Bell, Stephen B

By Sun Advocate

PRICE/SALT LAKE CITY/ST. GEORGE – Well, he finally did it, he bought the farm, bit the dust, kicked the bucket. A long time U.S. Marine infantryman Airborne (you can take the man out of the Marines but never take the Marine out of the man). He fought the fight but died from a long dark battle with a deep brain tumor.
Born in Ogden to Boyd and Marilyn Bell. Survived by his loving parents and OUTSTANDING brother and sisters, nieces and nephews, brother and sister-in-laws, aunts, uncles and BEST of the BEST cousins. No regrets, no complaints, no worries, just happy to have lived as long as he did. Those who knew him well will forever miss his warmth, generosity, sense of humor and way with words. Famous for warm hugs, smiles, many compliments. Always ready for a road trip. Loved fishing, thank you Father, Uncle Chuck, Larry and sons for always accompanying me. Loved camping and hiking with family and friends.
Lived life with zeal. Proceeded in death by his Grandparents Henry and Margie Briest, Neldon and Charlotte Bell.
True to Stephens’s person style, his final hours were spent joking with family, medical personnel, begging God to look after his friends and family. He loved his family and friends more deeply than imaginable. He often said, “I had a perfect life” and believed he may have experienced Heaven on earth. He drained every quality minute he could from his body and it was a wonderful, beautiful, incredible life filled with love, laughter, learning, adventure and some mighty interesting challenges. Stephen requested a special shout out to his great friends Larry Foote and Mark Malouf. Thank you for hanging with him all these years and letting him be a part of your family. Also a special thank you goes out to everyone who stopped by the Fisher House to show their love and support. To his sisters Stacy Burnhope (Scott), Becky Bell and brother Brian Bell (Julie) thank you for your spiritual, motivational and inspiring words of wisdom and love.
Stephen also wanted to thank all the Doctors and Nurses at the SLC VA and the staff at the Fisher House. The St. George Huntsman Cancer Center as well as Dr. Heather Gilbert and his cousin Dr. Catherine Bonomo for taking such good care of him. Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice and to a very special nurse, Suzanne Rayburn, who brought so much kindness and love to his last hours.
And finally to his parents, brother, and sisters, you all made his life measurably better. Thank you family and friends for the BEST love and care providers the Lord could possibly produce. Rest in Peace Stephen. Memorial Services Saturday April 4th at 1 p.m. Metcalf Mortuary in St. George.