Hannes Albert Esyrum Bell Jr. (Ding)

Peacefully on March 16, 2026, at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre with his nephew by his side Hannes passed away.

Our Dad, Grampa, Brother and Friend.

He was predeceased by his parents Winnifred and Hannes, brothers Wesley, Dwight, Miles, Terry, Bruce, Barry, nephews Trevor and Ernie, niece Terry Morrisseau and good friend Amanda Mackie. Hannes will be remembered by his daughter Destiny Williams (Kajon); granddaughter Lexi; son Ryan (Heather); sister Lovisa, sisters-in-law Helen, Lee, Gail, Joanne, Nola; stepchildren/grandchildren, nephews, nieces family and friends.

Hannes was born in October 1948. He spent his first couple years at Manigotagan then onto Bissett playing on rock ridges or his piano or picking his guitar and berries. His trophies for hockey lined the piano and every shelf and he was so good at hockey and got the opportunity to play in minors in Ontario. Somewhere along the line the coach gave all the teammates nicknames. Hannes became Ding Dong and it stuck.

Ding worked for Terry for a few years at the office on the road and at the factory, known for his wonderful customer service Terry had to move him to work at the factory. lol.

He was quick with the comebacks and quick to the draw and react. He could shoot an aspirin bottle out of air with a 22. 

Hannes was 17 when the family moved to Selkirk but Dings love for the bush always drew him back to the Manigotagan area. You could take Ding out of the woods but couldn't take the woods out of Ding. He worked for Fial Masonary then Thornson Masonary where his favorite line was "can I get a smoke mine are on the forklift." He also operated the dozer, high hoe or cherry picker when working in the bush. 

He liked prospecting, hunting, fishing and just being out on the river in his boat.

In the later years he never got out as much as he liked due to mobility but always seemed to have plenty of company at his apartment.

He was looking forward to spring as he asked to borrow Terry's big "hutterite" van from Joanne to go to Manigotagan. Asked why he needed such a big van he quickly replied to haul his food. lol.

A huge welcome party and his sparring partner Miles were waiting for him when he entered the gates of Valhalla. See you on the other side. Us here are sure to miss the check up calls... the whole 10 seconds. Click lol.

Thank you to all those that cared for him through the years. Big thank you to Rick Zarichney for always helping with errands. Dana Swiderski and Alix Bell for cleaning, lending a helping hand and keeping him company. Jamie for funding his bigger purchases and for always being there for him with Tara Priya and Aaron.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Selkirk, 403 Eveline St, (doors open at 12:00 p.m.).

A second Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the  Manigotagan Community Centre (doors open at 12:00 p.m.)

Interment to follow at a later date.

If wishing to contribute to lunch or dessert please feel free to contact Lovisa on facebook messenger or bring to hall before service.