Victor Bell

VICTOR SIGURDUR BELL

Peacefully, on March 13, 2018, surrounded by the love of his family, Victor went to his eternal rest.

He is survived by his children, Linda Paluck, Faye (Alfie) Schalk, Merv (Lynda) Gunter, Dawn Papineau, Tricia (Al) Geurts and Terry Gunter; grandchildren, Dean (Minnie) Schalk, David Schalk, Darren Paluck, Kelly (Jason) Dueck, John (Lisa Joy) Gunter, Trista (David) Doole, Tamara Papineau (Chris), Jason (Danielle) Geurts, Jill (Ian) Myers; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Cody Paluck, Caroline Toews (Paul) and Carla VanGorp (Jay), Mekhi, Isla and Cyrus Gunter, Vann and Cohen Dueck, Connor and Chloe Doole, Luc and Lyla Geurts and Hudson, Harrison and Ashton Myers and great-great-granchildren, Justin and Mia Toews and Mazzy and Lenox VanGorp. He also leaves to mourn, his siblings, Billy Bell, Gwen Popowich, Jon (Bonnie) Bell, Peter (Louella) Bell, and sisters-in-law Thelma and Donna Bell, Barb (Joe) Holmes and Dorothy Bell, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Irene; grandson Douglas Papineau; sons-in-law Lloyd (Butch) Papineau and Eddie Paluck; brothers Hunnes (Winnie), Oli, Chris, Eggert; sisters, Sigga (Sam), Helga (Victor), Margaret(Lorne); and brother-in-law Steve Popowich.

Victor was born at Hecla, Manitoba on May 2, 1936 to Ernest and Lovisa Bell and spent his early years there. He moved to Selkirk to attend school and went to work at the age of 14 driving a team of horses at the Selkirk Rolling Mill. During the early 1950s he worked on fishing boats on Lake Winnipeg, Hay River and Ft. McMurray. He spent many years in the steel industry working at the Selkirk Rolling Mill and Drummond McCall.

In 1965, Vic married the love of his life, Irene (Bell) Gunter, and inherited a ready-made family of six. Victor brought his love of music to our family and we enjoyed singing while he played the piano or guitar. He and Mom spent many happy years together, working on their house and yard, spending time with family and friends, camping and fishing, and travelling, but mostly just being together. Victor was a great dad, always there when we needed him. He was a very special grandpa to all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved them dearly and enjoyed entertaining them, whether it was toys, a game of crib, playing his guitar, making something in his workshop, or just talking. Victor was always proud of his garden and having the first potatoes of the season. He loved people and made friends easily and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Victor was a loving, caring man, always greeting us with a ready smile and bright blue eyes, and we will all miss him.

We are very thankful to the staff at the Selkirk Hospital and Betel Home for their care and compassion during his time with them.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at Gilbart Funeral Home in Selkirk, MB on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Living Selkirk, 306 Jemima Street, Selkirk, MB R1A 1X1.

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