Dr. David V.J. Bell

April 9, 1944 - January 10, 2017

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our beloved David, who died at Kensington Hospice after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born and raised in Toronto, David was an Ontario scholar who won the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship after attending Glendon College. He went on to receive his PhD in Political Science from Harvard University. David taught at Michigan State University and then returned to Canada in 1971 to teach at York University. There, he served as Dean of Graduate Studies and later as Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Studies. He is the author of several books and countless articles. In addition to his academic work, David was a member of the National Round Table on the Environment and Economy and he was Chair of the Board of Directors of Parc-Downsview-Park. He has served as a consultant in the public and private sector, advising several universities and governments, including Canada, Jamaica and China. Since retiring as a Professor Emeritus, David served as Chair of the Board for Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) where he has dedicated his time for the past eleven years. His commitment to sustainability and education has impacted policy makers, educators and youth across the globe. His contributions have been recognized through awards including: The Green Toronto Award for Leadership in Sustainability, The 2016 Harry Jerome Award, Clean50 Award, and the Jackie Robinson Fortitude Award.

David was a proud Canadian and an accomplished musician. When he was young, David studied with Ray Brown at Oscar Peterson’s Advanced School of Contemporary Music. Even in his retirement, he was an active bassist for both small jazz ensembles as well as big bands.

Above all, David was a man who loved his family. He is survived by his wife Kaaren and their children Kristin (Scott Doan) and Jason (Veronica Syrtash), and their grandchildren Tatam, Kol, and Lia.

Visitation will be at RS Kane Funeral Home - Sunday January 15th 2-5 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Thornhill Golf & Country Club (7994 Yonge St) - Monday January 16th at 2 pm. Donations may be made to the Wallace McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer through Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or Kensington Hospice in Toronto or Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF). LSF has established the Dr. David V.J. Bell Memorial Fund to continue his legacy in support of empowering our children to change the world. For more info, visit www.rskane.ca