The Quiet Roar of a Life Well-Lived: Remembering Richard Bell

The Columbia Gorge, a place Richard Charles Bell deeply loved and called home, bids farewell to one of its quiet, yet most profound, figures. Richard, a man whose unassuming demeanor belied a lifetime rich with adventure, dedication, and unwavering kindness, passed away on March 24, 2024, at the age of 76. His was, in truth, a life that unfurled beautifully, leaving an indelible mark on his family, friends, and the many communities he so generously served.

His story began on a crisp November day in 1947, a local boy born to Charles and Mildred Bell. Young Richard grew up, you could say, a pillar of the community even then, alongside his sisters Barbara and Mary. He navigated the halls of The Dalles High School, graduating in 1966, a foundational chapter in a life that would eventually span continents and touch countless hearts.

But life, as it often does, called him to a larger stage, a more challenging path. After high school, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Army. And yes, he served in Vietnam, a chapter that, one could argue, forged much of the quiet strength and resilience he carried throughout his days. It was a formative experience, no doubt, shaping the man he would become.

Returning home, Richard embraced a different kind of dedication, pursuing knowledge with a thoughtful earnestness. He earned his B.S. in Economics from Portland State University, then, pushing further still, an MBA from the esteemed University of Washington. Honestly, to label him simply an 'accountant' at firms like Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. or during his nearly three-decade tenure at Portland General Electric (PGE)—from which he retired in 2004—feels a touch understated. He was meticulous, yes, but also a quiet force of stability.

Yet, amidst the numbers and the demands of a successful career, there was Mary Kathleen, or Kathy, as he affectionately knew her. Their union on August 24, 1974, marked the beginning of a truly cherished partnership, one that blossomed with the arrival of their son, Charles David Bell. And how he adored his grandchildren, Charles Dean and Claire Catherine; they truly were a light, a source of immeasurable joy and gentle pride.

Richard, you see, possessed a spirit that yearned for motion and discovery. He wasn't content to merely observe life; he lived it. Running marathons—yes, marathons!—hiking the rugged Oregon Cascades, backpacking through the wild beauty of Eagle Cap, tending his garden with a quiet, patient hand. These weren't just hobbies; they were extensions of his soul, deeply felt connections to the natural world. And then there was the world beyond, calling to him from afar. Travel to Europe, the ancient wonders of Asia, the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand—each journey a new story, a new photograph captured by his discerning eye. He read voraciously too, devouring history and non-fiction, a true seeker of knowledge. Jazz music? That was his rhythm, a soothing soundtrack to a thoughtful life.

But what truly defined Richard, beyond his personal pursuits, was his unwavering commitment to his community. For over a decade, he served as secretary for the Hood River Rotary Club, a steady hand guiding important work. He volunteered as a Meals on Wheels driver for the Hood River Valley Adult Center, ensuring neighbors were cared for, one meal at a time. At Christ the King Parish, he was an usher, served on various committees—always there, always contributing, a quiet constant.

He was, for want of a better word, unassuming. Quiet, yes, but with a kindness that resonated, a gentle spirit, and a truly wonderful sense of humor that would emerge in unexpected moments. Generous, too; a quality that shone brightly through his actions, whether helping a friend or serving a cause. He simply embodied goodness.

Richard's legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Kathy; his son Charles and his wife, Jennifer; and those cherished grandchildren, Charles Dean and Claire Catherine. His sisters, Barbara and Mary (with her husband George), along with a host of nieces and nephews, will also carry his memory, a testament to a life well-loved. He now joins his parents, Charles and Mildred, and his brother-in-law Larry Smith, in eternal peace.

A memorial service to celebrate Richard's extraordinary life will be held on April 13, 2024, at 11:00 am, at Christ the King Parish. And for those wishing to honor his spirit, contributions may be made to the Hood River Rotary Club or Christ the King Parish, continuing the legacy of selfless service he so beautifully exemplified.