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BRIAN ROBERT BELL
Date of Passing: Jan 19, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBRIAN ROBERT BELL
The prosecution rests.
Family, friends and professional counterparts in the legal community are mourning the profound loss of former Manitoba Crown attorney Brian Bell, who fought valiantly but finally bowed out of his self-proclaimed "Rat F--- Road Trip" that is cancer.
Brian was preparing for a trip of a lifetime to Antarctica last fall with Beth, the love of his life and faithful travelling partner, as part of their goal to visit every continent, when he was diagnosed. Sadly, that journey had to be cancelled.
He was 66 and still the most handsome man in the place when he passed away Monday, January 19, 2026 at Grace Hospital with his family by his side.
Brian leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Beth; daughter Andrea and her partner Blake; son David and his wife Sara; and their children, Bridget, Charlotte and Tripp, who brought so much joy and light into Grampie’s life. Loving them was so easy and uncomplicated for him. Time spent playing with them in the pool in Westwood or playing in the park and reading stories at their home in Toronto was cherished. Also left missing him is his sweet and obedient dog, Lucy.
Also left to mourn Brian’s loss are his brothers, Bruce (Enza) and Brad (Theresa); his mother-in-law Patti (George); his sister-in-law Allyson and husband Jason; and many nieces and nephews he cared for deeply.
Brian developed many close and enduring friendships over the years, far too many to list, however, the bonds he built with The Himmel, Craig, Buck, Schille, Brett and Frank were unbreakable.
Brian was predeceased by his parents, Norm and Bev Bell, and his father-in-law, Hugh Turnbull.
From an early age, Brian had a keen interest in serving Canada in uniform. At just 15, he made the weekly bus journey from Selkirk to McGregor Armouries to parade as an air cadet. After high school graduation, he enrolled in the Canadian Forces and saw duty in West Germany with the Royal Canadian Dragoons. He joined the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry at Kapyong Barracks where he served for three years at the rank of lieutenant as the commander of a rifle platoon. Brian saw operational service with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus during 2PPCLI’s tour in 1982-83 for which he received the United Nations Cyprus Medal and the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal. Later, he joined the Fort Garry Horse as a Reserve Force Officer to help train subsequent cohorts of armoured officers.
After his discharge, he began his studies at the University of Winnipeg in 1984 and entered the University of Manitoba School of Law in 1986. He was called to the Bar in 1991 and began a long and distinguished career in the Crown’s office.
A consummate professional, Brian’s remarkable courage and dedication to serving and safeguarding our community left a lasting mark. He had a gentle personality and was witty, well read and wise. But he was also stern and honest, gaining the respect of judges, lawyers and court staff across the province through to his retirement in 2016.
Brian demonstrated an enduring commitment to volunteer work. He was a founding board member of Candace House, served on the boards of the Commissionaires of Manitoba and the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Foundation, and walked the large dogs at the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter daily – rain or shine – for a decade.
But of all his great accomplishments, being an adored husband and true partner for Beth, a fantastic father, silly Grampie, brother, uncle and friend was what made him the proudest.
A celebration of Brian’s life will be held Tuesday, February 3 at 3:00 p.m. at Centro Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter, 2727 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0R2.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2026
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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My sincerest condolences to Brian's immediate and extended family. I worked with Brian for a number of years in the Department of Justice. he was a pleasure at all times to be around and to float ideas past. His contribution to the office atmosphere was tremendous, and in an age where going the extra mile was commonplace, he still stood out amongst the foremost. His public service was impeccable, and I'm sure that his family obligations were dealt with in an equally outstanding way. I will miss seeing Brian and the highly unlikely (for a law office, at least) picture of him squatting in front of a tank! - Posted by: John D Peden (Work Colleague) on: Jan 25, 2026
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Brian served in The Fort Garry Horse in the 1980s, when I was serving. His experience with the Regular Force, particularly in Cyprus, meant he was well respected and liked within the Garrys. He left the unit to focus on his career in law. The FGH missed him, because he was such an excellent officer, but the Province gained a long-serving Crown Attorney. Our condolences to family and friends. David Stones Lieutenant-Colonel(ret'd) - Posted by: David Stones (Fellow former Army Reservist) on: Jan 25, 2026
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I was so very sorry to learn of Brian’s untimely passing. During my 28 years on the Court of Queen’s Bench, I got to know and admire Brian for his ethics, intellect, and sense of humour. The world has lost a good man. - Posted by: Jeffrey Oliphant (Professional) on: Jan 25, 2026
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We are so saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. Our hearts ache for Beth and the entire Bell family for such a loss, much too early. We offer our most sincere condolences to Beth, David and Andrea. We did not know Brian deeply well, but what we did know of him was that he was a rock and was steadfast in his command of life, probably similar to his approach to his service, which we humbly respect and honour. It does not surprise us to hear that Brian coined his final journey as the “Rat F$&K Road Trip”. As a fellow “Selkirkan”, a heartfelt adieu. - Posted by: John and Terri Longbottom (Friends) on: Jan 25, 2026
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I was saddened to hear of Brian's passing. We served together in Second Battalion PPCLI and referred to each other as brother Brian and brother Jake. I will remember him for his rapier wit and generosity. As a new Officer in the unit he helped me immensely with advice and support. We kept tabs on each other over the years and was pleasantly surprised to see him at the Commissionaires' AGM in 2024 in Saint John where we were able to reconnect over a beer. He spoke of his family often and his deep love and commitment was obvious. I had the opportunity to chat with him around Christmas time and saw that he was facing this final challenge with the fortitude and determination that he exhibited throughout his life. A life well lived and he will be truly missed. I am a much better person for having known him. - Posted by: Jake Bell (Army Buddy) on: Jan 25, 2026
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Brian is an amazing person, a much needed person full of wisdom and joy in these times. So unfair to be taken so early. I guess Bev and Norman need him more than us. - Posted by: Bradley (Brother) on: Jan 24, 2026
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Condolence to the family from all members of the Edmonton branch of the PPCLI Association. Taken at such a young age. Once a Patricia Always a Patricia. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him. May he Rest in Peace VP - Posted by: Herb Kenny (work) on: Jan 24, 2026
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Please accept my most sincere condolences on Brian's passing. I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Brian on the Board of Commissionaires and The Royal Winnipeg Rifles Foundation. Brian's common sense, legal insights and deep interest in assisting these two organizations was always genuine. I was also very proud to say that Brian and I served in the same regiment - Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry where Brian was acknowledged as a wonderful commander and leader, with a unique ability to associate with the soldiers. He was the commensurate soldier. - Posted by: Ray Crabbe (Friend) on: Jan 24, 2026
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Brian and Bruce were my class mates at Springfield Heights Elementary School many years ago. We lost contact after elementary school but have often thought of them over the years. My condolences to your families. - Posted by: Harold Thiessen (Class mate) on: Jan 24, 2026
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Sorry for your loss David. - Posted by: Blair Grabski (Friend of his son) on: Jan 24, 2026
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Sending love to Brian's family during this difficult time. I met Brian throughout my career with Dept of Justice. Brian wasn't just a colleague, he was the standard of excellence we all aspire to become. He approached the complexities of law with intellect and unwavering integrity. Brian was always the steady hand in a what can be a turbulent environment. The halls of Justice were never the same upon his retirement. What a beautiful life he lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Genevieve Michael (Colleague) on: Jan 24, 2026
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Beautiful tribute to a Brian. Beth and I have been friends since high school. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Brian when they started dating. They have a beautiful love story that is filled with love, family and friends. Life doesn’t always go as planned. (That part sucks). They had the kind of love that I always admired and was blessed to witness. This kind of loss will be hard to over come. Beth, Andie, and David so sorry for you lose. Life will be forever changed. Cherish the memories and know that Brian truly was one of the good guys. Love you all - Posted by: Tracy Martineau (Family friend) on: Jan 24, 2026
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Our sincere Condolences to Beth, David and Andy. We lived down the road from them on Bluegrass Road for 16 years. Our lives intersected in many ways. David and our son, played hockey in our basement or they jammed on their guitars. Our daughter nannied for them. David particularly liked having Diana as a babysitter. Doug and I shared in a number of social gatherings with Beth and Brian and other neighbors. Many years later Beth officiated Diana and Andrew’s wedding ceremony in Banff. In all these years, it was a sincere pleasure to be around all of them. Diana learned so much from spending lots of time with their family. We will always be grateful for the impact they had in her life. Brian was always a gentle soft spoken soul. Brian, there is definitely a place in heaven for you. Enjoy your time there. To Beth, David and Andy, May God give you strength to cope with loss of your loved one. You will always be in our prayers. - Posted by: Doug and Maria Bailey (Neighbours) on: Jan 24, 2026