John Bell
John Bell of Iroquois died following a brief illness on May 8, 2003 at the Brockville General Hospital. He was 84.
He was born in Brinston on May 26, 1918 to the late Howard Bell and Florence (nee Adams). He was a farmer before retiring. He was a lifetime resident of the area.
He was predeceased by wife Maxine Bell (nee Algire), whom he married on Nov. 8, 1947 at Williamsburg United Church.
Mr. Bell is survived by children Edgar (JoAnn) of Lyn, and Allan (Linda Brodie) of Prescott; and brother Lawrence (Irene) Bell of Hamilton. He was brother in-law of Ethan Algire of Winchester, Clair (Ruth) Algire of Williamsburg and Mary Algire of Morrisburg. He was predeceased by siblings Clifford and Jean Bell.
He was loving grandfather of Ashley Jayne Bell who is attending the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
He was a member of the Connaught International Order of Oddfellows Lodge #440 in Brinston for over 57 years. He was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces from 1940-1945, serving overseas from 1942-1945. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #370 in Iroquois. He was a lifelong member of the Brinston United Church where he had served as an elder and a member of several boards over the years.
After retirement, he and Maxine enjoyed several bus trips, travelling throughout Canada and the United States. He loved social events such as euchres, working in his yard and garden, and attending family gatherings.
He was a generous man who supported two children from Belarus for many years. Through his generosity, these children were able to visit Canada during several summers. While they were in Canada, the children lived with Edgar Bell in Lyn.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg on May 10. An Oddfellows service was held in the evening. The funeral was held at the Brinston United Church with Rev. Yvonne Willis officiating. Interment was at Spruce Haven Cemetery in Brinston.
Pallbearers were James Algire, Robert Chick, Roger Gilmour, Glen McDonell, Ainsley McGee and Gary MacDonald. Honorary pallbearers were Dwight Beckstead and Weldon Scharfe.
Donations to the Brinston United Church would be appreciated by the family.