John "Jack" Harold Bell

John "Jack" Harold Bell passed away peacefully on October 7, 2016—another day, like so many others—where he was surrounded by the love of his family. Jack was born on July 25, 1930, to Harold A. and Elizabeth A. Bell in Spokane, WA. His step-father, Harold Downs, held a very special place in his heart. He is survived by the love of his life, Betty J. (Barton) Bell—his wife of 64 years and their five children: Janet Hoppe, John (Patricia), Valerie Ditore, Frances Aga (Paul) and Elizabeth Pike, many grandkids, great-grandkids, nieces and nephews.

Jack began learning the meat cutting trade at age 13 – a trade he continued in the Air Force and then as a civilian until his retirement in 1992. If you met Jack, you didn't forget him. He was full of love and pride for his family, colorful stories and abundant wise advice—whether it was appreciated at the time or not.

Jack was most happy when with his family and when he was outdoors hunting, fishing and gardening. He patiently taught almost everyone who came to the Sacheen Lake cabin (which he built) how to fish and water ski. In retirement he enjoyed Mariner baseball, Gonzaga basketball, obsessively collecting aluminum cans for recycling and attending as many grandkids' sporting events as possible.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Eilene Warren and Beulah Bradley, his brother James Bell and three sons-in-law Randy Hoppe, Tony Ditore and Bruce Pike.

A memorial service to celebrate Jack's life will be held at 1:00 on October 22 at the Beacon Hill Events Center at 4848 E. Valley Springs Rd. in Spokane. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in the name of "John Harold Bell" to the Alzheimer's Association, Washington State Chapter at 1-800-272-3900 or Horizon Hospice at 123 W. Cascade Way, Suite A, Spokane, WA 99208.