12 Oct 2017Mrs. Julie Ashton Eulogy for Bob Bell
Robert Frederick was born to parents William and Dorothy Bell on the 22nd January 1935, in North Sydney, New South Wales. Known as ‘Bob’ to family and friends, he was a true Aussie working man, through and through, Bob, as he would be known throughout his life was a cheeky, charming loveable larrikan throughout his 82 years.
He came from a large family, being the middle child of 8, and grew up in North Sydney and Balmain. His father was a tram driver, and Bob would grow to follow in his father’s footsteps. Bob finished his schooling at around age 15, and did his National Service for Australia. He then took up employment as a Grocer in a Deli in Mosman for a time, before laying copper cables in Sydney. His real passion was driving, though, and he worked for many years as a bus and tram driver in Sydney, then as a truck driver, delivering smallgoods for Dandy’s. On moving to Taree, he became a Train Driver, retiring at 57 due to health issues.
Bob was always a great sportsman, born with a natural hand – eye co-ordination, playing baseball, tennis, golf, snooker, bowls and soccer. He won boxes full of trophies over the years! Around 1955, at a Baseball Association Function, a shy young lady – Jean – was selling raffle tickets with her good friend Pauline. Jean asked Pauline who was the cute guy? Pauline knew Bob was a great mate with her husband Bobby, and she organised a meeting. Bob and Jean married in 1957, and shared 54 years of marriage. Bob and Jean, and Bobby and Pauline, along with their families shared many wonderful times together.
Busy years followed the marriage in 1957, as Julie was born the following year, followed by Graham, Kathryn, Peter, Alison and Kim. During their early years of marriage, they were on the move constantly until settling in Taree, where they settled into the community, and soon engrossed themselves into the area. Busy years raising the family and working followed, before retirement. Bob’s heart condition frightened both himself and Jean, and they decided to do some travelling around Australia. At home, he was very active in retirement, as he worked as a Driver with Community Transport, and established the local ‘Heartbeats’ organization, and with the help from Red Cross, they helped people live healthier lives with heart conditions. He also loved technology and always tried to be up to date with the latest gadgets or newest model car
A member of the local RSL, and later from Jean’s diagnosis with breast cancer, he became very passionate about raising money for Breast Cancer Research. Bob was the secretary for the District Bowls Club in Taree for a decade, where he and Jean made great friendships. They also worked for Access industries, a charity organisation, and would travel around New South Wales delivering raffle tickets, and making new friends along the way. Bob was forever saying he was looking forward to the day he had time to just go fishing!
EM SPACE
The years raising the children, and working, had been busy and sometimes challenging years for Bob and Jean, but once the family was grown and gone, their relationship was renewed, and they found a new level of companionship and appreciation. In 2000 they renewed their marriage vows, with all their family around them. A memorable and wonderful time for them. Jean truly was the love of his life, and he adored her.
In 2009 their son Peter died. This was a very difficult time for Jean and Bob, as no matter what the age, to lose a child is not the natural order of life. Jean had been cleared of Breast Cancer by this time, but she struggled with her loss, and her health seemed to suffer from that time. Jean needed to be close to the hospital in Newcastle for treatment as the cancer had returned, and on Graham’s offer, they moved to live with him. Bob nursed and cared for Jean during these months, but sadly she would not recover. Her death shattered him, and as he felt his own health deteriorating, he took up his daughter Julie’s offer, and moved to Warana in Queensland to live with her and David.
He adapted well to the new life on the Sunshine Coast, and spent some great quality time with his daughter exploring the area, and meeting new people. He still had his irrepressible twinkle and charm, and won over many new friends. In fact, from a brief 3 day stay in hospital, Julie received many comments from the nursing staff about what a lovely, delightful patient her dad was.
A father of 6, grandfather of 15, and great grandfather of 4, with another on the way. The cycle of life continues, as does Bob’s legacy of strong values of living, with respect, and good humour. He leaves this world a better place than he found it, and we acknowledge he has certainly fulfilled his niche and accomplished his tasks in life. We give recognition to a life well lived, and thank him.