‘He loved being a firefighter’: Read the obituary for Michael Bell

Loved ones of the firefighter killed in an explosion in Farmington, Maine, last week are remembering the 68-year-old for his dedication to his family and helping others. 

Michael Bell.

Michael Bell was a 30-year veteran of the Farmington Fire Department and his family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the Firemen’s Benevolent Association. 

“He enjoyed helping people and he loved being a firefighter,” his loved ones wrote in his obituary. 

Bell was a native of Farmington and joined the fire department as a volunteer, working his way up to the rank of captain as his father and brother had before him. His brother, Fire Chief Terry Bell, was injured in the same devastating propane explosion that took the 68-year-old’s life.

Five other firefighters, an ambulance worker, and a maintenance worker at the nonprofit housed in the leveled building were also injured in the blast. According to the Town of Farmington, Terry Bell remains in critical condition. Three of the remaining firefighters have been released from the hospital, but two remain in critical and serious condition, as does maintenance worker Larry Lord. 

In Michael Bell’s obituary, the fire captain’s family remembered the 68-year-old’s love of road trips and traveling with his family. 

“He enjoyed building things and home improvement projects often assisted by family and his ‘firefighter family’ over the years,” they wrote. “Michael liked football (Patriots all the way) and loved to watch his grandsons play basketball, soccer, flag football and baseball. He enjoyed the outdoors, hikes, fishing, visiting his ‘grand horses,’ even mowing his lawn.”

The family held a private funeral keeping with Bell’s wishes, his loved ones said. 

“Michael was understated and unassuming in nature,” they wrote. 

Read the full obituary, shared by Wiles Remembrances Centers, below.

FARMINGTON – Michael Alan Bell, 68, of Farmington, a 30 year veteran of the Farmington Fire Department, died in the line of duty on the morning of Sept. 16, 2019.

Michael was born on Sept. 30, 1950 in Farmington, the son of John O. Bell ”Jack” and Marcelle (Tardy) Bell. He received his education in Farmington schools and graduated from Farmington High School in 1968. He briefly attended both UMF and UMA. His early years were spent in the grocery industry. He later joined his father in the plumbing business, locally known as Jack Bell and Son Plumbing.

On Oct 17, 1970 he married his loving wife, Diana Tracy, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Farmington. They went on to have three wonderful daughters and four amazing grandsons.

Mike was active in the community serving as a volunteer on Mexico Fire Department and various Committees during the early 80’s until returning to his hometown of Farmington in 1989. He then joined Farmington Fire Department as a volunteer and worked his way up through the ranks to Captain, as his father, Jack, and brother, Terry, before him. Michael was employed by Farmington Fire Department on a per diem basis in more recent years. He was also a long time member of the Maine State Federation of Firefighters.

Mike had semi-retired from the plumbing business to spend more time with his wife, children and grandsons. He enjoyed building things and home improvement projects often assisted by family and his ‘firefighter family’ over the years. Michael liked football (Patriots all the way) and loved to watch his grandsons play basketball, soccer, flag football and baseball. He enjoyed the outdoors, hikes, fishing, visiting his ‘grand horses,’ even mowing his lawn. Road trips in his Suburban or in his RV were also enjoyed. Mike loved to travel to St Maarten, Disney and Rangeley with his wife, family, grandsons and his friends. He enjoyed helping people and he loved being a Firefighter.

Mike is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diana of Farmington; their three daughters: Michelle Fish and her husband, Michael and their sons, Camden and Brennan of Marshfield, MA; Danielle Flannery and husband, Shane and children, Ryan Smith, Garrett Smith of Farmington, Leo Flannery of AK and Alexia Flannery of MD; Sara Bell and Dale Persing of Rockport; sister, Bonnie Lander of Strong; three brothers: John E. Bell and wife, Jan; Terry Bell and wife, Denise; and Ronald Bell all of Farmington; several nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts. He was predeceased by his parents, an infant brother, Bruce Bell; and sister, Donna Bell Ellis.

Michael was understated and unassuming in nature. He preferred less fanfare, no fuss. In keeping with these traits, he wanted a simple and private arrangement at his passing. It was his humble way of protecting his wife, children and grandsons and allowing them time to grieve.

The family mourned him privately at the Wiles Remembrance Center: Adams McFarlane Chapel, 137 Farmington Falls Rd, Farmington. Following cremation, private family graveside services will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Farmington at some future date when his family and ‘firefighter family’ members are healed, rested and able to attend.

In lieu of flowers, his family suggests remembrance gifts may be given to the Firemen’s Benevolent Association c/o Farmington Fire Dept., 153 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938. You are invited to visit his memorial wall to leave a kind message of condolence at www.wilesrc.com.