Robert Allen Bell
1928-2009
Robert “Bob” Bell was called into heaven on the evening of Easter Sunday. He was surrounded by his family whom he always placed first in his life.
Bob Bell was true blue Seattleite. He was born here, attended Lincoln High School, studied engineering at Seattle University and later met his beloved wife of 56 years, Nancy Criez, while skating at Bitter Lake. He only left his city to serve his country in the US Navy in the waters off of Korea in the early Fifties.
Under Bob’s decades of leadership he grew the family run business, Skyline Electric, into a highly respected and successful electrical manufacturing company. Bob was known as a resourceful and inventive engineer. He also paved the way for the continued success and leadership of Skyline within the family.
Bob had an easy going love of life which was felt immediately with his broad smile and infectious good nature. His enthusiasm for the simple pleasures was also extensive including a talent for music whether it was playing the ukulele or the stand up bass. He was a regular musician with the Edmonds Senior Swingers. In his younger years he was happiest skiing and teaching skiing at Stevens Pass with the Lake City Elks and in his later years he spent countless days with his wife and family at their favored retreat on Camano Island. There is also a mint condition Model A in his garage that he beautifully restored but reserved only for special occasion outings. Many hours were also devoted to his outdoor interests of fishing and hunting and to his indoor hideaway global Ham radio communications.
Robert A Bell is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, two sisters, Shirley and Bonnie, his son Michael, his daughter Deborah, and a daughter who preceded him in death, Jeanene. He has six wonderful grandchildren, Greg, Kelsea, Steven, Hanna, Brenna and Jack. He was also always surrounded by loving friends.
The family would like to also acknowledge the special and compassionate care Bob received during his medical challenges: the staff of Northwest Hospital, the Puget Sound Cancer Care Centers and the staff at Harborview Medical Center.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 PM Monday, April 20th, at St Matthew Church in North Seattle honoring his life. Reception to follow.
Donations in Bob’s honor may be sent to the American Cancer Society
728 134th St. SW
Suite 101
Everett, WA 98204-1140
1-800-227-2345