Kenneth Garnet Bell

Born in Toronto to Burton and Dorothy Bell, Kenneth was a creative and inquisitive child with a love for animals, mechanics, and design. A graduate of Malvern Collegiate Institute, he went on to study Industrial Design at the Ontario College of Art and Design, receiving the Hugh Owens Prize in 1970. That same year, he designed and built the fiberglass body of Miss Purity, an award-winning experimental hybrid electric vehicle in the Great Clean Air Car Race, whose innovative features influenced automotive design.

Kenneth worked as a designer, photographer, educator, and prototype maker throughout his career, including roles at the University of Guelph, Conestoga College, Humber College, the Wellington County Museum and Archives and WC Wood Refrigeration. He also operated his own business, Kenneth G. Bell Design, and was known for his craftsmanship and ingenuity in his home workshop.

A gifted musician, Kenneth played multiple instruments by ear, restored antique instruments, and served on church worship teams for many years. He had a warm sense of humor and a deep love for children, expressed through teaching, mentoring, and building imaginative play spaces.

Kenneth was active in his community, serving in leadership roles with church groups and youth organizations. “Ranger Ken” gave of himself to build into a generation of young people in Guelph’s Christian Service Brigade and Calvary Baptist Church’s Awana program. He was an avid Railfan and was Vice-President of the Guelph Modular Railway Club. He served as an Elder on the Board of Calvary Baptist in Guelph and Shenstone Baptist in Brantford. A devoted Christian, his faith remained steady and joyful throughout his life.

Kenneth is survived by his children Monica (Stuart) Carsience and Ruth (Nathan) Hill and grandchildren Becca (Alex) Gust, Joshua Carsience, Zoe Hill and Zack Hill. He is also survived by his former wife Margaret (Raymond) Middleton, his aunt Norma Wolfenden and cousins Douglas (Olwen) Venn, Norman Scully, Donald (Aileen) Bell, Stuart Grant (Amy) Milligan, and Joanie (Don) Croft.

Kenneth is predeceased by his parents Burton and Dorothy Bell, his second wife Nancy whom his ashes will be placed beside at Farnham Cemetery, and his third wife Ruth (lovingly remembered by her children and their families). He is also predeceased by his aunt Muriel (Al) Venn, aunt Audrey Scully, aunt Marjory (Stuart) Milligan, uncle Harold (Brenda) Bell, and his cousin Elaine (Pete) Stevenson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Hart Chapel 1099 Gordon Street in Guelph, Ontario (visitation at 1:00 PM, service at 2:00 PM, refreshments at 3:00 PM). Interment will follow at Farnham Cemetery (Arkell Road West of Calvary Baptist Church).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ABWE Canada in support of David and Alice Brandon (#0133898) at abwe.ca or Avant Ministries Canada at [email protected]