Danard William was born at home on the family farm, Concession 1, Lot 15 of Elderslie Township, on Friday, October 30th, 1936, to proud parents Robert William and Ruby Elizabeth (Fortune) Bell. As Danard often told it, he was born in the kitchen, underneath the window, and it was so darn cold he got up and closed it… His wit and sense of humour was always present, wasn’t it? Danard joined his older sister Shirley, with Doug and Ronald rounding out the Bell clan. Sadly, Ronald died at the young age of three. The Bell family mixed farmed on 145 acres near Vesta, where the children enjoyed life on the farm. They went on to attend S.S. #11 Brant in Vesta, where Danard completed his elementary education, before moving on to high school in Chesley. Tragedy struck the Bell family again in 1949 when Danard’s father died suddenly. Understandable this turned their world upside down, as the family soon made the difficult decision to move off the farm, and relocate to Owen Sound, where Danard completed his high school diploma. In these early years Danard took a liking to writing and poetry and spent the rest of his life perfecting and sharing his talents with others. He also became quite the musician, taking up playing the trumpet. He went on to become a proud member of the Owen Sound Band in his late teens and early twenties.

In 1950, while attending a community dance overtop of the old Post Office in Owen Sound, Danard’s eye was caught by a young woman, one year his junior, by the name of Lois Ann Moon. They hit it off immediately and over the coming months began dating, with local dances in Inglis Falls and Owen Sound often making up their nights out. By this time Danard was working at Canadian Tire, and soon proposed to Lois. The young couple were wed on Saturday, September 25, 1954, in the manse of Central Westside United Church in Owen Sound. The newlyweds called Owen Sound home, where their family soon began to grow, with the arrival of Ron (1955) and Wayne (1956). In 1958, the Bell family relocated to the family farm, near Vesta, where Danard resumed mixed farming as well as working for Edgar Weppler and his concrete business outside of Tara. Back at home Lois and Danard’s family continued to grow with the arrivals of Linda (1961), Karen (1963), and Robert (1964). By this time Danard had joined Ed and Herb Witzke and their electrical business in Chesley. Over the next few years, he learned and perfected his trade and became a licensed electrician. He also helped with several builds and was very comfortable constructing a variety of structures, buildings, and houses.

Sadly, Danard, Lois and their family experienced further loss in 1973, when their daughter Denise was stillborn. With the love and support of family and friends, Danard and Lois slowly moved on in time. Eventually, Danard made the difficult, yet exciting decision to go out on his own, when he started Danard Bell Building and Electrical. Although well prepared, he often relied on Lois and the kids for support. For several years, one or more of the kids helped him in the family business as they did a bit of everything but stuck mainly to residential and agriculture builds. Depending on the work and size of the job, his workforce increased and decreased, and he was always thankful for the great support he had within the community. All the while, Danard continued to try his hand at farming at home. Through the years he milked cows, raised beef cattle, pigs, and even owned a few geese.

In 1982, Danard and Lois decided to downsize, moving off the farm and relocating to Chesley, where he continued to operate the business until retiring. In his limited free time, Danard enjoyed volunteering his time as a member of the Chesley Community Players. Through his 25 years as a member, he held a variety of roles which included acting, directing, and building sets for several productions. It was his little way of giving back, and he took a liking to being on stage and performing. He also tried his hand in local politics where he was a member of Chesley Town Council for a few terms, as well as a Reeve. After retiring, Danard spent more time perfecting his woodworking, which I might add, he was already quite good at given his construction background. He went on to make a variety of chests and China cabinets for all his children, and grandchildren using oak from his trees on the farm. His workmanship is still enjoyed today by his family and friends and will be for years to come. Retirement also allowed time for Danard to reunite with his love of horses, as he owned a few Clydesdales and was always offering family and friends wagon or sleigh rides depending on the season. Who could forget his prize Massey Ferguson antique tractor which he enjoyed taking to countless antique shows and parades.

In 2016, Danard and Lois made their final move together when they sold their home and moved to the Turner apartments at the south end of Chesley. Life began to slow down for Danard, and he enjoyed catching up on local news in the newspaper and catching up with friends and community members at the local coffee shop. When relaxing at home, watching the Maple Leafs was a staple, as well as any home improvement shows. Although he gave up drinking on his own accord, Danard was known to enjoy the odd Molson Canadian, followed by a period where it was stubby Labatt Blue, and the odd whiskey. He always enjoyed company and conversation with a drink!

In recent years Danard’s health and body failed him, but the core loving, caring man remained. He was honest, showed patience (on occasion I am told), with a great sense of humour. In addition to his strong work ethic his care and love for Lois was second to none – he would do anything for her, and he loved her deeply. All you must do is open a book with his writing, and you will quickly see how much he cared for the wonderful woman he called his wife. He loved spending time with his family, and loved any opportunity to surprise them with his false teeth, right Linda?

Danard‘s health limited his activities, however he was always up for his daily “meetings” with the guys, chats with Jenny Mae at the crosswalk before and after school and who could forget walks with his brother to the North Pole… really. Ask Lois, the kids or Doug. There was also the family visiting where he enjoyed catching up with everyone, and spending time playing with the grandkids and more recently great-grandchildren. The newest generation often enjoyed walker rides with great-grandpa Bell!

In February of 2023, Danard’s health had declined to the point where Lois could no longer care for him at home. He moved to Elgin Abbey where he lived until their closure at the end of that year and then called Hanover Care Centre his home while coming home most Sundays to his favorite chair and remote. He enjoyed the social aspect of this living arrangement, however being separated from Lois and his family was difficult. Sadly, Danard passed away surrounded by family, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in his 89^th year.

Beloved husband of Lois (Moon). Loving father of Ron (Debra Hodgins) of Port Stanley, Karen (Keith) Scott of Belwood, Wayne (Betty), Linda Bell, and Robert (Pam), all of Chesley. Cherished grandfather of Stuart (Jenn) Michael (Danielle), Christopher (Nicole), Kevin (Michelle), Kyle, Ashlie (Eric), Amanda (Chris), Zackary (Kayla), Kenzie, Jarrod, Kenton, Ryan (Nicole), and Brandon. Great-grandfather of Megan, Justin, Christopher, Parker, Justin, Amelia, Tyler, Keyara, Ethan, Riley, Kelsea, Kristof, Landon, Avery, Wyatt, Aubrey, Wyatt, Emmett, Bowen, Cooper, Charlotte, Harlow, and Hudson. Danard will be dearly missed by his siblings Shirley McInnis of Owen Sound and Doug (Isabel) Bell of Chesley. He was predeceased by his daughter Denise, grandson Matthew, brother Ronald in infancy, and his parents Robert and Ruby (Fortune) Bell.

Family and friends are invited to a casual, come and go visitation at the Klages Mill, Chesley on Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m. where a memorial service honouring Danard’s life will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 1 p.m. Private family inurnment in Chesley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Chesley Community Players, or the Chesley Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.