June 21, 1923 - January 27, 2013
June 21, 1923 - January 27, 2013
Donald G. Bell, 89, a lifelong resident of Grays Harbor, died Sunday January 27, 2013, surrounded by his family.
Don was born June 21, 1923, in Artic, WA, to Alfred and Eda (Carl) Bell. Don Grew up in the North River area and graduated from high school at North River in 1941.
While in school Don dreamed of driving log truck and longed for graduation. After graduation he drove for several timber companies including Erickson Log, Yeager Trucking, Pico Trucking, Newskah Timber Co. and J.M. Saide.
On July 1, 1944, Don married L. Roxie Shull. They made their home in Grays Harbor.
In 1947, Don and his cousin Bob Carl pooled their money together and bought two International Log Trucks and formed DG Bell & RL Carl. After a few years Don and Bob went in separate directions. In 1950, Don Bell Logging was started. Over the years the business expanded which included road construction, log trucking and several shake and shingle mills. Don employed over 150 people throughout the years.
Besides Dons interests in the timber industry he also ventured into cattle ranching. In the sixties Don and Roxie owned and operated a 2500 acre cattle ranch in Okanogan County. After ten years of the cattle business Don was often quoted saying, “It takes a pretty profitable logging outfit to support a cattle ranch.”
During that time Don and Roxie purchased a summer home on Boundry Point at Lake Osoyoos in Oroville, WA. Roxie and the family would spend many summers at the lake and Don would fly his Mooney Executive airplane over for the weekends. Don would buzz the house to let them know to come pick him up at the airfield.
One of Dons biggest pleasures was to help Roxie cook breakfast on the wood heated outdoor grill. Bacon, eggs and Grandma Bell’s Pancakes, a family favorite.
Throughout the years Don supported numerous organizations but he was most fond of the youth baseball and the traveling teams.
Don was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish and York Rite, Shriners and Aberdeen Elks.
Surviving family includes two sons and their wives, Darrell K. and Jerri of Aberdeen and Donald A. and Linda of Hoquiam; a daughter and her husband, Debora Bell and George Daly of Aberdeen; nine grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, L. Roxie Bell; a brother, Robert Bell preceded him in death.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Bausher and staff, Karr House and Staff, Danielle & Travis Finn, Ed Wells and long time dear friend Oma Logue.
At Don’s request, a private memorial was held on Saturday, February 2, 2013.
The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital, 3101 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239-3009; Lake Quinault Historical Society & Museum, P.O. Box 35, Quinault, Washington 98575; and the Polson Museum, P.O. Box 432, Hoquiam, WA 98550.
Please take a few moments to express your thoughts to the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net
