Obituary of Paul Bell

Bell, Paul William ~ Born March 3, 1962 and passed from this world on May 20, 2019. In those 57 years he shared his goofy smile, loving spirit, and big heart in so many ways. Proud son to June Bell and the late Bill Bell; soulmate to Nadine and doggy daddy to Skye and Molly; loved brother to Joanne (Blair) and Cheryl and crazy uncle to Blaire Frances (Russell), Kelcie (Matt) and Connor. He loved all of his extended family and friends. He was there for us and will continue to be there for us in heart and spirit. He loved being a Registered Practical Nurse and helping clients in long-term care and palliative. He had great relationships with the families of those he cared for, even to this day he would be stopped on the street to catch up with them. When he could no longer be a nurse he went back to school and graduated from Humber as a Social Service Worker because he wanted to keep helping people. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out, but he did volunteer with GW Seniors Association and was consulting other folks with disabilities. He took part as a patient and family advisory council member with the Waterloo Wellington LHIN to share his experiences in the health care system as a worker and as a patient. It was important to him that those with disabilities be listened to, be understood and respected. Paul celebrated 40 years of working with Santa in December 2018. Whether it was at the mall in Guelph, downtown BIA, corporate and private parties, on CJOY years ago or special request by phone or letter, he brought the joy of Santa to little and big kids. No one was ever too big or too old to sit on Santa’s lap. The joy he got out of that was immense and something he looked forward to every year. While never blessed with children, he always considered everyone his children when he was Santa. Mrs. Claus misses him. Paul had music in his soul. He spent 20 years in community theatre in Guelph, Toronto, Fergus, Elmira, New Hamburg and took part in a professional production of On Golden Pond. If you knew Paul you knew he was a sweet ham who loved to act, sing and did his best to not trip over his own feet in dance numbers. He loved to hit the karaoke stage, sometimes with me singing the harmony. Paul would break into song in strange and wonderful places and would hold hands with me and sing as we travelled. From big band to crooners and show tunes he would join in and serenade me and whoever was around with his beautiful voice. He loved his nerd stuff too. A devoted DC fan, Doctor Who-file, Trekkie, Big Bang and Star Wars junkie, he surrounded himself with memorabilia, he re-trained his hands enough so he was able to paint and could recreate the retro characters he treasured. He shared his dad's collectors’ heart. He is with his dad Bill now and our dogs who have passed, Neeko, Tiggerbell and Starbuck. He has left a big Wookie sized hole in the hearts of many who knew and loved him. When you think of him please spread his love of people and do something kind for someone - just because. The family and I want to thank those who came to his aid at the accident and the first responders Guelph Police, Fire and Ambulance, as well as the GGH Emergency doctors and nurses and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Al-Shakman. Thank you to the staff in the Critical Care Unit, Sarah, Carlos, Heather, René, Byron, Angelo, Dr's. Lala, Shende and Strauss and others who worked so hard for him. A huge thank you to GGH social worker and friend Julie for being with me during the hardest moments in the ICU. Paul had wanted to donate his organs and his body to science which was not possible so cremation has already taken place. A celebration of life for Paul will take placeon Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the Evergreen Centre from 2 - 5 p.m. with sharing of stories at 3:15. Light refreshments will be served. In lieu of flowers please donate to Diabetes Canada. Paul was a diabetic and that disease robbed him of so much - let’s do what we can to stop it for others. Arrangements entrusted to GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph, (519-824-0031). We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com and they will be forwarded to the family. Service Information Service Date Sunday, August 18, 2019 Service Time 3:15 p.m. Service Location Evergreen Centre, 683 Woolwich St. Visitation Aug 18, 2019 Visitation Time 2 - 5 p.m. Visitation Location Evergreen Centre, 683 Woolwich St. Requested Charity Diabetes Canada