Murray Kenneth Bell

Murray Kenneth Bell passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2020 after a brief illness at the age of 77. He died peacefully with his wife Linda of 32 years by his side.

He was born in Canley Vale, Australia on May 9, 1943 to parents Harry Bell and Edna Brennan, living most of his young life in Cabramatta, NSW. He has two surviving brothers Darrell, wife Helen and Lyle, wife Ellen of Wallacia, N.S.W. Australia and nieces and nephews. As a young man in Australia he was a gifted athlete, he enjoyed playing soccer and he loved surfing off the beautiful Australian beaches.

Murray married his high school sweetheart, Helen Mitchell, at the age of 20. They had two children Stacey George, husband Garry of Adelaide, Australia with 3 children, and Grant Bell, wife Andrea of Melbourne, Australia, and 2 children. They enjoyed living many years together near Sydney. Murray and his second wife had a son Brett Bell who lives in Brisbane, Australia with his 3 children.

He had a long successful career in Australia working in Engineering and production. He moved to the US in 1987 to work for Travis Industries and there met his wife, Linda. He greatly enjoyed his occupation and those he worked with. His work ethic and doing his job well was very important to him. He formed many lasting friendships while there. Murray remained at Travis Industries until his retirement in 2009.

Murray and Linda married on June 18, 1988 and had a loving, extraordinary journey together. Blessed to have 32 years of marriage filled with love, joy, and all the experiences life and a huge family brings. They were truly a loving team. They traveled from state to state in their motorhome and took many trips to Australia. Their extended trips to Australia were spent visiting his children, grandchildren, first wife, brothers, nieces, and nephews and touring his beautiful country. Such happy times! When they weren't traveling, they enjoyed riding and raising Quarter Horses. They spent several years vacationing at their property in the Methow Valley, creating many fun memories with friends and family. When they moved to Enumclaw in 1994, Murray said it reminded him of his home in Australia and he loved living there, surrounded by ranches, farms and near the beauty of nature. He said it gave him such peace.

Together, Murray and Linda have 8 children. He helped raise her 5 in the U.S., Vince, wife Paula and 3 children, Todd, wife Stephanie and 2 children, Eric and 2 children, Lisa, husband John and 2 children, and Amy with 5 children. They have 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren in the U.S. and 8 grandchildren in Australia. All of whom adore him - he was our Pop, Granddad, Kenneth and our Murmee.  He was truly the Rock of the family; we all looked to him for support, answers, and love. Whenever or wherever needed, he was there. Everything was always better when Murmee was around. 

Trying to describe Murray with words is nearly impossible, the stories he would tell and the mischief he would cause - so many great stories. His sense of humor was renowned. He was larger than life and lived it to the fullest. He was a big man with a huge heart. He loved deeply and unconditionally and stood by his word with a firm handshake. He was a man of principles, great faith in The Lord, honest, and with true integrity. There was never a question of where he stood. He was an amazing, loyal friend to all who knew him, and greatly respected. Whether it be family, those he worked with, friends wherever he lived, acquaintances, all who knew him loved him. He left a lasting impression on us all. He treasured his wife, family, and friends; they were his joy and comfort. The void he leaves on this earth will be filled with love he had for us, our love for him and our incredible memories. Murray was a straight shooter or what Australians call a ‘True Blue Aussie.’ He was considered a ‘Bloody good bloke and a good mate!’ He’ll always be in our hearts... until we meet again. 

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