Stephen Wayne Bell

April 7, 1947 - December 25, 2009

Beloved family man and Manhattan Beach resident, Steve Bell, passed away last Friday evening at City of Hope Hospital in Duarte, California. Steve was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in July 2009 and made a valiant fight to beat this terrible disease.

Steve was born in Los Angeles in the spring of 1947 and grew up in Van Nuys where he graduated from Birmingham High School in 1965. After high school, Steve enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War during which time he became a decorated officer after proudly serving his country. Upon returning home from the conflict in Southeast Asia, Steve completed his studies and graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in accountancy.

Steve had a very successful career which included joining the partnership at Arthur Young & Company and subsequently founding the Phoenix Group, a local turnaround management and restructuring consulting practice located in Manhattan Beach. Steve made many friends in the business community and passionately served his clients.

Steve and his wife, Marilee, have been residents of Manhattan Beach for over thirty years. Steve is also survived by his five children, Erik Bell of Rancho Santa Margarita, Darin Bell of North Hills, Brett Bell of Chicago, and Kristina Bell and Ryan Bell of Manhattan Beach. His parents, Sylvia and Wayne, and brother Robert live in Ft. Collins, Colorado. He also will be sorely missed by his grandchildren, Quentin and Peyton Bell.

Steve loved spending time with his wife and children traveling throughout the United States and abroad. He relished the opportunity to play golf with family and friends and would frequently be spotted sitting on his patio late at night in Manhattan Beach with his beloved basset hounds and waving and talking to passers-by. Steve was also a thirty-five year USC Football season ticket holder and was a former President of the Trojan Board of Directors, a fundraising arm of the school's athletic department. He will continue to 'Fight On' in our hearts and memories.

Memorial services will be held at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach at 624 15th Street on Monday, January 4th at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the Bell Family asks that you make a donation to the City of Hope Hospital in Duarte, California and/or register to become a bone marrow donor to help others in need.