David Arthur Bell
November 30, 1937 – February 28, 2026
After struggling with PSP since 2021, David died on Saturday, February 28, 2026. He is mourned and missed by his loving family: his wife of 64 years, Beverly (nee Baldwin), his children, Peter, Tom (Jenni) and Heather (Matt) as well as his loved grandchildren, Emily, Katie and Stephanie and their mother Diane, Cadence, Leah and Ivy, Charlie, Will and Oran. He will also be missed by his Baldwin in-laws, Bill (Janet), Ted (Julie), Ruth (late Bob) and Betsy (Hugh), many nieces and nephews, and his Bell and Montgomery cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Eunice Bell, his brother John and grandson, Samuel.
Dave was born and raised in Toronto, attended Upper Canada College, studied Medicine at the University of Western Ontario and obtained his Fellowship in Internal Medicine in 1968. After further training in Rheumatology and Immunology in Rochester, New York and La Jolla, California, he joined UWO’s Faculty of Medicine in 1972.
He was a dedicated academic physician: a caring and committed clinician, a devoted teacher and an accomplished and productive researcher. His achievements were recognized by both the Canadian Rheumatology Association and the American College of Rheumatology. He served as Chief of the Division of Rheumatology at UWO and served on the Board of University Hospital as Chair of its Medical Advisory Committee.
Dave loved music, especially jazz, and he liked to play both the piano and his trumpet. He loved art and travel. Winter found him on a ski hill, the bigger the better. His favourite place to be in summer was his cottage on Muskadasa Island working on projects big or small, spending time with family and friends, playing tennis or golf or most of all going for a boat ride around Lake Muskoka especially with his grandkids. Occasionally, he’d strum on his banjo. He paid his last visit there in summer of ‘25 with the help of family and neighbours.
The family would like to offer our appreciation to all the caregivers who helped both at home and Oakcrossing.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 280 St. James St. At Wellington, London. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, from 5-7 PM at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St James St. at Richmond.
The live-stream of Dave’s memorial service will be available at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81293120661?pwd=Tkk5MFpxYWs3aWIrQUxWM0E4TGdzQT09#success
In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Rheumatology Division, c/o St Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, London or Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, class of ‘63 Award.