James Knowles "Mike" Bell

BELL, James Knowles "Mike" - Age 90 of Halifax, N.S. passed away at Arborstone Enhanced Care on December 30, 2014 where he had resided for a very short time having lived in his own home until just recently. Born in Saint John, N.B., Mike was the only child of the late Ward and Jean (Knowles) Bell. Mike retired from a career of some 30 years as a Film Editor with the News Film Unit of the CBC. Following a brief stint in the RCAF after high school, Mike pursued many interesting endeavours including being a co-founder of the Red Barn Theatre in Jackson's Point, Ont, and the proprietor of Omar's Restaurant in Toronto. He was an accomplished amateur historian and could rarely be stymied on questions of historical events. Mike was most definitely individualistic as family and friends can attest. His many eccentricities and quirks were such a part of his personality. Mike was pre-deceased by his parents and his wife, Patricia Edythe (Martin). He is survived by sisters-in-law Barbara Scott of Windsor, N.S. and Joan LeBlond of West Vancouver, B.C. and several nieces-in-law and nephews-in-law. Mike's family will always remember the compassionate care of special friend, Mina Inacio. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. Mike's life will be celebrated at a Memorial Service on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, 10:30 am, at Snow's Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax, N.S. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a donation in Mike's memory can do so to SPCA, P.O. Box 38073, STN Burnside, Dartmouth, N.S., B3B 1X2 or to a charity of choice. To place an online message, please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com

Mike wanted his friends to know, "that the mother ship finally arrived and I am on the way to my home planet".

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CATS IN EVERY SPACE

I live a very simple life

With cats in every space

But when I go to bed at night

They sleep upon my face.

Now to live without the luxury

Of cats in every space

Would be to live a sorry life

In a very sorry place.

I've never been without a cat

And this I can uphold

I'll have a cat in every space

Until I'm grey and old.

For every fool should be aware

That cats are complex creatures

They live about in every space

And give the house its features.

Now take away my house from me

And place me in a tent

I'll have a cat in every space

And still I'll be content.