RIP Art Bell, 1 CACR

[Hanno Spoelstra]

I just got a message Art Bell passed away last night: April 3rd at ten p.m.

Art was a veteran of the 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment.

He was a great man and I will miss him.

Rust in vrede, Art!

Hanno

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Here are two pictures of my dear friend Art.

The first is a wartime picture, not of the best quality (I photographed a framed print), but I feel it shows him in his prime time.

The second picture was taken in November 2007 at Brian Gough's place. Art is sitting behind the wheel of Brian's Jeep. Also a fitting picture, as Art drove a Jeep during WW2.

Art's co-driver in this picture is Herb Danter, who passed away less than a month ago. Come to think of it, it has been only six months since Ken Ramsden, another Kangaroo veteran passed away.

"We will remember them."

Hanno

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Hanno,

I'm stunned. I last saw Art this last November at the Kangaroo reunion and he was fine, if slow. Dammit.

G.

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

For those who knew Art and wish to pay their respects, the following are his funeral arrangements:

LOCATION:
T Stephenson & Son Funeral Home
171 Main Street,
Ailsa Craig, ON
N0M 1A0
(519) 293-3331

VIEWING:
Monday 06 April
1400-1600H
1900-2100H

FUNERAL:
Tuesday 07 April
1400H

[Mark W. Tonner]

Rest in Peace Art

They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.

ARMATOS FUNDIT

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball

For those who knew Art and wish to pay their respects, the following are his funeral arrangements:

Thanks Geoff.

Anyone of us attending?

Hanno

[Bill Miller]

I am devastated by his passing. Art was a good friend to both myself and my Father and perhaps my biggest supporter in my attempt to record and keep the history of the "Kangaroos". Words fail me.

Goodbye Art.

I wish I could have made the trip to Ontario for his funeral. For those that can, details from the London Free Press:

BELL, Arthur - Peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2009 at Strathroy-Middlesex General Hospital, Arthur Bell of Craigwiel Gardens, Ailsa Craig formerly of Lucan in his 92nd year. Arthur was born in Woodstock. Art was a member of the 1st Canadian Armored Carrier Regiment which was Canada's only foreign born secret regiment (Kangaroos) serving in the Netherlands and Germany during World War 2. Loving husband of the late Frances Ruth Bell (nee Sharp). Beloved father of Philip Bell of Lucan. Dear friend of Doreen Clark of Barrie and Ivan and Alice Paff of Ailsa Craig. Survived by his sister Lorna Brown-Gillies of Woodstock, sisters-in-law Jean Tutt (Ron) of Tillsonburg, Murial Buttonham of Guelph, several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents William Thomas Bell and Phoebe Jane Bell (nee Farrell) and brothers Stewart, Jack, Don and Ray and sister Merle. Friends will be received on Monday, April 6th from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at T. STEPHENSON & SON FUNERAL HOME, Ailsa Craig where a funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, April 7th at 2:00 pm with Reverend Darrell Shaule officiating. Interment to follow in St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Camp Trillium (Camp for Children with Cancer) or to a charity of your choice. A Royal Canadian Legion Service will be held in the funeral home on Monday at 6:30pm under the auspices of Lucan Branch #540 with a St. Mary's Lodge #36 Independent Order of Odd Fellows Service to follow. A tree will be planted as a living memorial to Arthur.

[Barry Churcher]

Hanno, I am very sorry for the loss of your good friend Art. I had the good fortune of meeting him once and he was a true gentleman. When you brought him to the garage this photo was taken and you kindly sent it to me. It was a very memorable afternoon going to lunch with Art and Herb. Two great men! It is a bit of a heartbreaker when you consider how close your planned trip to Canada was to visit Art. My sincere condolences to his family and especially to you, his Dutch buddy.
Barry

[Alex van de Wetering]

Oh no....

I never met Art, but I am happy that I have been able to put a smile on his face with a small scalemodel, last year. A small thing in return for great actions in our country!

Hanno, gecondoleerd.



Rest in peace, Art.

Alex

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Alex van de Wetering

I never met Art, but I am happy that I have been able to put a smile on his face with a small scalemodel, last year. A small thing in return for great actions in our country!

Alex,

Your unsurpassed abilities to build a scale model were a source of amazement and huge enjoyment during what has proved a little over Art's last year with us.

Thanks again, you made an old veteran very happy!

Hanno

P.S.: thanks for the condolences

[Hanno Spoelstra]

One year ago today, Art Bell was brought to his final resting place. In his remembrance, I would like to share with you my adaptation of the poem “No Present without Past” by T. Grobben, which was read by a family member at his funeral:

Hunger, cold and frightening times
The Dutch minds are still yet fresh
There came the Men of Maple Leaf in battle dress
In heavy tanks and heavy trucks
In Kangaroos and ducks
With much love in our eyes
A memory that never dies
And tears from old and young
That bonded us for very long
Food from heaven in highest need
White bread, chocolate and corned beef
May 5, 1945 a day we never forget
A date in Dutch history was set
64 Years later and memories are fading
Soldiers then – Veterans now
Lest we forget is our vow

Today Holland bids farewell! to yet another “Kangaroo”.
All I can say is goodbye! to a good friend.

Rust in vrede, Art!