Condolence From: Charlie Frederick
Condolence: A great teacher and person and friend.
So saddened by his passing.
One of the professors at Shepherd.
Sunday March 14, 2021
Condolence From: Cynthia Reeser
Condolence: Please donate to Shepherd for native trees. CSR BS Biology
Thursday May 23, 2019
Condolence From: Mrs. Edwards
Condolence: I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one, I pray that your family will find comfort in the God of all comfort Jehovah. I too have suffered such loss and it is never easy to say goodby however I was able to find hope in Gods word the bible. Isaiah 33:24 And no resident will say:"I am sick" The people dwelling in the land will be pardoned for their error... What a wonderful time it will be when no one will ever again get sick or die.
Wednesday March 29, 2017
Condolence From: Mary Master
Condolence: Dr. Bell was one of the most influential people in my life. His plant taxonomy classes were a pure joy. His company was to be cherished. I was working at the college library so I was able to audit classes. I had to get his permission and he refused. He said they never came to class. I promised him that I would be at every class and was, and took all three. As the next course came around, I had to ask his permisssion again. One time he said one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about me. "There she is. Just like the crocus. Pops up every Spring." I moved to Costa Rica 11 years ago & the natural beauty here is one of the reason. When I was in the states last year, I made it a point to find him, visit with him and take him to lunch. He picked the spot. The old lunch counter in Charles Town and drove himself over there. I am so glad I made the effort to tell him how important he was to me and how grateful I was that I had a chance to know him and Lyla. From planting trees together, our many walks and his delightful personality, he was and will remain a treasure in my life. I will post a picture of us at the lunch counter that our waitress insisted on taking. Such a lovely memory.
Tuesday March 28, 2017
Condolence From: Jim Kinkead
Condolence: Dear friends and family of Dr. Bell.
This spring it will be 52 years since I graduated from Shepherd and still I have so many memories from Dr. Bell’s classes but especially Plant Taxonomy. In the ignorance of youth we just thought that Dr. Bell was a brilliant instructor but it was only from the perspective of experience in a larger world that we could truly realize how fortunate we were to have been in Dr. Bell’s classroom. The depth of his knowledge and the quality of his illustrations during lectures were second to none. However, when I see Dr. Bell at his finest it is while he was leading a walking tour on the Appalachian Trail at Harpers Ferry or down river from Shepherd on a spring day. His encyclopedic knowledge of the natural world is always recalled when members of our class gather together.
It is more than appropriate that his long career be memorialized on some structure on campus. However, a secluded spot in a wooded glen would be more in keeping with this accomplished naturalist.
Monday March 27, 2017
Condolence From: David Dalgarn
Condolence: Dear Family and Friends of Dr. Bell,
Dr. Bell had a huge influence on my life. His encouragement for me to continue my education in graduate school completely changed my life. Dr. Bell's plant physiology course was the basis of my satisfying academic career, and his plant taxonomy course is the basis of my volunteer work at a nature center. He was a wonderful person and professor -- quiet, knowledgeable, and always helpful.
Monday March 27, 2017
Condolence From: Scott and Jennifer Bean
Condolence: We are so very sorry to hear of Dr. Bell's passing. We have wonderful memories of hiking around Shepherdstown looking at plants with him in his Plant Pathology class. We started dating when we were lab partners in that class and have now been married 30 years. Dr. Bell will always have a special place in our hearts. Our condolences to his family.
Sunday March 26, 2017
Condolence From: Roger Engle
Condolence: For me, Dr. Bell will be remembered as the most brilliant person I have ever met. The knowledge I received from his instruction made my career as an educator possible. It was my please to pass what I learned from him on to my students, thus expanding the scope of his influence. His ability to present technical information, hold your attention and have you leave wanting more, was amazing.
His dry, devilish sense of humor and captivating smile were always present. A field trip with Dr. Bell was an experience never to be forgotten. Whether in the university setting or at a table in a local restaurant, there was only one Dr. Bell.
It was my distinct honor to write and include several stories of Dr. Bell in my second book, "Goodbye Mister Fifteen." Anyone who knew him or took his classes can identify and remember similar experiences.
A group of my friends who were fortunate enough to have had Dr. Bell as their professor, still enjoy reminiscing and reliving stories when we get together.
His name will continue to be spoken and he will never be forgotten.
Friday March 24, 2017
Condolence From: Gary and Anna Mary (Willingham) Walsh
Condolence: An outstanding professor, a man of great insight into strategic planning of a college...Gary has told of his experiences in Dr. Bell's "walking tours" to identify plants/trees and how that style of teaching stayed with him through the years. I was on campus committees with Dr. Bell as Shepherd moved toward its plans for the future. Fortunate to have witnessed his sense of humor and always appreciative when he'd identify strange caterpillars for me that I found in our woods, I am grateful to have known this wonderful man.
Thursday March 23, 2017
Condolence From: Sandy Barrow
Condolence: So sorry to hear of Dr. Bell's passing. I had Dr. Bell for Microbiology when I was in nursing school at Shepherd University. He was an amazing instructor and person. God Bless
Wednesday March 22, 2017
