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February 28, 1930 - January 3, 2017 Beloved husband, loving father and grandfather. It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of John Bell. John died peacefully in his home in Nanaimo, B.C. at the age of 86. John was born in Montreal and spent his formative years in both Montreal and Elie, Fife, Scotland. In his twenties John worked for five years on tea and produce estates in the Kandy district of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). John returned to Montreal in 1956, where he married the love of his life, Marguerite, with whom he spent 60 years. John started his 25 year career with the federal government as a Customs Officer then worked for the Canadian Government Travel Bureau in Chicago for 2 years before moving his family to Ottawa in 1967. They lived in Ottawa where John worked for Statistics Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Commission. He finished his career as the Director of Administration, Personnel and Finance with the Canadian Human Rights Commission before retiring to Qualicum Beach, B.C. There he and Marguerite operated the Qualicum Physiotherapy Clinic for three years. In 1998 they moved to Nanaimo to be closer to their children and grandchildren. John enjoyed an active retirement of travel, reading, Scottish country dancing, golf at Winchelsea View ,watching his favorite sports and spending time with his grandchildren. He was well-loved and will be sadly missed by his family for his kindness, wisdom and sharp wit. John is survived by his wife, Marguerite Bell (née Boullet), his daughters, Margaret Corcoran and Jeanette Harper (Ian), and his grandchildren, Sean (Natalie), Michael, Liam Corcoran and Aimée, Julie and Hannah Harper. John was predeceased by his sister Jean Weller (Michael). A private family service to be held at later date.




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