Donald Dean Bell was born on Dec. 17, 1933 in Santa Ana California, to Kenneth and Dorothy Bell and died on October 17, 2014. His childhood was spent in several California cities and early on, he showed a real talent for farming. As a teenager, he worked on the family dairy farm and raised cattle for Future Farmers of America projects and at the age of 18, received the first of many State-wide achievement awards for agriculture.
He graduated from Turlock Joint Union High in 1951 and soon entered the University of California – Davis. His intent was to pursue dairy production, but, by the time of his graduation in 1955, he had discovered a passion for poultry production, to which, he devoted the rest of his life. While at UC Davis, he also found the love of his life, Lucy Justice, meeting her at a Cal Aggie Christian gathering. They were married on Sept 2, 1956, soon after his graduation from Davis with a degree in Animal Science. He later went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Avian Science from Colorado State University.
After a stint in the U.S. Army, Don began his career with the University of California as a Poultry Farm Advisor with the Extension Service. He began in Orange Co. and later moved to Riverside and served there for his remaining 42 year career. Along the way, he was appointed as Statewide Poultry Specialist and continued his service to the industry, even long after his retirement in 2000. As an Emeritus specialist, he continued to advise, teach and encourage a new generation of producers through his interactions and his research.
During his career, his prolific writing and research projects provided much of the foundation for today’s modern egg industry. In addition to 2 major textbooks, it is difficult to find any specific topic in poultry that his work did not touch upon at some point. As one of the leading researchers in the field, he was in demand as a keynote speaker and spoke at events around the world. He also consulted with key people in the worldwide industry and government officials, on improving production and welfare of animals. All who heard him speak knew of his commitment to this subject and his helpful nature made lasting friendships in the farthest corners of the world. The hundreds of awards and recognitions for his knowledge and service is now part of his legacy. The phrase “What does Don Bell have to say about it?” has become part of the language of a generation of producers and researchers. One of his last projects was to establish an Electronic Resource Library for the Egg Industry.
But, he was much more than just a Researcher and teacher – he had a deep love of music, photography, art, food, history and travel. His home was filled with mementos from his life and his travels. Many will remember him just humming a tune or whistling for the sheer pleasure of it as he worked. He was also very active in the life of his church, serving as Deacon and Elder for the Riverside Calvary Presbyterian Church, which he joined in 1966.
Don is survived by Lucy, his wife of 58 years, his two children Warren (Shelly) of Yucaipa, CA, and Sharon (Carel) Breytenbach of South Paris, ME, and his “Little Buddy” (grandson) Bryce Bell. His bond with his grandson Bryce was special and their inseparable bond will surpass this physical world. He is also survived by his brother K. Stanley Bell of Newport Beach, CA. His sister, Doris Risenhoover predeceased him.
Don will be remembered for his generosity of spirit and genuine interest and concern about the people he met. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. He loved his family and church and treasured the friends he had made over the years while serving the Poultry Industry.
His celebration of life, Memorial service will be held at Calvary Presbyterian Church on November 1, 2014 at 11:00 AM, located at 4495 Magnolia Ave. in Riverside. He will be inurned in a private ceremony at the Riverside National Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, the Bell Family has requested that you send memorial donations to:
The American Heart Association directly through a Memorial Page setup in his honor at http://honor.americanheart.org/goto/donaldbell
Or
Donations may be made to the PSA Foundation, 1800 S. Oak Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820, Memo – in memory of Donald D. Bell.
The Poultry Science Association Foundation’s capital campaign, “Charting Our Course”, extends the research base upon which the future of poultry science and the poultry industry depends. It supports the education, development and training of students who will become the next generation of scientists and industry leaders. Funding will support students in poultry or avian science with Undergraduate Scholarships, Graduate Fellowships, Student Travel Awards, and Preceptor/Mentoring Grants.
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