Obituaries for Feb. 17, 2010

‘Skip’ Bell

Norman Wayne “Skip” Bell, 77, of Baker City died Feb. 13, 2010.

There will be an informal gathering in his honor from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Chamealeon Café, 1825 Main St.

Norman “Skip” Bell was born on April 21, 1932, to Gailon and Lula Violet Bell at San Diego. Skip spent much of his younger years traveling the country with his parents. His father was a painting contractor working for the U.S. military prior to World War II. Skip and his family were living at Honolulu when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.

Skip’s family also owned several cattle ranches in Alturas, Calif., and Elko, Nev., where he graduated from high school and spent much of his youth. After a short stint in the U.S. Army, Skip settled down in Escondido, Calif., where he ran a successful business and raised three children: Dixie Bell from his first marriage with Lee Sweeney, and Dakin and Stacy Bell from his second marriage with Marcyne “Mickie” Bell.

In the late 1970s, Skip and his family moved to Baker City where he piloted several different businesses. He finally came full circle, becoming a painting contractor with the business the community came to know as Skip Bell Painting and Renovators.

Skip enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He gave the rodeo arena a whirl and made many lasting friends.

He never met a stranger and will be remembered by many as a very active and fun-loving husband, father and friend, his family said. He will be sorrowfully missed.

Survivors include his wife, “Mickie” Bell; a son, Dakin A. Bell of Seattle, Wash.; and two daughters, Dixie Hallett of New South Wales, Australia, and Stacy Chase of Portland; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Mike Bell; and a sister, Jo Letson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pathway Hospice through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Avenue, Baker City, OR.  97814.