Michael passed away peacefully, aged 82, at the Garry J Armstrong Nursing Home after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Loving husband to Christine (née McCook), and devoted father to Kate (Jonathan Brown), and Hugh (Stefanie Greenberg). He took great pleasure in the antics of his four grandchildren: Doug, Gabi, Jett & Kaia. Also grieving his loss is a large, loving family, including his brother Roger Bell (Ellen Culver), and many brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nephews and nieces spread all over the world. Michael was born in Montreal to Elizabeth (Brown) and Harry H Bell. He attended Bishop’s College School and later graduated from Queen’s University (BCom ’61). He joined the Canadian Foreign Service later that year. After completing Foreign Service Officer training which included a famous cross-Canada FSO training trip, he served as trade commissioner in Oslo, London, Lima, Madrid, and Moscow, and later as Ambassador to Peru, Bolivia, Russia, the former Soviet Republics, and finally to the Netherlands. While on local assignment, Michael worked as Assistant Deputy Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean. Michael was a kind and gentle man with a penchant for mischief, ever the tease but also very quick to laugh at himself. He was a pensive man with a busy mind and quiet wisdom, an ardent collector, and chronicler of experiences and stories. He had a profound understanding of Canadian diplomatic roles, strengths, objectives, and obligations. He never sought the limelight, but was passionate about the Foreign Service, once commenting that it was like getting a new job every few years but never leaving the company. He savoured living history-in-the-making, and the adventure that each posting offered. Amongst his many incredible experiences, he travelled with the Canadian Navy by HMS Yukon on a training trip from Lima to Quito, flew up the Amazon in a float plane to visit the Canadian missions along the Napo River, travelled the Silk Roads with UNESCO by ‘caravanserai’, documented first hand the Moscow Coup, flew in an F16 fighter jet with the Royal Netherlands Air Force and hosted the Canadian veterans for the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands.
He is to be interred in Ottawa’s Beechwood Cemetery following a private family service. No flowers thank you. If desired, donations may be made in Michael’s memory to:
Parkinson’s Research Consortium (uOttawa Brain and Mind Research Institute)
Livre de visiteurs
David and Chris Dodge
Henry Muggah
Michael and Christine very kindly rented their home to us, unseen, when we moved to Ottawa in the winter of '74. They were on posting and we didn't meet face until the following summer but then began a lifelong friendship of our two families as fellow Manor Parkers. They lived directly opposite the playing fields and ice rink of our community so began many years of soccer, baseball and hockey practice and coaching of our and community children. Interspersed were evenings of whisky'ey tasting, animated discussions on everything from Mike's venture into the commercial world with an ambitious woodworking business to the current state of affairs in Kazakhstan.
He had considered and balanced opinions on seemingly all matters. A diplomats's dilpomat, perhaps! Of course, it didn't take long to discover he was a fellow Nova Scotian having late 18th Century UEL roots in Barrington Passage.
Betty and I send much love and support to Christine, Katie and Hugh. Michael was a fine man who will be missed.
Gary and Elaine Greenberg
We are very sorry for your loss and are sending our sympathy to you and your family..
Robert, Linda, Jessica and Brydon Gibson
We have many memories of time spent with Michael and many stories to tell about the "kind and gentle man with a penchant for mischief...". Quiet yes, but definitely a prankster.
I have included a picture of Michael at our house celebrating his 75th birthday.
You are a great, humble man Michael that we love and respect.
Joanne O'Shea and Dan Murray
Our condolences to the Bell family. We remember Michael fondly as a wonderful story teller and the most entertaining company. Sending you all much love.
Geordie Gibson, Lara Bremner & family
I first got to know Uncle Michael well when I was away from home and a university student at Ottawa U during the 1980's. He and Christine would have me over for a very welcome dinner and some family time. I remember clearly how playfully he and his kids Hugh & Kate would poke & tease each other while we played games after dinner. So in addition to Michael's calm confidence and extensive diplomatic skills I think of his affectionate and mischievous nature. A wonderful all-around person. We miss you Uncle Michael.
Geordie Gibson, Lara Bremner & family
I first got to know Uncle Michael well when I was away from home as a university student at Ottawa U in the 1980's. Michael and Christine would have me over to their home for a very welcome dinner and some family time. Their children Kate and Hugh were often there as well. After dinner we would usually play a game of some sort and I remember clearly how affectionately and playfully Michael and his kids would poke and tease each other during the game. So beyond Michael's calm confidence and extensive diplomatic skills I think of his affectionate and mischievous nature. He was a wonderful all-around person. We miss you Uncle Michael.
Thomas Jones
I remember him well in Foreign Affairs although I never worked directly with him. Although I was at the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands with my Dad in 2005, I did not get a chance to meet Michael but he sure did a great job at organising that event. All the best to his family.
Gail White
When I first met him at our multi-generational family home-in-common, Michael was chatting up his brother Roger about investment banking while ferreting out our Uncle Bill's best scotch. His intelligence and gentle humour were lovely. May the wonderful memories of a rich life together be a balm to you, Chris - you both endured the cruel effects of his Parkinson's Disease for a very long time. I send my deepest condolences to you and yours in this final loss.
Marcel Louwman
I do have fond memories of Michael and Christine Bell. He was my second Ambassador in The Hague where I was then a young cultural attaché. Although on the conservative side of politics (I gather), he was a great supporter of things cultural. One of the highlights of working together was the cultural programme around the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands in 1995.
With his trade commissioner background, I think he appreciated my pro-active approach. Under his direction, I went for the first time to the London Book Fair with the view to bringing Dutch Publishers and Canadian agents together.
How I miss 'old school' Canadian diplomats, it was a delight to begin my profession under the guidance of Ambassadors like Michael.
I will always remember my stays with the Bells in the Moscow embassy in 1990 and 1991 when Canada (as part of the G7) was playing an important role in trying to help the new government of the Russian Republic integrate the economy of Russia into the global economic system. Michael played an important role in that process. And he and Christine were wonderful hosts to me as an itinerant official from Finance!
Chris and I grieve Michael’s passing. We send our very best wishes to Christine and “the kids” especially Katie who was a great friend of our daughter Janine.