Daniel W. Bell

Daniel W. Bell joined the Lord the afternoon of Tuesday, July 17, 2001. Dan left a loving family and many good friends when he passed peacefully in his sleep at his residence at Bethany at Silvercrest in Everett.

Dan was born November 6, 1923 in Spokane to Dagny S. and Glenn H. Bell. He married Anna F. Wilson on December 17, 1946. His wife preceded him in death on October 17, 1989. Dan is survived by his daughter, Sharon A. Cavell Benedetto of Everett; his son, Daniel James Jay Bell of Marysville and his brother, James C. Nelson of Arlington. Dan left his daughter-in-law, Nancy I. Bell; son-in-law, James L. Benedetto and three grandchildren, Kristi L. Nelson, Jason S. Bell and Melissa D. Hiler as well as five great-grandchildren, Megan Nelson, Aaron, Joy, Jordan and Ariel Erlenbach. He also left well-loved sisters-in-law Rae Nelson, Joan Wilson, Midge Wilson and Glynda Wilson and brothers-in-law Kenneth Wilson, Virgil Wilson and Carl Wilson. He left many wonderful nieces and nephews he adored. Dan also left his beloved and devoted friend and companion of the past eight years, Jane Bean. Many loving family members preceded Dan in passing including his mother, Dagny S. Nelson and stepfather, Carl R. Nelson.

As a youngster, Dan moved to Ballard where he lived with his parents, Dagny and Carl from age five until entering the Army. Dan served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945 and was a proud Veteran of WWII. He received Basic Training in Yuma, AZ. and served in the European Theatre landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day. He fought in France, Belgium Luxembourg and Germany; was wounded in action, receiving a Purple Heart. Dan worked at Olympic Stain; Standard Oil and, as a Machinist, at Boeing, Lockheed and Puget Sound Shipyard. He retired in 1986. During his employment, Dan received numerous awards for innovative processes that saved employers both time and money. In retirement, Dan and Anna relocated from Bremerton to Everett to be near their family.

In early years, Dan?s home and garden were his hobby. His home reflected his loving attention and care. Later, he took delight in helping his children with their home improvement or gardening projects. Dan loved spending time with family and was especially happy when he was teasing family members. Dan often spent a great deal of time outside working on his home and got to know his neighbors well. He was a favorite of neighborhood children who often called on him. After Anna?s passing, Dan joined Everett Eagles Aerie #13 where he met his friend and companion, Jane Bean. Devoted friends, Dan and Jane enjoyed many mutual friends and acquaintances. They traveled in Dan?s 5th Wheel and took many Ocean trips as well as traveling to Reno, Las Vegas, Mexico and Alaska.

Dan was a one-of-a-kind person who inherited a great sense of humor from his mother, Dagny. Rarely forgotten once met, he will best be remembered for his jovial, profuse, good-natured teasing and his western hat and attire. A great story teller, Dan often told stories that took on new dimensions each time they were told, occasionally blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Adored by his family, Dan entertained everyone at frequent family gatherings. Dan was adept at accepting people as they were without judging them. When Dan loved someone, he did so absolutely, unconditionally and with great loyalty.

The past two years Dan?s health failed him and he moved to Bethany at Silvercrest where he made new friends and received kind, loving care from a committed, devoted staff. He delighted in getting out frequently with his children, Jane and close friends. Always determined to do things his way, Dan passed from this life, where he wanted and the way he wanted, which his loved ones are most grateful for. Dan will be missed immensely by his loving family and friends, as he was a beloved, uniquely irreplaceable soul.

A memorial Service for family and friends will be held Monday, July 30th, 2001 at 2:00 P.M. at the Chapel at Evergreen-Washelli, Seattle, Wa.