Gene Bell's Obituary
Gene Bell, after a courageous battle with cancer, passed away in Fremont on March 8, 2017. Born as Evgeni Vasilievich Beljaewsky; October 20, 1946 in Ulm Germany to Russian parents Wasily and Alexandra. Gene’s parents were forced to flee Russia after the communist revolution. The family was without a country or a home. Thanks to the generosity of the US the family was able to immigrate to San Francisco in 1948.Attending Alamo Elementary, Presidio Junior High, George Washington High schools followed by City College of San Francisco; Gene earned Associates of science degree in Engineering Technology in 1974. He then chose another path and for the next 25 years he was an Investigator for the State of California Contractor’s Board. Gene then transferred to another state department and for the next ten years served as a Peace Officer with the California Horse Racing Board. Retiring from the State of California in 2001, Gene obtained a Private Investigator’s license and for the next 14 years worked for various Federal Agencies as a Contract Investigator. In 2015 when Gene was diagnosed with cancer he retired for a second time; this time for good.Sweet, playful and a kind spirit, Gene was devoted to family and friends. He leaves a wealth of loyal, loving friends from childhood, Russian Scouts, and school, work and retirement days. Gene never missed a party; camping trip, chance to play golf or hike, any reason to celebrate with friends, family and loved ones. He was truly a good man.Preceded in death by his first wife Lilly, Gene is survived by his second wife Carol, step son Dennis Holtz wife Kara, grandchildren; Madison and John, niece Gail Phister and her children Michael, wife Christina and son Lucas, Natasha her husband Mike and daughter Angelina.The Panihida will be held Tuesday March 14, 2017 at 6:00 PM at the Church of All Russian Saints 744 El Camino Real in Burlingame , CA. The Funeral Service will be held Wednesday March 15, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the same location. Burial Services will follow at Skylawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park located at the intersection of Highway 92 and 35 in San Mateo, CA. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Saint George Pathfinders of SF, the charity of your choice or celebrate as he would at a great party.
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