Obituary of Douglas Alfred Bell
It is with great sadness that the family of Douglas (Doug Bell) shares the peaceful passing of Doug in hospital on September 6, 2025, at the age of 80. During his life, Doug dealt with many health challenges with courage, resilience and grace, often beating the odds with the help of the Heart Institute staff, the intuitive skills of his chiropractic team, and with the support of his family.
Doug was the treasured partner of Jackie Lord. He was the cherished father to Amy and Tracey Bell and to the late Jonathan. Left to mourn his loss are Doug’s sisters in-law, Donna and Lorraine Bell, as well as many nieces and nephews and friends, all of whom loved him dearly. He is predeceased by his parents, Stuart and Muriel (Greeley) Bell, and his brothers, the late Harold, David and Donald Bell.
Doug (99) and Jackie created many special memories on summer days at local auctions, sharing the day with friends and sometimes bringing home the item they went to try and purchase. Doug loved animals and being part of nature, from his pet squirrel to the many special fur friends he cared for over the years (Mary, Tiggey, Smokey, Midnight, Tayo, Charlie, Maranda, Ee-Be, Bella, Peaches and Teddy). There was always room for an animal that needed a home. Doug’s quiet, gentle nature allowed him the opportunity to view and photograph many animals and birds in their natural habitat.
Doug grew up in Perth, a town he loved. He developed a keen interest in learning the history of Perth. The majority of his working life was spent in Perth, working in the family business, Stuart H Bell and Sons. He loved working each day with his brother David and the guys at the shop. Doug was a renowned welder, machinist and tool and die maker. There weren’t many things that Doug couldn’t design, fix or create. Doug was always willing to help anyone in need, often anonymously.
In his spare time Doug’s life was filled with fun, excitement, and adventure, from river rafting with a group of special Boy Scouts, snowmobile racing, motorcycle dragster racing, or just riding his Harley. All these activities were made possible with the help of his friends. By contributing their mechanical, outdoor, and motorcycle skills and sharing his passion for the project at hand many fine memories were created. As time passed Doug turned to restoring vintage cars. One special truck was restored to honour his grandfather’s garage.
Doug then moved on to decorating for special holidays. His Christmas decorations lit up the winter nights for many years in Maple Glen. Highlights were the huge blue spruce with 3000+ lights, the huge angel created in the broken tree, and the lights laid out on the lawn to create coloured patterns in the snow brought smiles to many visitors of the display.
Doug built special relationships with his friends believing they were family. Christina and Doug were always working on special projects, designing and making furniture (the perfect Adirondack chair), designing Christmas decorations and stringing lights from October to December, Bill and Kay sharing his love of collecting and Donnie and Diane filling Doug’s life with friendship and laughter. Wonderful afternoons were spent in the garage sharing stories with his brother, Donald. Doug’s quiet countenance, work ethic, and skill set will be missed. Doug will be fondly remembered and never forgotten.
The family wish to thank the staff of the 3rd floor at PSFDH and to the staff at the PCCC Wiseman Wing for their kindness and care, creating homes for Doug when home was no longer an option.
An informal celebration of life will be held in Doug’s honour at the Blair and Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St W, Perth, on Wednesday September 24 between 1-4PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated by the family in Doug’s honour to either the Ottawa Heart Institute, or to the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital – Perth Site; Palliative Care Unit.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted into the care of Blair and Son Funeral Directors Inc.
