J. Stewart Bell

Stewart Bell was a man of many colours and faces. After his birth in Ferniegair, Scotland, his first position as a 16 year old, was with the Bank of Scotland where he learned to carefully count every penny given to him to enter in his book.  If a penny was missing, he had to “stay on his stool” to find the missing penny before leaving for a soccer game on the green or a round of golf.  He continued to gather people like pennies and when he discovered a new “penny”, he was full of joy and laughter.

Following his arrival in Canada he made his way to work in Alberta banks, then to a Toronto bank before entering the University of Toronto to spend six years studying for the ministry.

In his last year he met and married his wife Anne who was also in her last year of studies. They were settled in Matheson by the United Church where he learned the importance of all the pennies lying in the small charges in Northern Ontario.  He made sure to accurately count his people when he worked in churches both large and small and he served the members of the church with great care “staying on his stool” to ensure none were missing.

These pennies helped him grow into the minister he became throughout the rest of his life. He also served congregations in Christian Education and administrative roles in Northern Ontario.  He spent many hours in community involvement, marrying couples, christening babies and providing support and guidance for people dealing with loss of a loved one.

More recently Stewart enjoyed participation in live theatre in North Bay acting in plays, musicals and one man shows as “Wullie McFlannel.”  His three daughters never knew what he would be involved in next!

Stewart leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Anne Bell, his children Sheona Bell Williston (Mark), Morag Bell (Gord Glendon), and Jocelyn Bell Summersby (Chris), and grandchildren: Andrew Bell, Emma Williston, Zoe Glendon, and Chelsea Glendon and step grandchildren Kristine & Darren Summersby.

Family receiving friends at Hillside Funeral Services, 362 Airport Rd, on Saturday April 6th from 1 until 4pm. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations to a charity of your choosing in his name will be appreciated.