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Susan Zehnder posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Roger Bell: a painter with a sense of wonder
Roger arrived in the Lifelong Watercolor class interested in trying out a new skill. He began by checking the class out while the class checked him out. It grew to be a wonderful relationship mutual in support and encouragement. Watching Roger blossom in his work, attitude and kindness to others was inspiring. His drawing and painting had a whimsical side. He worked hard at what he did, and clearly enjoyed himself. Soon, he was an important part of the class. When asked, he was always “bright and sparkling.” He was kind and respectful to others in the class, always enjoyed participating in group exercises and challenges, and when he felt like he had been successful, he was happy to share. He proudly let everyone know when his work was accepted into gallery shows. And in return, the whole class was proud of his work, and thrilled to see him grow as a creative person. His steadfast courage to overcome his own hurdles in life was inspiring.
When I ran the class, I photographed each artist’s weekly work so they could see their own progress. I’m not sure that Roger would have chosen this drawing, but I always liked it and think it captures his kindness and sense of wonder. Roger will be missed by many.
-Susan Zehnder, former Lifelong Watercolor instructor
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Meyer posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
While watching him trying to achieve a good likeness of the floral set ups in front of him there was a struggle on his part to "get it right". None-the-less, he was able to express his own personal style which was totally his own. His dedication to the art of painting was very apparent to me and. I will always remember him as a sensitive and considerate member of the group. I am sure that Susan has similar thoughts about Roger as well.
Best wishes to you,
Meyer
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Fred Warner, Jr. posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Roger will be remembered for his cheerful manner and good humor. His distinctive painting style always invited positive comment, and more recently we shared our mutual appreciation for woodworking hand tools. He will be missed.
Fred Warner, Jr.
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Max Welcome posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
I will miss Roger’s gentle ways and quiet sense of humor.
Max Welcome
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Suzanne Bell, sister posted a condolence
Thursday, July 23, 2020
I am so grateful to my late sister, Nan, for getting Roger moved to Ithaca in 2007. He had some ups and downs there, but thank goodness, his last years were all "ups." Despite Parkinson's, and damage from a bad fall and other issues... he was lovin' life. He particularly enjoyed his art classes - it's so wonderful to hear all the tributes from his classmates! - and volunteering at Ithaca Reuse. Thank goodness, his end was not covid-related, but a series of falls, Parkinson's, and - well - sometimes your organs simply decide for you: time to check out. It was quick, and it didn't hurt, and I held his hand until he was peaceful.
To all the aids who worked with him and were so fond of him: my heartfelt thanks. Ithaca's social services are The Best. He could not have been in a better place!
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Sandy Plumb posted a condolence
Thursday, July 23, 2020
I wish I had known Roger before his accident. He was a quiet and gentle man with a warm and sweet smile. I left for my winter in Florida and when I returned I could see he had made much progress in recovery of his speech and control of his hands in painting. He brought some woodworking tools from home for us to use for still life painting. When I asked about them, in his slow and halting way, gave a very detailed description of the materials and how they were used. Most were antique. He enjoyed painting these items and spent several weeks doing his painting. He was friendly and kind. We will miss him.
Sandy Plumb
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Sylvia posted a condolence
Thursday, July 23, 2020
I will miss him and his unique paintings.
Sylvia
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Lori posted a condolence
Thursday, July 23, 2020
I am still having difficulty thinking that if we ever get back to class, Roger will not be a physical part of us. People come and go in our lives, but there was something about his quiet, gentle spirit that left a real impact on us. I know I am richer for knowing him. - Lori
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Suzanne posted a condolence
Thursday, July 23, 2020
I've known Roger for many years. He was always a gentleman, with a sense of nobility.
He struggled with his physical conditions graciously, and I have never heard him complain or criticize. Suzanne
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Blanche posted a condolence
Thursday, July 23, 2020
So sorry to hear he was my table mate in class
Such a kind and sweet man. Blanche
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D Spiro posted a condolence
Thursday, July 23, 2020
I'll miss Roger. He got to class early and we got to talk before anyone else arrived. He had a great sense of humor. D Spiro
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Max posted a condolence
Thursday, July 23, 2020
So sad - he was the exact same age as my husband - almost to the day. I hope he wasn’t ill for long. Max
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Sue Kilgore posted a condolence
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Thank you for all your attention to honor Roger. I knew and admired Roger when I attended the Tuesday art class.
Sue Kilgore
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Sandy posted a condolence
Thursday, July 23, 2020
I am so sorry to hear this. It seemed he had made such progress through last summer with his speech and ability to express himself and use of his body. Art seemed to be a great expression for him. I hope his family will provide an obit that will let us know more about him. Thanks for letting us know.
Sandy
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Lori Kelly posted a condolence
Thursday, July 9, 2020
I was saddened to learn of Roger's passing. I knew him through the watercolor group at Lifelong. There were several of us that came early and Roger was always there. When I came in and would ask him how he was today he always replied, "bright and sparkly." Such a wonderful greeting to begin the day.I have many more fond memories of him from being so excited one year over his birthday cake (strawberry) to bringing his beautiful woodworking tools in for us to enjoy and paint. In the three years I knew him I could see how much his painting changed. He really seemed to take in what suggestions were given him and apply it to the work he did. If we are ever able to return to Lifelong and begin being together again I can only say he will surely be missed! A lovely gentle soul if ever there was one.
Lori Kelly
Groton, NY
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The family of Roger Hunt Bell uploaded a photo
Monday, July 6, 2020
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