Obituary of David "Dinger" Bell

The Man, the Myth, the Legend

While some of us knew him as David, most of us knew him simply as Dinger. Born July 30, 1950, Dinger unexpectedly passed away the day after his 74th birthday on July 31, 2024.

He was a larger-than-life personality, a man of many talents and endless stories. Predeceased by his parents, Bud and Marilyn, Dinger is survived by his devoted partner of 24 years, Lynn, and his son Denis (Leah). He also leaves behind his stepchildren Rick and Chandra, Nathan and Nick (Lexie), and his beloved grandchildren, Arissa and Levi. Dinger’s family includes his sisters Shirley (Rick) and Shawn (Joe), as well as Eric, who was like another son to him. He will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, and extended family, as well as his cherished black lab, Maddy, who will feel his absence dearly.

Dinger was a man of many talents that truly exhibited his passion for life. He began his career as an Ironworker, walking the iron hundreds of feet above the ground. As a lead hand this work included structural steel, rebar, hoisting/rigging and welding. After graduating from Devry (and no he wasn’t on the commercial but wanted to), he began his new career at the Niagara Region as an Electrical technician. This work often kept him in the bucket, lifting traffic poles and signals, and keeping the traffic lights operating. To round out his time at the Region he drove plough and worked the heavy equipment and tractors. While his professional career kept him moving throughout Ontario, his passion for the outdoors, weightlifting, and motorcycles kept him busy in his free time.

Dinger was the life of the party and he truly lived his life to the fullest. He had a story for everyday and seemed to have lived multiple lifetimes. To name a few he cherished the long days at his cottage in Bancroft, the cabin in Westfield, the old beach days in Crystal Beach, countless poker runs on the bike, riding across the US to Sturgis, biking throughout New York State and Pennsylvania, running his fishing charter boat and remodeling his country style home and elaborate koi pond. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved his black Labrador retrievers. Most days were spent enjoying the sun, walking and four wheeling in the Butts, enjoying the company of close friends and spending the evenings by the fire.

Dinger was slightly intimidating with his tough exterior and brash persona but for the ones who were truly close to him, we got to see a caring Father, Partner, papa and friend. What can be said about Dinger was he was a man who would give you the shirt off his back and help you in time of need while giving you free advice in the process. We always said he should have written a book about all his experiences and stories. In hindsight his book is our memories and he will never be forgotten. When remembering Dinger, think about the man he was, how he lived his life to the fullest, the good times, and all the cherished memories.

In keeping with Dinger’s wishes, cremation has taken place and arrangements are entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services. A celebration of Dinger's remarkable life will be held at a later time.