It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephen Spencer Bell on Oct 1, 2026 at the age of 85. Spence was born in Miniota, Manitoba to Stephen and Gwen (Taylor) Bell. His brothers and best friends were Jack and Bob Bell. After a wonderful life on their homestead in Isabela/Arrow River surrounded by family members and pets/farm animals, he attended the University of Manitoba – Brandon where he played on the hockey team (goalie), the football team (linebacker), in a band, and he was voted senior stick (president) of the university. He then taught at Dryden High School where he met the love of his life teaching -Wendy (Hutt). They moved to Marathon where they had two children, Brenda and Steve. He loved teaching physics and chemistry at Marathon High School and taught for 20 years. He then started North Superior Broadcasting Ltd and brought the area the first commercial radio station – CFNO (Cheer for Northern Ontario) where all content was positive with a goal of making over 30 small towns and First Nations feel less isolated and like one large community. At a time before satellite or cellphones, connecting towns with a 50,000 watt transmitter and 8 repeaters brought music, weather, news, local information and emergency services over thousands of kilometres from east of Thunder Bay to west of Sault Ste Marie and both highways 11 and 17 to over 40,000 listeners. They also started the Marathon Laundromat with friends Mae and Chaz Chesnick. After another 20 years, Spence and Wendy moved back to Dryden and helped Brenda and family start Q104 FM in Dryden, Vermilion Bay, Kenora and Sioux Lookout.
Spence loved music, playing trumpet, guitar, and keyboard in many bands including many years with The Sound Investment. He was an avid athlete and hockey fan. Hockey, golf, skiing, baseball, boating, camping, cottage life and farming were some of his other favourite hobbies. Spence was humble but was very intelligent, and loved science of all kinds. Spence and Wendy spent decades of winters in Yuma Arizona, travelling the world, and living life like an adventure. Most of all Spence loved people. He was interested in everyone’s story, never said a negative word about anyone or anything, and was very often described as one of the kindest men people have ever met. He most recently enjoyed reading a homestead history based on his family written by brother Robert Bell, and his nephew Cameron Hutt’s dedication to him and Wendy re: his book on the Periodic Table. Spencer was the best role model for his kids and grandkids with his sensitive, calm, compassionate mannerisms. He would walk next door every day to ask the family, ‘Did I remember to tell you that I love you today?’
He was predeceased by his wife and best friend of 58 years, Wendy, his parents, Steve and Gwen and brother Jack and in-laws Millie, Peter, Sandy, Mary, Bonnie, Ted and Gwen and nephews John and Jason. He is survived by his brother Bob Bell, his sister Jean Smyth, his children Brenda (Mike) and Steve (Vicki) and grandkids, Mike, Lauren, Emma, Sebastian, and Spencer, his in-laws Val and Ian Adamson, many beloved nieces and nephews, and his little dog Maggie (and Milo) who he said brought him 10,000 smiles a day.
Words cannot express the gratitude we have for the wonderful home care services, hospital and Princess Court staff, all doctors including Doctors Barrie, Bester and Nigro and especially the nurses (and students) who gave the very best care to Spence (and Wendy). Special thanks to Joie, Geny and ‘my boy’ Jonald for always being there for mom and dad.
Joint celebrations of life for Spence and Wendy will happen at a later date.
