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It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dick Daniel Bell on July 19, 2026, at the age of 98. Although our hearts are filled with sadness, we find comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved wife of nearly seventy years, Minnie Bell (née Bay), who predeceased him on June 8, 2025. Their love story was one of unwavering devotion, quiet partnership, and unconditional love—a love that shaped generations of their family.
Dick’s greatest joy was always his family. He leaves behind his loving children: Joady Bell (Larry Bloom); David Bell; Karyn Burleigh (Paul); and Debby Brown (Bobby). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Cory; Breanne; Jenna (Adam); Jordan (Kady); Jason; Jonah (Danielle); and Justin. In addition he leaves his precious great-grandchildren: Charlize; Zack; Mimi and Eva. Each carries forward the love, kindness, and values he instilled in them throughout his life.
He was predeceased by his parents, Helen and David Bell, and his siblings, Morley and Lucille. He was affectionately known as “Zadie” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—a title he wore with immense pride. He is also lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Tannis Mindell (Sheldon); Glenda Segal (David); Les Silver (Andi); Fern Goldman; Narvey Goldman (Mara); and Andi Bell.
Born in Winnipeg on December 28, 1927, Dick attended Luxton School and St. John’s Tech, graduating in 1945. He celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at the Jewish Orphanage Synagogue in 1941. Dick developed a passion for music at the age of nine when he first sat down at a piano. Music became the soundtrack of his life. By seventeen he was performing professionally, and while attending the University of Manitoba he formed his own orchestra, entertaining audiences throughout Winnipeg and beyond. Even in his later years, the familiar sound of his beloved Chickering Louis XV baby grand piano, one of his most treasured possessions, filled his home with warmth, laughter, and memories. Family members could always count on hearing a few favourite tunes, especially the Bugs Bunny melodies, which always brought smiles.
Dick’s professional life reflected the same qualities that defined him personally—hard work, integrity, and kindness. In 1948, Dick joined the family business, Western Smallware and Stationery Co. Ltd. After joining Western Smallware, he met the woman who would forever change his life. Minnie became not only his wife, but his partner in every sense of the word. Together they created a home filled with warmth, generosity, and unconditional love. In 1979, Dick founded Dick Bell Agencies and began representing toy manufacturers throughout Canada. Years later, with great pleasure, he welcomed his youngest daughter, Debby, into the business and proudly shared that chapter of his life with her.
Above all else, Dick was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, a proud father, an adoring grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loyal friend. His gentle spirit, generous heart, quiet wisdom, and wonderful sense of humour made everyone around him feel welcome and loved. He delighted in telling corny jokes that, invariably, brought much laughter to family gatherings.
Dick and Minnie embraced life together. They traveled the world on more than thirty cruises, creating adventures and memories that they treasured. Yet for Dick, no trip ever compared to the joy he derived from simply being surrounded by his family. Whether celebrating holidays, birthdays, or ordinary Sunday afternoons, he was happiest when with those he loved. Camera in hand, he faithfully preserved countless family moments – not because they were extraordinary, but because he believed every moment together was worth remembering.

Dick and Minnie were devoted members of Shaarey Zedek Synagogue throughout their married life and generously supported many causes close to their hearts, including the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. Their faith was reflected not only in what they believed, but in how they lived—with generosity, humility, compassion, and gratitude.
At the age of 58, Dick underwent quintuple bypass surgery—a life-changing event for both him and Minnie. From that day forward, Minnie devoted herself to his health and well-being, carefully managing his heart-healthy lifestyle and encouraging his daily walks. Her unwavering love and care, combined with Dick’s determination, helped him enjoy many more years of good health and precious time with his family.
One of Dick’s final gifts to his family was the autobiography he wrote, preserving the remarkable story of his life for generations to come. But those who knew him understand that his true legacy cannot be contained within the pages of a book. It lives in every lesson he quietly taught, every family tradition he helped create, every melody played on the piano, every photograph he carefully took, every joke lovingly repeated, and every life he touched with his kindness.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dick’s compassionate caregivers, Mae, Emmanda, Tammy, Sandra , Estela and Nette for the loving care they provided both at home and when Minnie and Dick transitioned to the Simkin Centre.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary care and devotion to Dick – Dr.John Rabson, Dr. Grant Goldberg ,Dr. Marni Wiseman and Dr. Wayne Manishen. We are also deeply grateful to the dedicated staff of the Simkin Centre.
Dick lived a remarkable life, but those who loved him will remember something even more remarkable: the way he made each person feel valued, welcomed, and loved. His gentle presence was a blessing to all who knew him, and his love will continue to live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all whose lives he enriched.
We will miss him beyond words, love him always, and carry his memory with us forever.
For those who wish, donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or the Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Choir and Music Fund.

We deeply mourn our cherished mother, baba and great-baba Betty Brina Simon who passed away May 15, 2026 at age 90.
Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband, Monte Simon; her parents, Eddie and Ethel Helfgott; her in-laws, Alex and Rose Simon; sister-in-law Libby Simon and many relatives and friends.
She is survived by her younger sister Shirlee Doupe (Keith Schroeder) in Australia and brother-in-law Harold Simon; her daughters and sons-in-law Anna-Gail and Henry Goldfeld, Sherrill and Christopher Best, Deborah Simon and Marc-Antoine Richer, and Ilana Simon and Ari Marantz; her grandchildren, Alexandra and Mike, Jesse and Lauren, Marlee and David, Evan and Maddy, Jeremy, Ruby, Ariella and Brendan, and Benjamin; and her great-grandchildren, Jack and Brandon- all of whom gave her much nachus.
Betty was born on July 27, 1935, in Portage la Prairie to a family rooted in Judaism, Yiddishkeit and community. In the 1950s, Betty bravely travelled to Chicago to study nursing at Mount Sinai Hospital where she found her true calling as a nurse. She embodied compassion, patience, strength and service of others both in her work and in her personal life.
Once back in Winnipeg, Betty met Monte and they married at Herzliya Synagogue on January 18, 1959, beginning a partnership that would span nearly half a century. Together they built not only a home but rich family traditions centred on Jewish community life from Peretz Shul to Beth Israel Synagogue and a busy social life with friends and family in the city, at the family cottage in Winnipeg Beach, and at their condo in Deerfield Beach.
Betty was an exceptional role model to her daughters – handling a demanding profession as well as keeping up home responsibilities and Jewish traditions.
Betty’s final nursing position was as head nurse at Fred Douglas Lodge. She remained vibrant and engaged in retirement. At Century Village in Florida, she embraced 3-D art, Yiddish lessons and world politics classes.
Betty lived independently at River Ridge for nearly four years until she took ill in late March.
She loved Mahjong, Scrabble and was overjoyed to celebrate her 90th birthday party last summer with all her children and grandchildren. We loved her with all our hearts and miss her every day.
Thank you to Rabbi Kliel Rose for the beautiful service and eulogy, part of which is repeated here. Pallbearers were grandchildren Alexandra Goldfeld, Jesse Marantz, Marlee Goldfeld, Evan Marantz, Jeremy Boulard, Ruby Boulard and Ariella Goldfeld.
If so desired, donations in Betty’s memory may be directed to the Eddie Helfgott Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.