Brian Grant Bell

A great young man was taken far too soon from us at the age of 38. 

Shortly after sunset on April 21st, Brian Bell, beloved husband, father, son, and brother, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family after suffering complications related to a 20-month battle with colon cancer. 

Brian was born in Portland Oregon, to Douglas and Margaret Bell and is survived by both parents, his loving wife Kaitlyn (Strebin) Bell, his two young children Anderson (6) and Sullivan (3), sisters Keriann (Michael) Hunter and Alison (Craig) Laughland, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Brian grew up in Damascus, Oregon. As the middle of three children, he maintained close relationships with both his older sister, Keriann, and younger sister, Alison. This bond only grew stronger with time and greater as they experienced marriage and raising their families alongside one another. The families often gathered back at their childhood home with their parents to share Sunday dinners together. Brian loved his role as an uncle and cherished the time spent fostering close relationships between the cousins, something he knew the value of firsthand growing up in a large tight-knit family. 

Brian had fond memories of his childhood years spent playing alongside his sisters and cousins. He enjoyed and succeeded in many youth sports, particularly soccer. It was through elementary school and sports that he established some of his longest standing friendships. He played goalie for premier teams and made varsity his freshman year of high school at Sam Barlow.

Upon graduating from Barlow in 2002, Brian became a “Duck” by enrolling at the University of Oregon. He pledged the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity during his Freshman year which fostered many lifelong friendships. Brian was elected President of the fraternity for two consecutive years and was instrumental in keeping it in good standing with the college administration. After graduating with a degree in Business and Finance, he stayed involved with the fraternity serving as an advisor and mentor, and eventually transitioned to serving on the Alumni board as Treasurer, a position he maintained since 2012.

It was while obtaining his undergraduate degree from University of Oregon that Brian worked part time in various restaurant kitchens learning the art of food preparation. He was able to acquire and develop his culinary skills through these work experiences and it sparked a passion for cooking that remained throughout his life.

After graduating from college Brian was hired by U.S. Bank as an underwriter. Shortly thereafter, he reconnected and fell in love with his future wife, Katie Strebin. 

Brian and Katie wed in 2012 in Troutdale at the home of Katie’s parents, Dan and Marcene Strebin. As newlyweds, Brian and Katie attended many weddings as guests and traveled together. While living in Gresham and continuing to work full time at US Bank, Brian obtained his Master’s degree in Finance in 2014 from the University of Portland. The two eventually found their forever home, situated along the river in Sandy, OR in 2014, and settled there. It was here they welcomed their son, Anderson and daughter, Sullivan.  

Brian loved his family dearly; nothing gave him greater joy and a sense of accomplishment than gaining the title of being a father. He connected with his kids through quality time spent with them. He loved creating adventures and fostering a life rich in new experiences for them. Whether it was at home on a Sunday working in the yard, in the kitchen prepping for dinner, staying up late to complete their latest Lego project, coaching their sports teams, or spending quality time with them on vacation, he ensured the time they had together was meaningful, fun, and full of valuable life lessons. 

After 13 years with U.S. Bank, Brian had achieved the title of Vice President and was a respected leader in his position as a Market Credit Administrator. He was known at the bank for his kind, friendly nature and positive outlook. Shortly before his health declined, Brian was nominated and selected as a recipient for a noteworthy award at the bank. “The Legends of Possible Awards, the highest honor across U.S. Bank, recognizes those who go above and beyond every day to make possible happen; their hard work and dedication shows in the results they achieve.” Though the status of his health did not allow for him to travel and join in celebration of this high achievement, he felt a great sense of accomplishment knowing he had completed his career on this note. 

Despite his battle with stage IV colon cancer, Brian upheld his role of provider as a husband and father and continued to work full time to support his family until shortly before his death. Whether forced by illness or driven by his love for his family, Brian became a champion of a good work-life balance and encouraged others to do the same.

Brian will be remembered for his quick wit and warm, welcoming nature to all he encountered.  He was a friend to nearly all he met. He was light-hearted and enjoyed connecting with people over shared passions, namely, his love of cooking and good jokes. He lived his life in service to others through his established career, his volunteerism, his dedication to friends and family, and his role as husband and father. He will be greatly missed by all that were served at his table and a glass will often be raised in his memory. 

A donation fund on behalf of the Bell children will be set up should you wish to contribute directly to the family. Please refer to Batemans for more information. 

If you would like to join in the fight against Colorectal Cancer, please consider a contribution in Brian Bell’s name to “F!GHT Colorectal Cancer” - a charitable organization on the forefront of policy change and advocacy in fighting CRC, especially as it pertains to young-onset CRC. *By 2030, Colorectal Cancer is estimated to be the leading cause of cancer death in 20-49 yr olds (JAMA Network).