Robert L. Bell died on May 8. He was 81.

He was born in Mount Vernon, Ill., on Jan. 16, 1927, to Frederick and Kathryn Bell, and was the youngest of six children. Bob lost both his parents by his 17th birthday, which reinforced his ideals about family. Being part of the “greatest generation,” he enlisted during World War II and served on the battleship Lexington II until an honorable discharge in the summer of 1946. A fellow shipmate convinced him to experience the excitement of hunting and fishing in Grand Rapids, Minn., so after the war, he headed north. After a year of fun and adventure, the workforce found its latest member.

Bob became a driver for Coca-Cola and had a stop at the local grocery store, which led to a most agreeable meeting with their shapely bookkeeper. The romance with Mary that followed led to a November wedding in 1949. Six children were quick to follow, the four eldest being Minnesotans.

The lure of proprietorship led the family to Loop City, Neb., where with a $50 bill, the Bell family became the owners of their first Coast to Coast Hardware Store. Bob’s allergies became an increasing problem and since business was good, the family of now eight was able to leave Nebraska for a higher and dryer climate in Monte Vista, Colo. He graduated his four sons and two daughters one by one, sending them to their chosen futures.

With the family now scattered, Bob and Mary began retirement living in Battlement Mesa. Bob was diagnosed with severe narcolepsy in the early 1970s and became one of its longest living and successfully treated patients. Once retired, he honed his card game and renewed his passion for golf. He picked up his second hole-in-one and shot his age at 79. Everywhere Bob and Mary lived, friends came easy. Waiting for a turn to play cards with the Bells became a treat.

Though he rarely sought recognition, many groups and organizations were proud to have Bob as a member. He gave much of his time to each member of his family which he considered most important in life. His strong faith led him through the challenges of life and helping others cope with the debilitating side effects of narcolepsy.

Moving to Grand Junction in 1996 brought Bob and Mary closer to their growing family. Today, Robert L. Bell’s legacy can be seen in the beautiful lives of his bride, Mary; their six children; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. May 13, 2008 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. A reception will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado.

Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan-Edfast Mortuary.