Bryan Charles Bell

Surrounded by the love of his family, Bryan Charles Bell passed away Saturday September 23, 2023 at the Lions Prairie Manor at the age of 87 years.

Bryan was predeceased by his cherished wife Dolores (Acton), son Cameron, grandson Shaun, mother Edith (nee Bruce), father Addie, sister Florence “Babe” Ramsey, brothers Joe, Gordie, and Crawford.  Bryan is survived by his daughter Karen (Rick) Yanchycki with grandchildren Ashley (Andrew), Tyson (Lisa) and Brendan (Amy), daughter-in-law Shelly with grandchildren Gregg (Lauren) and Brett, sister Beverly (Barry) Braden, brother Jim (Linda), sister-in-law Marg, along with all his great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and relatives. 

Athletics and hockey in particular, played a large part in Bryan’s life. He played with the Brandon Wheat Kings and Flin Flon Bombers, coached Provincial Minor Hockey Championship Teams and coached the Portage Terriers Junior A Hockey Team. Bryan was proud of his involvement with Hockey Canada. He achieved Hockey Canada Level Five Coaching Certification in Quebec City, N.C.C.P. Level Three and conducted many coaching programs throughout Manitoba. Bryan also served as President of Minor Hockey for Hockey Manitoba, Council Member of Hockey Canada and served as a member of the Canadian Hockey Development Committee. Bryan played many sports during and after his school years. He won the Canadian Cadet Small Bore Rifle Competition, cherished his canoe trips with Cameron in the Whiteshell, running the 26.2-mile full Manitoba Marathon twice (once with Cameron, once with Karen) and had many stories of waterfowl hunting at the Portage Country Club in the Delta Marsh.  Other contributions to the community include: Several years as a member of the Portage and District General Hospital Governing Board, Scout Leader, and actively participated in flooding and snow removal of both Southside and Koko Platz Community Clubs.

Bryan was employed by M.T.S. for 40 years as a Communications Technician, Instructor of Technical Training and retired as Manager of Autovon Networking Services. His friendships continued on way past retirement and developed into a weekly breakfast crew. Bryan always cherished these friendships.  Retirement provided Bryan with the time to further enjoy travelling with Dolores throughout Canada and the United States, from the Maritimes to Vancouver Island, Martha’s Vineyard to Alaska, California, Australia, and of course their favorite Hawaii.  

Words Bryan wanted to share: My good fortune occurred on a crisp evening in December 1951 on the Crescent Lake bank about 100 yards west of the bridge. I summoned up enough courage to ask a beautiful blonde if I could lace up her skates. At age 16 it was love at first sight. I will love Dolores for eternity. 

Dolores passed away in 2013. Bryan and Dolores were totally inseparable. Their love and devotion for each other was true and everlasting. Rarely would you see one without the other. Now they are once again together, walking hand in hand.

Bryan’s Family would like to thank all the staff at both PDGH and LPM for their love, support, and excellent care.

Respecting his wishes, a private family service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Columbarium.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation, Pediatric Oncology 675 McDermot Ave, Room 0N1 160, Wpg Manitoba R3E 0V9

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com