Clair Henry "Pete" Bell

Clair Henry "Pete" Bell, 67, the passed away at his home in Cheney a day shy of his 68th birthday April 5, 2016.

Pete was born in Harrisburg, Penn. to Ulysses Bell and Mother Florence (Gross) Bell, April 6, 1948. His siblings are Edward Bell (deceased), Ulysses Bell, Michael Bell (deceased), Peggy Bell and Michelle Bell. Pete also has many foster brothers and sisters that he always thought of as family.

He is survived by his wife Tammy Bell; his children Scott, Hank, and Michael Bell, as well as his daughter Skye Peraud (Bell); his grandchildren Alex, Grace and Christian Bell, Abigail Asan, Katelyn and Faith Bell, Addy and Jude Peraud. His granddaughter Chiara Bell made the journey to heaven before him.

Pete was raised in Harrisburg where he graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School and then enlisted into the United States Air Force. He served his country honorably in times of peace and war including several tours in Vietnam. He was stationed in Germany, Iceland and England, as well as multiple bases within the United States.

He retired in 1988 with over 21 years of service and settled in Cheney, where he continued to serve through civil service. Through his time in the military Pete became involved in many activities, including playing Santa Claus, coaching basketball and volleyball and officiating football, basketball, volleyball and softball.

Pete took many trips to the Deaconess Children's cancer ward where he would raise funds that went toward gifts and stockings for the children.

He remained active in softball for more than 30 years and in volleyball. He officiated volleyball for more than 40 years and held several offices in the Spokane Area Volleyball Referees Association (SAVRA) including president. He was recently inducted as the SAVRA's first member of the Hall of Fame and has the annual Pete Bell Inspirational Referee Award named in his honor.

Please join us in the celebration of Pete's life at his memorial service at the Cheney Funeral Chapel, 1632 W. First St. Cheney at 1 p.m. April 23. There will be a reception to follow. Pete's final resting place will be in the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Medical Lake.