Obituary of Mervyn Bell

BELL: It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Gordon "Mervyn" Bell of Lions Manor, Brandon, MB on Friday, June 7, 2013, at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon at the age of 87. Mervyn was born on the family farm at Harding, MB on May 12, 1926, eldest son of Gordon and Annie Bell. He married Shirley (McTaggart) on June 10, 1950, and they farmed there together for 34 years. Upon retirement, they moved to Brandon. He had a keen, task-oriented mind and was always up for a challenge involving carpentry, welding, woodworking, repairing and restoring. These skills and many others were used abundantly throughout his life. Mervyn's family was the centre of his attention and he loved visits from grandchildren and family get-togethers. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their children: Myrna (Dan) Collens, Phyllis (Floyd) Miller, Carol Ann (Claude) Lepine, and Brian (Margaret) Shaw. There are 10 grandchildren and spouses: Jennifer (Kevin) Hyde, Leanne (Matt) DeVliegere, and Gordon (Zineta) Collens; Sherri (David) Kyle, Derek (Jodi) Miller, Regan (Natalie) Miller, and Naomi Miller; Jordan Lepine; Brian James Shaw (Gwenda Olson) and Brett (Chris) Purdy. Nineteen great grandchildren include Emily, Alex, and Isaiah Hyde, Paige and Brady DeVliegere, Taber, Selina and Malaina Collens; Michelle, Rylan, Logan, and Declan Kyle, Zane, Sage, and Reeve Miller, Hayden and Rory Miller; and Josh and Miranda Purdy. He is also survived by one sister, Marilyn (Lloyd) Anderson, and one brother-in-law, Clare (Peggy) McTaggart and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents, Gordon and Annie Bell, and one sister, Evelyn (Ed) Shaw. A service to celebrate Mervyn's life was held at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, with burial to take place at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery, Harding, MB. Honorary pallbearers were grandsons: Derek Miller, Regan Miller, Gordon Collens, Jordan Lepine, and Brian James Shaw. The family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to staff at the Adult Day Program at Fairview Home, Prairie Mountain Health Brandon Home Care, Rideau Park, 3rd floor of Assiniboine Centre, and also to Jodee (Hunter) Webster, Funeral Director at Brockie Donovan and the ladies who served a lovely lunch after the service. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Pastor Paul Stade for conducting the service and for his heartfelt support and guidance throughout. If desired, donations would be gratefully received at the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.