Larry Irvine Bell, 68, passed away December 6, 2015 at his home in Bend, Oregon, after battling diabetes for a number of years. Larry was born March 9, 1947 in Tonasket Washington to Irvine and Betty Bell.

He attended Tonasket High School and graduated in 1965. He served in the US Air force for 19 years, seeing duty in Bangkok, Thailand and London, England. After his military service, he graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in education. He taught 21 years for the U.S. Department of Defense Dependent schools in Babenhausen, Germany, Darmstadt, Germany and at Menwith Hill High School near Harrogate Yorkshire England.

Larry was a passionate sports fan. He loved the Oregon Ducks and Gonzaga University Bulldogs. He was a great Motivator, Teacher and Coach. His teams and athletes won many championships. Even after his retirement he kept in touch with many of his students and athletes.

Larry was a devoted parent, teacher and coach. He had so much patience, and he gave of himself abundantly. He was a very giving individual, always thinking of others. From serving our country, to successfully teaching and shaping so many young minds, Larry Bell was a true hero. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn, of Bend, Ore.; mother, Betty Grigsby of Airway Heights, Wash.; sister Carol Bell of Spokane; brothers Ken Bell (Teddie) of Spokane, Duane Bell of Valley Wash.; his seven children, Dan (Keri) Sanders of Mill City, Ore., Julia (Christian) Spears of Ann Harbor, Mich., Mary Louise Sanders of Minot, North Dakota, Mary Anne (Derek) Humes of Spokane, James (Kathleen) Bell of Cheney, Wash., Becky (Steve) Lee of Eureka, Calif., Michael Bell of Minot, North Dakota, and nine grandchildren.

At his request he will be laid to rest next to his father at Tunk Mountain Cemetery in the spring.