| Graduation Year | Class of 1982 |
| Date of Passing | (unknown) |
| About | Richard Bell, 1964 - 2006 An excerpt from an e-mail written by Richard’s sister, Kimberly: Richard suffered a stroke in 2001 and was diagnosed with Leukemia in April 2006. He fought it for 4 months before they finally said that his body had been through too much and he couldn't fight it anymore. He had contracted a serious infection too - he was stuck in a catch 22, the chemo would have wiped out the rest of his immune system, then the infection would take over, or he could fight the infection and let the cancer take over. They let him go home at the beginning of August. We were able to get his mom (we had the same dad but different mom's), our other sister and his boys here for a visit while he was able to enjoy it. He tired very easily but he kept up as best he could. Dad & I took turns staying with him and caring for him, he wasn't able to walk very far—a hallway once a day was about it. He was still bossy though! :) One thing that never changed through everything he had been through, his sense of humor - and stubbornness! He still wanted things done his way!! After making the beds in the morning, he would give a quick inspection and I had to get it just right for him! :) We miss him terribly, but he had been through more than enough in his lifetime. I am holding his ashes for now. He wants to be buried in the new VA cemetery that is going in Springvale...it's still a couple of years from being finished. When it is finished, we will have a small burial. He was definitely one of a kind, not someone you would ever forget once you met him. |
