Judge Walter E. Bell
Died: January 4, 2015 | Place: London, Ontario
Obituary
BELL, Judge Walter Ernest….
With the miracle of birth, December 16, 1923, comes the acknowledgement of death, January 4, 2015. With all the love of his family, a lifetime of wonderful memories and a fulfilled life, Walter passed away peacefully in his sleep.
With his strong moral compass, his generous mentoring of others and his great thirst for knowledge, Walter set a very high standard for his family to live each and every day to its full potential.
An only child, Walter was predeceased by his parents Thomas Henry “Harry” Bell (1980) and Catherine Elsie Irene (Walker) (1993) and after almost 35 years of marriage, by his wife Joan Ruth (Rice) in 1989.
Dear father of Andrea (Rob Faulds) of Whitby, Richard (Regina), Sarah (Jim Long) and Heather (Greg Hiscox) all of London. Loved by his grandchildren Christopher (Brittany) Bell, Amy Bell, Ethan Faulds, Spencer and Aidan Long, Emma, Jeremy and Stella Hiscox and great grandson Jaxon Bell. Also remembered fondly by Sarah Whelan. Dear brother-in-law of John (Janet) Rice and uncle of Andrew (Patty) Rice and their children Alexander, William and Grant, all of Bowmanville. Predeceased by nephew David Rice (2009).
For the past 12 years, Walter has cherished the love and support of his soulmate Suzanne (Suzie) Pogue of Montreal and will be remembered fondly by her 4 children and her 11 grandchildren.
Walter served overseas in the Navy from 1942 to 1946. After graduating from U of T (LLB), he was called to the Bar in British Columbia in 1949 and in Ontario in 1954. Walter practiced Law in London with his friend from wartime naval days, Wm. R. Poole in the firm of Poole, Bell and Porter for 25 years before his appointment to the Ontario Court of Justice Criminal Division in 1980. Upon mandatory retirement in 1998, Walter served for 6 years on the Ontario Review Board and as a Deputy Judge of the Small Claims Court.
Friends will be received by the family from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 pm on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The memorial service will be conducted at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 472 Richmond Street, London on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 11am. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the St. Paul’s Cathedral Fellowship Centre, 472 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3E6 or Canadian Cancer Society Wheels of Hope Transportation Program, 123 St. George St, London, ON N6A 3A1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
“…and I said to myself, what a wonderful world”
36s Comments
Write a Condolence
Submit A Photo
Photos
Make a Donation in honour of Judge Walter E. Bell
Please mail your donations directly to the charity
Donations
Burke Flowers
When you order funeral flowers from Burke Flowers, our skilled and compassionate florist will work directly with the funeral home to ensure that your delivery is timely and accurate. Same-day delivery is often available, please call (519) 672-8190 || (800) 303-7413 for a more customized experience.
He was a gentleman to all who appeared before him and with compassion and reason, he always sought the best result. I will carry his memory with me. Even after his retirement he took time to give a smile and a kind word to those who took time to speak with him. I will miss seeing him. It was always such a pleasure to speak to him if just for a few moments.
C. Dobson
I had the pleasure of appearing as defence counsel in front of Judge Bell between 1981 and 1998. He treated everyone with fairness and compassion. He personified the title “His Honour”. I also had the pleasure of getting to know Walter and fondly recall being invited for a wonderful dinner with he and Suzie at her cottage in Saint Sauveur. He served his country, his community and his profession with honour and humility. He set the bar very high in the manner he conducted himself and was a great role model for so many of us.
In my years of appearing before Judge Bell I will always remember a very fair minded jurist and a gentleman in every sense of the word…my condolences
I first met his Honour when I was articling. I attended a discovery where he was the opposing counsel. At that time I had done a number
Of discoveries where young counsel had tried to intimidate this articling student. His Honour walked into the discovery and held out his hand and said “I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of meeting you, sir”. I said to myself at that time, that’s how I want to practise law- treating everyone with respect. Your Honour, I hope in some small measure I have lived up to your standard. As a judge it was a pleasure and an honour to appear before you. The dignity of your court was a model for Canadian justice. Thank you for your contribution to me and our system of justice.
Jack Hardy
Walter Bell was a great man and a caring judge. It was a delight to appear in his court or simply a chat on the sidewalk. Another big loss for London.
Walter and I went back a long ways I was called in 70, and he was the light of the civil trial bar. He even took me to the Ct of Ap a couple of times. Many times I appeared in front of his Honour , and found him to be very fair and a gentleman always. I will miss him and his always cheery “Hi Don”
So long Judge. Go and be with God.
Judge Bell was a patient at our dental office for many years. He was a gentleman in all senses of the word – always a kind word and a positive outlook. It was an honour to have known him. Our office extends our condolences to his family.
Dear Sarah and Jim and family;I was fortunate to meet your father when I began work on the Front Desk at Parkwood Hospital back in January 2,1985.As I recall your father was a volunteer comforting the patients on our Palliative Care Unit.what a remarkable volunteer he was .Many times over both our staff and the families we serverd wre truly comforted by his quiet mannerisms and kind words spoken to one and all with a wide smile on his face as was his way.He made a point always of stopping by my desk and say you lokkafter yourself my friend and brighter days ahead for you are forthcoming my friend.Or the time he invited me to sit in his courtroom as a spectator and learn some quick lessons about the legal profession to better understand the world.For that ,Walter ,my friend ,please now take up your place in true eternal life knowing full well you truly have left a great legacy for future generations to abide by and live up to in its entirety.May God Bless your family from this point into the future for brighter days ahead for them all by truly remembering the good memories you not only shared with your family members but the legal profession in London,Ontario and beyond its boundaries in so many ways with all your charitable causes in the community.I true Icon and ambassador for the legal profession bar none taken from us too soon in life.God Bless you all.Yours Sincerely;Brian Cross Customer Service Represenative Front DeskSt.Joeseph’s Healthcare;Parkwood Site London,Ontario.
I worked in the office for over 40 years, starting for Margery Spaulding and Hugh Porter, then to WEB, and WRP and then to EJRW, they were the greatest group of men and lawyers that anyone would want to meet. I still have many good memories of each and everyone of them, Walter is the last of the group but certainly not the least. My husband Ted and I were to drive Walter to Hugh Porter’s funeral a little over three years ago, which trip became impossible as my husband became very ill, and died, deeming the trip totally out of the question. I tried to get Walter at the time of his death to tell him of Ted’s passing but his phone was disconnected, I never saw or heard from him since other than Eleanor Schnall and I talked at Remark. He was a great man and I am happy and proud to say that I worked for him and became his friend. The lawyers of that era were wonderful people and I am very thankful to have been associated with them for so long. Be Strong and God Bless.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Walter is now a bright star in the sky to guide you and keep you safe.
Steven, Barbara John and Lucas Hatch
My sincerest condolences to the family. I worked for your dad at Poole, Bell & Porter years ago, and also for Bill Poole. What wonderful memories I have of your dad. He taught me so much during those years. May he rest in peace.
Before my appointment to the Justice of the Peace Bench, I would clerk for Judge Bell in Sarnia. I was a great admirer. Never have I met a more Honourable Judge. I am sorry for the loss of this fine gentleman.
Dear Regina, My sincerest condolences to you and your family. May your fond memories of your father-in-law help you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Walter was not simply a fine man, lawyer and judge, and, I’m sure, a fine husband and parent. He was in all these things the most gentlemanly man I have ever known. Once, when I was a young crown attorney, Justice Bell acquitted some scoundrel who would have been convicted if I had done my job well. After the acquittal he leaned over the bench and patiently advised me in the most gentle manner, so as to bring no offence, to ‘tighten up your pleadings my boy’. It was advice I took to heart and never again started a case without carefully reviewing the process. I was proud to know him, then, and, later, proud to be his colleague on the court. Many will miss him.
As a young constable I often gave evidence before Judge Bell and I always found him to be a fair man who respected the role that police play in the judicial process. He was very thorough during trial proceedings ensuring at the conclusion of the case that his findings clearly took into account all of the evidence before him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Longworth Retirement Residence was fortunate and priviledged to have Judge Bell as part of our family here at Longworth for the past year and a half. He greeted everyone in his path with his gentle, gracious and encouraging way. A lovely gentlemen who will be missed by us all. Rest well.
I had the honour of appearing before His Honour on several occasions when he sat on the bench at Provincial Court in Sarnia.I found him to be a thoughtful and knowledgeable man who was above all else was a good listener. He treated all with respect especially the police officers who appeared before him. I was always pleased to see him sitting on any case in which I was involved. Rest in peace, Your Honour. Philip J. Bezaire, Sgt. #4080, O.P.P. (R)
I was an acquaintance of Walter for many years and I was privileged to drive him to and from his apartment or Longworth to the London Club almost every buy Wednesday for about the last 18 months. A former president of the London Club, he enjoyed attending the weekly gatherings of the ROMEO group. (Retired Old Men Eating Out). During our trips, we had long and interesting conversations about many topics, including anecdotes about lawyers and judges, past and present. For some years he washed dishes for the meal for the downtrodden at St. Paul’s Cathedral. A well known Chief Justice of England many years ago, in describing the qualifications of judges said “He should be a gentleman; if he knows something about the law, so much the better.” Walter was a perfect gentleman who also knew a great deal about the law. While I extend my sincere sympathies to his family, I note that our entire community has suffered a great loss in his passing.
What an honorable, kind, man Walter was -I enjoyed knowing him here at the condo in Florida.
I was deeply saddened to learn of Judge Bell’s passing. I had the significant privilege to have Judge Bell as my articling principal and then to practice law with him for several years before his elevation to the bench. He was a wonderful mentor and a positive role model for me–a true gentleman, deeply principled and a passionate student of the law. I have often asked myself the question: “What would Walter Bell do in this situation?” I will continue to treasure his wisdom and guidance during those early years of my practice. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Have you ever met a more gentleman and officer than Walter Bell ? Have you ever heard a more articulate and humourus friend than Walter Bell ? Have you ever wished you were as smart as Walter Bell ?
Have you ever been to a family barbecue with Walter and Joan Bell and Walter was the chef and Walter wore those huge Canadian Navy kaki shorts that held a great bottle of wine in one of the side pockets?
Did you ever see the love he had for his wife and children? Did you know that his son road his tricycle from south London all the way up to the University gates when he was only 3years old ? Did you know a most amazing husband, father, lawyer, judge and most importantly, man ? I am so glad I did. He was so kind to me !
Barry J. Coughlin
.
Yes, that was me! My tricycle got me into trouble that time! I wanted to know where both my parents had gotten to? And back then there was no GPS so it didn’t help when I got lost. I was scolded and put to bed … the media wanted to talk with me but that was not going to happen. With Dad & Mom’s guidance they put me back on the right path. Thank you Dad for everything you have done for us! : )
The Walter Bell I knew was my best friend in high school’s Dad. His work happened to be a lawyer and later a Judge. I remember his kindness, faith and gentleness the most. My memory is of a dad who drove Andrea and I downtown Saturdays to shop as teenagers at Simpsons while he went into the office or shopped on the market then met up with us and treated us to lunch. I also have a vivid memory of him in his bathing suit by the pool working on his court cases but putting everything down to have a chat. I was blessed to be able to see him in his later years when he came into see the doctor with Andrea. He talked of family and trips to Florida. He was truly a wonderful father, gentleman and I feel so lucky to have known him. My condolences to all his family and as he always departed saying “God bless”.
His Honour was a fine Judge , and a finer Gentleman ! He always had a warm and personal greeting for all Staff he met around the Courthouse . In the Courtroom , he was unfailingly polite and professional to all who entered , Staff , witnesses and Accused alike . As a Crown Attorney who regularly appeared before His Honour , I can truthfully say that every appearance was a pleasure … regardless of the eventual outcome of any particular case he adjudicated upon . He was a role model for me and many others , especially when the demands of the day left patience and sometimes , common courtesy , at the Courtroom door . I am , I believe , a better man for having met and worked with Judge Bell over many years . I shall remember him , and his family , in my prayers . May he now rest in peace , having lived a long , distinguished , and productive life . God speed ! BPE
Everyone speaks of Walter as a gentleman. He exhibited a level of equanimity at all times that one could only envy. Whenever I asked him how he was, his response was always “First class, Eleanor, first class”.
He was respectful, highly principled, passionate about law, and a consummate gentleman at all times.
In the mid ‘70’s, I articled with his firm, then known as Poole, Bell, Porter, Drake and Hainsworth, and practiced there for several years after.
As he was one of the most respected senior civil litigators in London, I was not able to pick up too many tips from him, because he was treated by opposing counsel with such respect and deference, that he accomplished results that young counsel could not have achieved. Often it was simply a handshake that was exchanged between counsel to confirm arrangements at a discovery.
He was a very proud father; his youngest came to the office one day. She stood shorter than my desk; he introduced her as “Squeak”.
My best friend fondly recalls baby-sitting his children and speaks of the obvious love and devotion of Walter and Joan to the children.
Many years after Walter lost Joan, I was pleased to see him at one of our judges’ conferences, at the social evening, on the dance floor with Suzie. Boy, could he cut up the rug…
When he was appointed to the bench, he automatically imposed a five-year moratorium on my appearing before him in court out of a proper concern that there ought never to be an appearance of bias and my clients and I missed out on those years of being able to appear before a fine, strong and fair jurist.
He served as a role model for me upon my own appointment to the bench and was a wonderful colleague.
After his departure from our bench, I had occasion to see him and we spoke about retirement and continuing on with other things. He said the most important aspect was to continue to feel useful. And he was always so much more than that.
His passing leaves us with sadness, but also with fond memories and marks an end of an era.
My sincerest condolences to the family and Suzie.
One of the most decent men I have ever met.
Our sincerest condolences to your family. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Walter Bell. I knew Judge Bell in my youth when my Mom worked on committees with him. She always spoke most highly of him. Recently, I had the pleasure of knowing him as a friend of my Dad’s (George) at Longworth Retirement Home. Dad’s and Walter’s thirsts for knowledge initiated many google searches. At Christmas, I was involved in the searches and interesting discussions! It was my pleasure to know Judge Bell and I know Dad will miss a good friend.
I wish to relay my deepest sympathies to the family of Judge Bell. It was a pleasure to have appeared before him as a new young lawyer many years ago and over the years. He treated everyone who appeared in his court with the utmost of respect and kindness. Without exception. He was the epitome of a gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Dear Heather , Greg & Family
My family & I give our thoughts and prayers to you and yours at such a difficult time.
Happy Memories will help you through.
Kathy Geraghty & Family
To Heather, Greg and family,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear father and grandfather. He certainly was a sweet, gentle man.
Ray & Jo McCorquodale
Dear Regina, How wonderful for you and yours to have known so well a man so loved and respected. May your memories and the prayers of others be your comfort.
I wish to express my condolences regarding Judge Walter Bell, although we only met rarely (Dr storeys office),Walter was the kind of person i wll never forget, no matter what the circumstances he was always upbeat and happy in life,whenever life gets me down i think “what would judge Bell think”.He was inspirational to me and i will miss him.
Dear Regina and family,
I am sorry for the loss of your father-in-law. I hope that you are able to take comfort in the many memories you have of time spent with him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My husband Tom and I meet Walter at St.Paul’s Cathedral over 15 years ago. He always stopped to have a few words with us after the service.Tom suffered a massive stroke 8 years ago and moved into Longworth Long Term Care. I often brought him to church in his wheelchair.Walter would stop and give us a kind word, a pat on the shoulder and a thumbs up.That encouraging jester meant so much to me ! I often drove Walter home after the service as I was going to Longworth to spend the rest of the day with Tom. We had many chats along the way. Walter was keenly interested in our lives as well as talking about his life and his family. After Tom passed away he sent me a lovely note of condolence. He was such a kind gracious gentleman . I am blessed to have known him. I feel that we have lost yet another good person in our lives. My condolences to his family and his Suzie.
Florence Andrews-Perkes
Hi Regina- I just wanted to express my condolences. He sounds like he was a wonderful man.