Dave Bell, 65

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Dave Bell, age 65, after a short, unexpected illness, on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020.

Dave was born on Feb. 13, 1955, to Willie and Judy Bell in Boulder, Colorado. Dave was “the eldest, with two little sisters.” In 1968, the Bells moved to Montana to continue their family adventure. Dave attended Columbia Falls High School and, without too much mischief, graduated in 1973. The little mischief we know about included events such as climbing Columbia Mountain with a buddy and a case of beer and many motorcycle rides on the country dirt roads.

Dave started what he called his “100-year stint” at Plum Creek Timber Company the day after he graduated high school. This was where he would later retire. He worked his way from the Green Chain on up — making many friends and memories along the way. Dave called in sick only two days of the 43 years he was employed there. To say he was dedicated would be an understatement. Dave retired the day the mill shut down.

When he wasn’t working hard, he was playing hard. You could find him watering the many flowers that filled the yard, camping with his family on the Reservoir or Bitterroot Lake, feeding the birds and enjoying yearly trips to Mexico with many family and friends.

Dave was known for his delicious jams/jelly and his greenhouse production. He was “The King” of the hottest homemade pickles in the land. He was deemed the best brother-father-son-boss-husband-uncle-neighbor-employee-cousin-nephew and citizen you could ask for. Dave was incredibly skilled in woodworking and carpentry. After many beautiful projects he earned himself the name, “Mr. Wood.”

Over the course of his life, Dave accomplished many great things, but he would tell you his greatest was being a father. His only child, Lisa, was born in 1976 to himself and Cindy. Dave always had a smile when he was talking about his family. He made sure to carry a kind word and a quick-witted punch line in his back pocket on a daily basis. He never met a stranger. He was an optimist. His enthusiasm was contagious and his zest for life overflowed into everything he did. He was fair, honest and lived by the Golden Rule. Dave was the first to lend a hand and loved doing so.

In 1991, Dave married the love of his life, Karen. In their 29 years together, they worked hard to be able to enjoy the finer things. They tended to their beautiful yard and always had a project going.

Dave is preceded in death by his equally wonderful father, Willie Bell.

He is survived by his mom, Judy Bell; his wife, Karen; daughter, Lisa and husband Derek Ballard; sister, Joyce Bell and her husband (a lifelong friend) Jim Bob; sister, Gayla and husband Dave Weyrauch; two nieces—Tessa and husband Jake Veto, Amy Piilola and her two children, Kassidy and Kenly; Aunt Joyln (Ginner) Stotts and many relatives whom he loved dearly.

Always remembered, never forgotten and forever known as “one of the last, best good guys.”

A memorial will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please do an act of kindness in honor of Dave Bell, and think of him when you feed the birds. Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.