Alfred Smith Bell Sr., 82

Alfred Smith Bell Sr., also known simply as Al Bell , entered the kingdom of heaven on Nov. 25, 2010. He was surrounded by the family he loved. He was 82 years old. Al was born on Sept. 17, 1928 to Robert and Della (Doucette) Bell. He was the youngest of seven children. Emma, Robert, Harold, Kenny, Barbara and Ruth were all born at home. When he was 13 years of age, he met Alice Marina Davies at a local roller skating rink. They both loved to roller skate and soon became dance partners. They married in 1948. They were blessed with their first child, Alfred Smith Bell Jr., that same year. They made the move from Massachusetts to Phoenix in 1952. By the time young Al was old enough to attend elementary school, they decided to become foster parents. They were blessed with 13 foster children over seven years. They welcomed their second child Anne Elizabeth in 1962, and were surprised with their third child, Annette Marie, in 1963. Dreams of becoming a farmer lead them to Somers1965. Two months later, they landed in Eureka. Originally working as a driller on the tunnel, and for a short time on Koocanusa bridge, he eventually ended up at Gibbons Garage in Eureka. In 1969, he was approached by Jerry Shaw and offered a job at First National Bank as a teller. He worked his way up to Executive Vice President of that bank. He was a banker for 25 years. He loved people and loved to help them achieve their dreams. As a lender, he was known as a fair and generous man. A man of high integrity, he instinctively knew the people he could lend money to and often made loans on a handshake. He love the Eureka community and loved his family. His dream of becoming a farmer became a reality in 1971. For the next 11 years he was a banker and a farmer. Sadly, in 1981 he and Alice divorced. In 1982 he sold the farm and bought a place near Crystal Lakes Golf Course, where he became an avid golfer. He married Virginia Robideau in 1983, and together they loved to golf and travel. Members of the Trinity Lutheran Church, he and Virginia loved to play the hand bells and spread holiday cheer through the Flathead Valley. He was a member of Flathead Valley Aires, and continued to sing throughout his life. Loving golf, he was instrumental in organizing and orchestrating the senior mens golf tournament held annually at Village Greens Golf Course. Many people dream of hitting a hole in one, Al was fortunate enough to have three throughout his life. His gregarious nature and endless jokes will be remembered by all who loved him. Quick with a smile and a handshake, he didn t know a stranger. It didn t matter where he moved, it didn t take long for him to know the neighbors and their families. His most recent neighbors are among the best of his friends. Never one to sit still, after his retirement Al started woodworking. He loved to make furniture for Virginia and his children, and often had orders for custom furniture as well. Al loved his family above all, and he and Virginia loved to spend time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Della; siblings, Emma, Harold, Barbara and Robert; and his son, Alfred Jr. Survivors include his sister, Ruth; his brother, Kenny; his wife, Virginia; her children, Bryce, Leah, and Myles; and Al s children, Anne and Annette. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell. Burial will immediately follow service at Glacier Memorial Gardens, and reception will continue in the fellowship hall at Trinity Lutheran Church. Condolences can be sent to Buffalo Hill & Bigfork Funeral Homes, or to 30 Riverstone Dr., Kalispell MT 59901. You can also visit www.buffalohillfh.com Funeral arrangements are by Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.