Obituary of Herbert Botley Bell

Herbert (Huddy) Botley Bell October 31, 1925 - August 27, 2009 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Huddy Bell on Thursday, August 27, 2009, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 83 years. A very recent fall while doing business in Regina, Saskatchewan led to his untimely death. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Shirley, in 1997, after 48 years of marriage. Huddy will be greatly missed by his children: Ruth Anne (Gary) Carpendale and her sons, Riley and Casey Darke of Kelowna, British Columbia; Dr. Thomas (Lorie) Bell, his son, Taylor and their children Nicholas and Savannah of Toronto, Ontario; Dr. Shirley (DeeDee) (Dr. Tom) Maltman and their children, Tyler, Crombie, Reid and Tasha of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Lisa Wolfe and her children, Moorea, Whitney, Clayton and Cody of Scottsdale, Arizona. Huddy was born in Regina to Thomas and Nellie Bell on October 31, 1925. As a young child, he was already an entrepreneur, selling chocolate bars and delivering the Leader Post. By age 13, he had quit school, hopped a freight train to Ontario, and worked in the bush as a welder and truck driver. His childhood love of hockey grew and by age 16, he first travelled to New York City to play. As a teen, he also competitively raced cars and motorcycles, as well as bought and sold cars to help make a living. Huddys hockey career really started with the Regina Commandos (SJHL) 1943-44 and he played in the Memorial Cup that year. He played with the New York Rovers (EAHL) 1945-46. Huddy was with the New Haven Ramblers (AHL) 1946-47 and was called up to the New York Rangers (NHL) by the end of the year. He played with the Saint Paul Saints (USHL) 1948 to 1950 and the Tacoma Rockets (PCHL) 1950-51. Huddy was back with the New York Rovers (EAHL) 1951-52 and finished his career with the Regina Caps (SSHL) from 1952 to 1954. He was selected to the SSHL All Star Team in 1952-53. During the 1980s, he was a co-owner of the Regina Pats Hockey Club. In the 1950s, he also played for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Team. He has remained a loyal fan of the Riders since. After his hockey and football careers were over, Huddy enjoyed golfing for many years until very recently. From his days at the Regina Golf and Country Club to the Wascana Club, and more recently, the years spent at the Camelback Golf Club in Paradise Valley, Arizona; he certainly loved both the game and spending time with his many golf cronies. In the early 1950s, after a brief venture into the horse meat business in Toronto and Hamilton, he eventually established his own car lot in Regina, Stampede Motors. By 1959, he built the Bell City Motel on South Albert Street in Regina, which he owned until 1975. It is now known as the West Harvest Inn. During the 1950s and 1960s, Huddy had constructed numerous buildings and apartment blocks in both Regina and Saskatoon. He also owned the Georgia Hotel in Regina in the 1970s. It was during the 1970s that the focus of Huddys business was moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Early on, he was a land developer, building apartments, condos and townhouses in Phoenix. In the 1980s, Huddy began working with the United States Federal Government and the Bureau of Land Management to acquire lands for National Parks. Acquiring and trading land in Arizona for development was his forte. He continued in the land business on various levels until the time of his death. Huddy was a self described horse trader? and loved making the deal? most of all. His lack of formal education was greatly overshadowed by his street smarts and the ability to close the deal today, on a handshake?. This was the secret to his success. His love of the car business also continued through the years as you could still find him at the car auction just a few weeks ago. From the runner up bid to purchase the Queen Mary for anchor in Vancouver Harbour, to turning down an employment offer from the Hunt Brothers of Dallas; receiving an invitation to the Republican 1995 Inaugural Ball, to a mention in Peter C. Newmans book, The Acquisitors, his life was always colourful and exciting. This large life full of these many experiences defined him. Huddys infectious laugh and his welcoming demeanour made everyone around him aware of how he enjoyed life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by many people but especially by his family. His lifelong commitments to his family will always be remembered. Huddy is also survived by his younger brother Richard (Dick) (Betty) Bell; predeceased by his older brothers, George and William (Bill) and his sister Margaret. Many thanks to Dr. C. Appleton, Dr. S. Swanson, Dr. B. Kimbel, Dr. M. Spangel, Dr. B. Patel and the many staff involved in Dads excellent care over the years at the Mayo Clinic and hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. The Funeral Service will be held in Regina, Saskatchewan, Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Heritage Alliance Church, 3575 Hillsdale Street, Regina with Dr. Bill McAlpine presiding. In honour of Huddys memory, please consider supporting Kidsport, 1870 Lorne Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 2L7 or the Childrens Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, Provincial Office, #1 - 345 3rd Avenue South, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 1M6. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com