Ronald Wesley Bell, died April 23, at the Hospice House in Vero Beach.
Born in Vernon Center, Conn., to the late Norman James and Laura Chudoba Bell, his family lived in Manchester and Old Saybrook until their move to Pompano Beach in the late 1950s.
He graduated from Pompano Beach High, Palm Beach Junior College, Florida Atlantic University and the New York Institute of Finance.
Ron and his wife Kathy were starting their family in Ft. Lauderdale when they moved to mountains of Vermont. Moving back to Florida in 1983, Ron was sales and marketing director for several real estate developers including Indian Trails and Boca Ven Land, the developers of Atlantic View Beach Club, Altamira and Renaissance.
He was a descendent of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist religion, a licensed pilot, certified hypnotherapist and a devotee of Qigong, a form of martial arts. He was also was a motorcyclist and truly loved riding.
His 2002 diagnosis with cancer did not slow him down but became his “gift” (as he called it) to live, learn, love and become the best of friends with God.
In 2006, he earned a B.S. in Naturopathy from Clayton College, graduating with Highest Honors.
He will be remembered for his inner strength and the bravery and dignity with which he faced the challenges of the disease. His positive attitude and spirit were an inspiration to all.
Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Smith Bell; Douglas John Bell, Amelia Shannon Bell and Greyson Edward Bell, son, daughter-in-law and grandson of Gainesville; Heather Wesley Bell, daughter of Vero Beach; David Norman Bell and Sharon Ann Bell, brother and sister-in-law of Palm Coast and Columbia, Conn.; nieces and nephews and Fluffy.
In addition to his parents, Ron was predeceased by his brother Bruce Draper Bell. Ron’s incredible life’s journey ended at Hospice Ho
The family extends its deep gratitude for the compassion and care he received at Hospice House which allowed him peace and comfort in his final days.
A celebration of a life well lived will be on June 20, at Ron and Kathy’s farm, Miraflores, in Costa Rica where Ron’s ashes will rest.
A memorial in Vero Beach will be held at a later date.
Remembrances be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1506, Vero Beach, FL 32961.
All arrangements are under the care of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory of Vero Beach.
Family and friends may sign an on- line guestbook at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.