Robert "Bob" Bell

Robert "Bob" Bell, 85, passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2026, with his family by his side in Presque Isle. He was born in Washburn on February 22, 1941 the son of the late Herman and Gayla (Glidden) Bell. He lived a life defined by hard work, dedication, and deep love for his family and the land. Bob spent his entire life working on the farm-a life's work that he loved. He did not fully retire until the age of 82, after spending more than 30 years of his career with Irving Farms. He took great pride in his work and always felt like family. He was truly grateful for the life he built. Bob found great joy in time spent with his family. He also enjoyed riding his Harley in earlier years, taking long rides to visit his children and grandchildren. He took pride not only in his work, but in the relationships, he built throughout his life. Bob will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of family, and the pride he carried in everything he did. His legacy will live on in the fields he worked, the family he raised, and the lives he touched.

Bob is survived by his children; Gail Burtt of Washburn, Vickie Thibeau and husband Randy of Buford, GA, Robert Bell Jr. and wife Lisa of Brunswick, GA, a stepdaughter, Lisa Labbe and husband Denis of The Villages, FL, a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Sperrey Bell of Port Charlotte, FL, two brothers, Richard Bell of Washburn and Brent Bell of Folsom, CA, two sisters, Donna McIntire of Bangor and Cindy Eldridge of Westfield. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren; Derek Thibeau, Taylor Thibeau and wife Mel, and Cody Thibeau and wife Lauren, Stephanie Burtt, Shanae Daigle and husband Brandon, Connor, Chase, Zachary and Brianna Bell and Hillary Labbe Porto, great grandchildren, Cade and Coewan Bragg, McKinlee Reed Daigle and Alainah Daigle, Cohen and Vance Thibeau, Spencer Bell and soon to arrive, Baby Girl Thibeau in April, Kate Lee Thibeau in June, and Baby Daigle in September, several nieces and nephews. He is reunited in peace with his son Stephen Bell, his son-in-law, Jerry Burtt, his grandson Ryan Labbe, and all those who went before him.

Graveside services will be held June 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Hillside Grove Cemetery Crouseville, followed by a celebration of Bob's life at the Washburn Snowmobile Club. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to the Washburn FFA, care of Washburn District High School, 1359 Main Street, Washburn, Maine 04786-supporting future generations in agriculture, something he cared deeply about.