George Gano Bell, age 87, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on June 8, 2024. George was born on April 15, 1937 in Denver, Colorado to his parents Robert Henry Bell and Ion Gano. After growing up with his beloved siblings Robert, Jimmy and Maizel, as well as his closest cousin Vadell, he enlisted into the United States Navy in 1955. During his service time, George went on many great adventures across this world. His most notable Navy experience came during Operation Deep Freeze, where he lived in Antarctica, making friends with the local penguins. He was also honored to meet sitting President Ronald Reagan while serving on one of many aircraft carriers. His life of service did not stop there, as he went on to marry the love of his life, Maureen Bell on April 18, 1963, and together they built an expanded family through love, foster and adoption. They raised their children Tony, Phyllis and Linda; and became foster parents to thousands of children, providing them with lots of nurturing and guidance. George and Maureen were even recognized for their fostering by the US Navy, who recognized them as having the largest family in the Navy during the 1970's. As many of those children came and went through their home, some of the children stayed with them, and were adopted into the family. George's family was truly his pride and joy in life, and he cherished his roles as husband, father and grandfather and even great-grandfather wholeheartedly.

George was also a man of faith, baptized into the Catholic church on April 14, 1999. He and Maureen devoted much of their retired life to the church, playing an active role until Maureen's health began to decline. He devoted his energy into caring for her until she was called home to the Lord on January 1, 2008. George also had many hobbies and pastimes, especially enjoying as much time as possible outdoors. He loved to go on camping trips, fishing trips and hikes, and he was always happy to take his kids and grandkids on these adventures. He was a skilled landscaper and took great pride in all the work he did on their long time family home in Anacortes, Washington. Whenever possible, he'd attend his grandchildren's events and playing an active role in their lives was important to him. He was well known within his family for planning elaborate family holidays and was truly a leader for his family and friends.

George lived an incredible life, one of service and sacrifice, but also of true generosity. Those of us left behind will truly miss him, and we will all do our best to carry on his legacy of love. We take solace in knowing that George is now resting in eternal peace in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ and reunited with his beloved Maureen and their cherished poodle, Misty. He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings. George is survived by his children, Anthony Bell and his wife Pauline, Phyllis Ford, Linda Applin and Kim Morgan and her husband Torrence, as well as his numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren who adored him. He also leaves his favorite cousin, nieces, nephews and many other cherished friends who brought him so much joy.

George will be laid to rest on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Green Hills Cemetery, 11157 Gardener Rd, in Burlington, Washington at 12:00pm. There will also be a celebration of his life at 2:00pm at the Laurel Grange Community Hall located at 6172 WA-539, Lynden, Washington. In lieu of flowers, those who choose may make a donation to their favorite charity to honor George.