WOODVILLE – Robert D. “Bob” Bell Sr., 63, went home to the Lord and passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, after a long history of heart disease. He was born June 6, 1948, in Millinocket, to Wilfred W. Bell and Helen (Ducas) Bell.
Bob attended school in Millinocket and Mattawamkeag. He was married for 42 years to Mary Ellen (McInnis) Bell. Bob worked in the Wood Room for Great Northern Paper Co., Millinocket, and was a member of Millinocket Elks Club for many years. Recently, he became a member of Pine Tree Lodge No. 172, AF & AM, Mattawamkeag. Bob enjoyed cross-country, baseball and basketball in high school. His true passion was for music. He loved traditional country music. Bob played numerous instruments, and loved to sing and jam with his friends. He also wrote his own songs. He loved family events, especially if it was centered around the grandchildren. Bob was happiest when he was doing for others, be it family, friends or a total stranger. He was a good man, a wonderful father and grandfather. He had a kind spirit, was loved by many, and will be missed by all.
Bob is survived by Mary Ellen Bell of Millinocket; a son, Robert D. Bell Jr. and his wife, Kim Oliveira, of Lakeland, Fla.; a daughter, Rhonda (Bell) Tracy and her husband, Lou, of Millinocket; 10 grandchildren, Robert D. Bell III, Nicholas Bell, Alison Vernon, Joshua Bell, Walter Bell, Heather Ambrose, Kristine Tracy, Tyson Tracy, Shane Oliveira and Josh Oliveira; seven great-grandchildren, Jenna Rae, Aeryahna, Connor, Nicholas, Dayton, Mandy and Shawn; three brothers, Lawrence Bell, George Bell and Will Bell; five sisters, Angie O’Donnell, Mary Magoon, Betty Ann Mason, Patty Bate and Debbie Bell; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by a brother, Wilfred Bell Jr.; and a sister, Winifred “Winnie” Lewin.
Friends are invited to visit with the family 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket, where a Masonic memorial service will be conducted 7:30 p.m. by the officers and members of Pine Tree Lodge No. 172, AF & AM. Gifts in memory of Bob may be sent to the American Heart Association, 6 East Merrill Road, Lewiston, ME 04240. Messages of condolence may be expressed at
www.lamsonfh.com.