With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Rodney Bell after losing his battle with cancer. He was a devoted and loving husband to Elaine Bell (Samas), cherished father to Ella Grace Bell (Marshall Barter) and Alannah Pontello (Nicholas Pontello), and a very proud Papa to Adeline and Edward Pontello. Rod and Elaine shared 41 years together and would have celebrated 39 years of marriage this August.
Rod will be remembered for his sharp wit, quick sarcasm, and a sense of humour that had everyone around him laughing. A gifted vocalist, Rod’s incredible singing voice brought joy to many. He performed with friends around the city in the band Paper Town, and at private functions for friends and family. Whether dancing or belting out classics in the kitchen or crafting harmony with his bandmates, music was an essential part of his life: he never travelled anywhere without his guitar. Whether he was behind the stove or manning the barbecue, Rod was an exceptional chef, and many of our family’s best memories were made in the kitchen. He taught his girls to love the art of cooking and encouraged them to try new recipes, and of course was the designated taste tester. Cooking was more than a skill; it was one of the ways he showed love.
Rod also had a deep love for the outdoors. He often went hunting and fishing with his friends, and he loved building quinzhee “snow huts,” which he said were for the grandchildren but were really for himself to sit under with a drink by the fire. He travelled almost the entire country on his motorcycle and rode almost every Sunday in the summers, although his favourite rides were surprising his girls with a ride home from school.
Rod will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, loud strength, sarcastic wit, and the way he found joy in the simple moments, whether surrounded by family, tinkering in the garage, sitting around his backyard bonfire, snuggling with his dog in the recliner, or enjoying a good laugh or inside joke. Rod lit up a room, and easily warmed his way into everyone’s hearts, his coworkers and clients included. Rod was proud to call the people he worked with friends.
To Rod’s medical team: Dr McLean, Dr Ibrahim, Dr Abugharib, Dr Bezanson, Dr Nelson, Carloyn and Carly - thank you for everything you did for Rod.
To his two VON Nurses: Farrah and Janna – thank you for taking great care of Rod when he was at home.
And lasty: a heartfelt thank you to the exceptional nursing staff of A1 Oncology at TBRHSC. Your compassion, professionalism, and unwavering care meant the world to our family. To Chloe and Bailey, who were by Rod’s side in his final days, your kindness and grace brought immeasurable comfort. We are deeply grateful for the dignity and warmth you gave him, and us, when it mattered most.
We love you Dad
Till our next dance yours only, Elaine xo
A Celebration of Life will be held to honour Rodney’s life on Friday July 4th from 3-7pm at the Da Vinci Centre. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request a donation to Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Care.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.cm
