The obituary notice of William BELL

I have just found out the very sad news that my uncle Bill has sadly passed away. My memories of Bill are family occasions as a child with my Nana (Lilian), Bill's mother in law, my mother (Joan), his sister in law, my dad and my two older brothers, Nigel and Mark. I remember a very gentle man, who at the time was still grieving the tragic loss of his wife Margaret in an horrific car crash. Although we lost touch over the years we regained contact when my mother passed away a number of years ago. He was kind enough to be there to share in our loss. He was still that gental softly spoken uncle that I had remembered from my childhood.
Our thoughts are with his wife Isabel and his family.
Rest in peace uncle Bill.

Sleep well Bill at rest now God Bless xx

Sleep Well Bell at rest now Love from Kaye and family xx

Sleep Well Bill at rest now love from Kaye and Family xxx

I was informed about Bill’s death by a former colleague and subsequently called Dave Cobner to let him know of this news. It was something that we both found really devastating. Quite recently Dave and I had been speaking about Bill’s huge influence, not only on the School of Sport but also on both of us individually. So we agreed we should visit Bill to catch up on things with him in the near future. Unfortunately, much to our sadness, this was not to be.

In his tribute Dave, I feel, has faithfully captured Bill’s qualities in a manner which reflects hugely the personal effect he had on both of us and on those who were privileged to benefit from his knowledge and professional standards.

Bill, Dave and I were often required to work closely together, particularly in relation to assembling final degree profiles and classifications for all the students. This was achieved at a time when Bill’s programming skills allowed the School to produce the only computerised student final profiles in the university at that time. These occasions could become somewhat pressurised and fraught, until Bill would break the tension with one of his classis one-liners and have us in fits!

God bless you Bill.

Sincere condolences to Isabel and all the family.

Sean Power

Bill Bell was a “Cyncoed Lifer” – from his days as a student in the 1950’s to his time as an Emeritus Preofessor in the 2010’s, Bill was always there!

As a lecturer/dissertation supervisor/teaching practice tutor Bill set high standards for himself and expected his students to follow suit. His preparation was meticulous and he had a great delivery style, especially in practical sport settings.

As a researcher in the world of Physical Education Bill was way ahead of his time. He was involved in JM Tanner’s research group that produced the seminal study on children’s growth and development in the 1960’s and during his long and illustrious career he published over 35 research papers in academic journals.

As a leader and administrator Bill was central to the operational management of the PE Department/School of Sport. He was a Principal Lecturer and succeeded Syd Aaron as Head of Department between 1989 and 1991. Bill led the development of the original BA(Hons) Human Movement Studies degree in the late 1970’s and its ongoing development over the first decade of delivery.

When Bill was in business mode he was very focussed and meticulous. Yet away from work Bill had a sharp wit and a great sense of humour. Some of his one liner quips would have us in fits of laughter.

In the latter stages of his time at Cyncoed, as an Emiritus Professor, Bill continued his own research and mentored/supervised many of the younger staff, such as Steve Cooper and Richard Tong, through their doctorate studies.

Much of what we see at Cyncoed today would never have happened without the vision and input of Professor Bill Bell I will be forever grateful for his service to the University and his lifelong mentorship and friendship.

Sincere condolences to Isabel and all the family.

Rest in peace, Bill.