my husband. He would always go out of his way just to say hi. It is with sincere condolences that we say goodbye to a wonderful doctor. May he find peace in the everlasting life.
Sherman and Eleanor Roberts
Heather Cook
To the Bell Family,
I was very sorry to hear your father had passed. He delivered me, and I was a patient of his until he retired … and loved him so much as a little girl, I named one of my dolls “Dr. Bell”. Green scotch mints always remind me of him … Dr. Bell was a great doctor, kind, gentle and caring. I am sorry for your loss.
Heather Cook
(Nee Lawrence)
Brenda And John Cunningham
We would like to send our Deepest Sympathy to Dr Frank Bells Family. We were Patients of Dr Bell’s for several years and he was a very nice doctor, treated everyone very well, and always had kind words. Our condolences to the family.
Annette White
Sending my sincerest condolences to the family of the late Dr. Frank Bell. He was my families doctor for many years and when I was a kid, he was among the few that made house calls and wouldn’t leave until he was sure you were okay. He was a kind sole and a wonderful doctor. He was sadly missed when he retired and he will be sadly missed by all who knew and adored him.
Kathy Jo (Levy) Rumbolt
Dear David,
So sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. I have many memories of him as our doctor when I was a child like so many more. Take care of yourself.
Steven & Brenda Kennedy (Whalen)
Dear Bell Family, We are very sad to hear of Dr. Bell’s passing. He was our family doctor all our life until retirement , I have 12 siblings whom we all adored all our lives. May God Bless you all, and I really will miss seeing him.
Lynn Lavender
So sorry to hear of Dr. Bell’s passing..loved working with him especially on Obstetrics..always with his cool demeanour..thinking of you in the days ahead.
Kevin & Sherry Roy , Sylvia Roy
David and family . Deepest condolences to you and your family .
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you
Joyce & John Bolivar
To the Bell family sorry for the loss of your Dad , he was our family doctor for years he and my Dad had a relationship where they insulted one another in fun we sure missed him.
Pat & Jack Chandler
Patti, Joanne, and David what wonderful memories your Dad leaves you and your families. Dr. Bell was a joy to work with at QGH, especially on our OBS unit where I worked. Of course Jack and I also knew him socially as well, and especially enjoyed his dry wit. We hope that you all can find comfort in knowing how highly thought of your Dad was and what happy memories he left us.
Sharon and John Rhyno
We are so saddened by Dr. Bells passing.Heartfelt condolences from my family to your family.I have missed him a lot.
Julie
Sorry for you loss. Xo
Beverley & Betty-Jean Colp
To Dr. Bell’s family we send our deepest condolences in your loss. He was our family doctor and saw us through many health situations and he was a very good friend too. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brenda Lawrence
Sorry to see that Dr. Bell passed away. He delivered our two daughter’s and
was our family Dr. Dr. Bell was a wonderful person . I loved working with him
at Queen’s General . In later years we were both shopper’s at Sobey’s . He
alway’s took the time to see how my family was doing . Sincere sympathy to
The Bell family . Brenda Lawrence
Jean Strum
The Family of Dr. Bell:
I was very sorry to hear of Dr. Bell’s passing. He was my parent’s (Margaret and George MacDonald) physician for many years and I appreciated his care and kindness to them. I know he was quite ill but also that it is hard to say goodbye. He was not only a good doctor but also contributed so much to the community. Please accept my sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jean Strum
Wanda Baron
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the Bell family for their loss. Dr Bell delivered me and was my childhood doctor. He encouraged me to fulfill my dreams of becoming a nurse and I then had the opportunity to work with him at QGH. His quiet humour and compassion were his trademark and will be greatly missed by all. I beleive he is now with Georgie, happily catching up and holding hands….. Bless you all during this time of sadness and change. Hold tight to your memories and each other, draw strength from the bonds of family love and move forward one day at a time. Wanda & John Baron
Zona Hatt and Don Turner
Our deepest condolences to all of you on your loss. Your dad always had a smile on his face and what appeared to be a skip in his walk. He was respected not only as a Physician but more importantly he was a kind, caring, true” gentleman “. May God be with you all during this difficult time and we pray you find some comfort knowing he lived his live to the fullest, helping many along the way.
God bless you all and raise a glass to toast this wonderful man who you were blessed to call Dad
Zona, Don and families.
Jane-Thies Potvin
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the passing of your dad. I have special memories of him having spent many times with him over the years. I will always remember him with great fondness.Sending my best to you all.
Jane
Brian & Gloria Isnor
Joanne, Jeff and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your father. He was a true gentleman and we enjoyed talking to him whenever our paths crossed. Remember the good memories, sharing and talking about the many things that have happened over the years will help to heal the loss that you are feeling. Sorry for your loss. Brian & Gloria Isnor
Windsor Home Hardware
Dear Joanne, Jeff, Dave, Diane, Pat, John and Families,
Your Home Hardware family wish to express condolences to you all! Many of us have fond memories of Frank, and know what a great Dad, Father-in -law and Grandfather he was.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts!
.
Bernard Swain
I had the good fortune to play weekly duplicate bridge against Frank for quite a few years in Liverpool. He was an accomplished player, always a pleasure to be with. He was inspirational to me in many ways, always a true gentleman. I was disappointed when he moved away to Halifax not too long ago so did not play again in Liverpool. I missed him. I send my condolences to his family for your loss.
Stephen and Jill plummer
Dear David and Diane and extended family members,Jill and I are so saddened with the news that Frank has passed away.We were blessed to have known him and to have shared some family times with you and Frank these past few years..a kind and classic gentleman,who will be remembered for a long time..xo s and j.
Robert & Sally Fader
The Bell family:
So very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was my family doctor for many years, always kind and compassionate. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.
Stewart & Rose Mooers
Our deepest sympathy to Dr. Frank Bell’s family. He was our family doctor for years and also our family doctor when I was growing up in Sandy Cove. A very caring and compassionate doctor.
Jamie and Barb Cochrane
So sad to hear of Franks passing, he will be missed by all. Will always remember the fun chats with he and Georgie, especially in Greenfield.
Anna-Stell Vaughn
I can picture Dr. Bell coming down the hall at QGH when I worked the evening shift. Always a smile, a gentle ‘hello’ with a twinkle in his eye. May precious memories bring you all comfort and peace.
Sincerely, Anna-Stell
CarolAnn MacAdams
David and family; I was a patient, as were many, in my younger years and remember Dr. Bell with respect, love and admiration. He was our family doctor for many years until his retirement. I have missed him ever since. May his love of life and family bring you many wonderful memories at this time of loss. With much sympathy. CarolAnn
Debra Chandler and Geoff Foulds
Dear Pat and John, Dave and Diane, Joanne and Jeff,
I can still hear his voice and that gentle laugh. Your dad was a fixture of my childhood, and adult life, too. I last visited with him on Park Street two summers ago, and I will cherish that lovely, relaxed visit. He was so quietly clever, always thinking, and always caring. And he so loved a good laugh. What a great partner he had in Georgie!
The pillars of our childhood community are falling away, but Liverpool is the richer for having had them for so long.
Hugs to you all.
Debra
Craig Condon
I was very sorry to hear of Dr. Bell’s passing, as were my brother and sisters when I told them. Dr. Bell was a fine person, a true gentleman and a fine doctor. His care and concern for his patients was genuine and are a lesson for doctors today. He brought many people in this area into the world (including 3 of the 4 Condon children). I was honoured to have known him as a person (especially when I delivered his newspaper) and a doctor. Although he is gone physically, he will live on the hearts and minds of everyone who knew him. May God give you the strength you need as you face the days ahead.
David Barnes
David
Our sincere condolences to you, Diane and your entire family, on the passing of you father, Frank.
Susan and David Barnes
Tim McDonald
Dr. Bell was our family doctor for many years and it is with great sadness that I learn of his passing. I have fond memories of both Dr Bell and his wife Georgie…a great couple who are missed in Liverpool. My condolences to the Bell family.
Janice and Mark Reynolds
Patty, David and Joanne,
Mark and I have missed seeing and chatting with Frank, so sad to hear of his passing.
Frank and Georgie were a wonderful part of the community, it is sad they are both gone.
Our condolences to the whole family.
Mark and Janice, Tracy and Luke.
Vina & Gerald Moses
Although we did not know Dr. Bell, we know his son David who is a special person so we knew Dr. Bell must have been a wonderful father. Since we moved to Western Head, we have heard so many great stories about Dr. Bell. People tell about their faith in his abilities as a family doctor and also his many kindnesses over the years. We send our condolences to his family and friends knowing that he has a special place in many hearts around Queens County and that he is remembered with high esteem. Certainly these memories can be cherished by his family as they also keep their personal memories close to their hearts.
Marg Millard
I was sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.
He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.Our condolences go out to you all at this very difficult time.
Pictou County Prostate Cancer Support Association
The members of our Group wish to express their sincere condolences to you David and your family at this time of your sorrow. Rest assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you..So many of us in this area have been fortunate to be under your guidance and care and know that your diligent efforts is a reflection of the fine care that your father gave to the community of Liverpool and area. May God be close to all of you at this time ..
Joel Zwicker
Growing up on park street would not have been the same with out the warm smile that Frank & Georgie gave all of us kids! Condolences to everyone in the Bell family from all of us in the Zwicker Family.
Harry and Catherine Steele
David,
We were very sorry to hear the news of your father’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barb Anderson
Although we know this is a very sad time for the family, friends and colleagues of your father, we have such fond memories of innumerable good times spent with Frank and Georgie over the years. Our sincere condolences to all of your family and our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Marion and Bob Anderson
Marilyn and Brian MacKay-Lyons
Dear Pat and Family
We are truly saddened to hear of the death of your Dad. We know how close all of your family were to him. It is comforting to know that you will cherish many happy memories about his rich life.
Marilyn and Brian
Robert/ Marjorie MacGowan
We were sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. A real gentleman whom will be missed. Our sincere condolences
Mike and Donna West
Our deepest condolences to the Bell family. Dr Bell was my family doctor for many years until his retirment and he delivered both of my children. He had a great sense of humor and was a caring physician. He will be missed in the community. May your wonderful memories of him help you through this difficult time.
Cathy Lavender
To the Bell Family
Frank was one of a kind! He was my doctor since the day of my birth until his retirement and I loved him dearly for his humor and patience. He was always there for our family and I know he was of great comfort to my mother and I when she was ill during her last years with us. Liverpool was a better place with him in it. He will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathy to all from Cathy Lavender
Alexandra Smith
Frank Bell was one of the kindest men I’ve ever known and was great lifelong friend to my father and mother. I remember being invited to stay at Greenfield when we were young and being very excited about spending time with the always upbeat and happy Bell family, waterskiing and barbecuing.
Later, I remember always looking forward to Frank’s visits to my parents with Georgie because Frank and Georgie were such good fun and so kind, even if you weren’t an adult. Georgie sparkled and Frank brought up the rear, always Georgie’s devoted and dashing foil and chauffeur with his smart sense of humour and his penchant for 10 Penny Ale. Frank would pull up into my parents’ driveway in Hantsport in his latest sedan and he and Georgie, always immaculately and stylishly attired, would emerge to visit, much to our excitement. Indeed, I’m so pleased to be able to still enjoy the pleasure of Bell family company as Frank and Georgie have left blessings for all of us behind them in the form of truly wonderful and companionable children and grandchildren.
I am so very happy to have known Frank and Georgie both, to know that people as genuinely good as they were can exist and thrive in our world, strange and embattled as it is. Frank lit people up with his humour, his kindness, his spirit and just the twinkle in his eye. I am sorry not to be there to see you off, my dear, but there are so many who love you who will see you on your way. Love, peace – and homemade pie – to you until we meet again.
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
Our thoughts are with the Bell Family.
He was my doctor for 30 years. He was very kind and a great doctor. He was also so very kind to our
son Patrick when he had to go from school every week for needles when he was 5. Dr. Bell always gave
him a sucker or a candy. I think he enjoyed going even though it was a needle. Fond memories for sure.
God Bless all the Family.
Jamie and Carol
Dear Dave/Diane, Joanne/Jeff and families-
Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of you at this difficult time. We have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Bell at some of your family gatherings. He always had a ready smile and took a genuine interest in people and their lives. He was a true example of selflessness, kindness and caring in the way he lived his life as a respected family doctor and community member.
We are thinking of all of you and know this void will not be easily filled. Find comfort in your cherished memories of a wonderful father, father in law, grandfather and mentor. May Dr.Bell rest in peace. He will truly be missed by many.
Sincerely, Carol and Jamie
Bev Pettersen
Pat, David, Joanne & Family, I’m very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I always loved playing in your yard and at the lake, enjoying the laughter and generosity of your wonderful parents. Your dad was always a gentleman and he helped make the town of Liverpool so very special. Thinking of you all at this time.
Shirley Melanson
To the Bell family,
It’s always sad to lose your parent even though you know they’ve lived a good,full life.David I know you grew up with my children and you were a great Dr. to my first husband “Hap”I offer my sincere condolences at this time of loss.Your fond memories will carry you forward.
Susan Wilton
Thinking of all of you on this sad day as we remember fondly Uncle Frank , Aunt Georgie and your family. Although separated by miles we treasure our family ties and share in your sorrow.
Love, Cousins, Angeline,Bruce and Susan. In NL
Paul Cameron
Dr. Bell had the misfortune of being the 1st person to lay eyes on me. Fortunately he recovered and I grew up to appreciate his medical skills and more importantly, his wry wit. Like Dr. Bell I often use ‘hmmm’ as a substitute for wordy sentences. He will live now and forever in the memories of his family, friends, colleagues, & patients.
Shelly Delbridge
Dear Joanne and Family
So sorry to learn of your father’s passing. I enjoyed watching the remembrance video. Such wonderful memories you have to cherish. Thinking of you.
Kathy Elliott ( nee Young, Wilf Young's oldest)
Bell Family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your Dad. I have very fond memories of him coming to the house when myself,one of my brothers or my sister were sick. It was fun to go to the office and get the juicy fruit gum as a treat if we went. I also remember seeing both your parents playing tennis. I know you have wonderful memories. Rember the good times.
Bonnie Francis
He kept at true good humour’s mark
The social flow of pleasure’s tide:
He never made a brow look dark,
Nor caused a tear, but when he died.
Susan and Stephen Salsman
Dear Joanne, Jeff and family,
We were so sorry today to hear about the passing of your father. The video shows that he was obviously much loved and part of a great family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thelma Simms Brown
To the Bell Family,
Deepest sympathy from our family in the loss of your father Frank.
Sincerely, Thelma, Jayne, Sandra, David and Bruce Simms
Kelly Hockley
Joanne, Jeff and family,
We were sorry to read of Joanne’s father’s passing. Please know our thoughts are with your entire family.
Kelly, Jeff, Emma Jane and Drew Hockley
Sterling Belliveau
To the family of Dr. Bell, I extend my heartfelt condolences. Your family is in my thoughts during this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that Dr. Bell touch and healed many lives in our community and his memory will live on in the heart of many people.
With sincerest sympathy
Sterling Belliveau, MLA
Sincerely Shirley Levy
Expressing Deepest Sympathy.
Ricky and Wanda Levy
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Stephanie & Terry Hurrell
Dear Patti, David, Joanne and families, we knew your father both as a personal friend and as our own doctor during our many years in Liverpool. Together with his wife, Georgie, Frank Bell gave so much to Zion United Church and the Liverpool community. We give grateful thanks for their memory and send you, their children, our very best wishes. What wonderful family photos you have gathered! Treasure them always.
Sincerely, Stephanie & Terry Hurrell.
Becky Carver
To Dr.Bell’s Family
So sorry for the loss of your loved one, I will always remember the special candy he would give me when I was a child and also the story of when I was born.