Earl Bell, Long-Time Staff Member and Friend to AGC, Passed Away
It was with a great deal of sadness that the AGC of Washington members and staff learned of the loss of one of its long-time staff members Earl Bell to cancer on November 6. Earl had been living in Arizona with his wife Robynn since he retired from AGC in 1995.
Earl was born in Gresham Oregon November 21 1928. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Emily Bell. He attended Sandy High School then the University of Oregon (majoring in accounting) and he completed his degree at Seattle University. Earl excelled as an athlete during school primarily in baseball. He continued playing baseball as an adult and was inducted into the Sun City West Senior Softball Hall of Fame.
Earl served in the Marine Corps as a medical evacuation specialist during the Korean conflict. Following his military service Earl pursued a career in construction before joining the Mountain Pacific Heavy Highway Chapter of AGC where he remained employed for more than 30 years. For most of his career with AGC he held the title of Director of Labor Relations. Working in an environment that was often very challenging and emotional Earl had a way of bringing people together under some of the most difficult circumstances and keeping the parties focused on the issues at hand. Using these skills and his dry sense of humor he gained the respect and admiration of all those with whom he came in contact including union leaders employers and public servants.
He was an avid golfer whose game only got better through the years in contrast to many of those with whom he had the opportunity to play. He continued this hobby right up to the final months of his life.
Earl loved to fly and spent many hours with fellow AGC employee Dick Bristow serving as his “co-pilot” on numerous business and personal flights. But above all his pursuits he put his family at the head of the list of his priorities regardless of the demands of his profession.
Earl was a staunch supporter of the AGC organization and thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it. He found great pleasure when his son and grandson became involved in the contractor side of the AGC.
He is survived by his wife Robynn his son Randal (AGC member with Freeman Bell Construction & Development LLC) and his wife Stephanie; his daughter Tara Canderlaria Hansen and her husband Jerry; grandchildren Cameron Bell (Project manager with AGC member Northwest Construction) Austin Bell Amber Canderlaria and Elyse Canderlaria. He also has two surviving brothers Carl Bell and Robert Bell and one sister Pat Morgan of Gresham Oregon.
Earl was elected as an Honorary Member of AGC of Washington following his retirement. He was dedicated to AGC throughout his professional career and he will be sorely missed by all those who knew and worked with him.