Another distinguished Yukoner has passed away.

Former commissioner Doug Bell died sometime Sunday in Whitehorse at the age of 94, according to various sources. He hadn’t been in good health for some time, they said.

Bell’s passing was met with surprise this morning by Ione Christensen, his old friend and predecessor as commissioner.

“He hadn’t been well for some time,” she told the Star.

Christensen said Bell had served with her as deputy commissioner for a time, and took over for her when she re-entered politics.

They had known each other for years, and even competed in the Toastmasters competition.

She remembered Bell fondly as a quiet, contemplative, analytical man.

“He was the type who would listen to all sides of a discussion without saying a word, think about it and then say, ‘have you considered this option?’” Christensen said.

“He was just a very capable man. He was very straightforward, quiet, pleasant and thoughtful. He was kind and quiet; a people person, but never reserved. He liked to think things through and process them.

“He never got excited about anything, but he was never a pushover. He knew the issues, and wasn’t afraid to ask questions.”

Another friend, Con Lattin, said Bell “was just a good friend.”

He remembered Bell’s never-ending supply of stories and a rare ability to tell them in an entertaining fashion. He was never all that impressed that he had served as commissioner in the late 1970s and 1980s, even though he was more than up for the task.

“He filled the job very well,” Lattin said.

“I don’t think he had anything in particular in mind then he took the job, but he was good at it.”

Their friendship continued to the end, Lattin said.

“We kept in touch all the time.”

As with Christensen, Lattin said he knew Bell’s health was declining.

Jack Cable was another good friend of Bell’s.

“He was a credit to the commissioner’s office,” Cable, himself a former commissioner, told the Star.

“He was quite thoughtful and didn’t jump to conclusions. He was always cheerful and fun to be around.”

Stephen Robertson, another friend and work colleague, said “Doug’s love of the Yukon was surpassed only by his love for his late wife, Pearl.

“He was a charming and dashing gentleman and a true Yukoner.

“Doug remained young at heart until the end. My family, his multitude of friends and the Yukon are the poorer for his passing but his remarkable contribution to our community will ensure he will never be forgotten.”

Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon said, “I was saddened to learn of the passing of former commissioner Doug Bell.

“He led an extraordinary Yukon life. From his arrival in the early days of the Alaska Highway, to newspaper publisher and columnist, to politician, and rubbing elbows with royalty, Doug exemplified not only the early growth of Whitehorse and the territory but helped set the stage for its future.”

Dixon was well-versed in Bell’s life history.

“Bell arrived in Dawson Creek in late 1941 and was brought north to help with radio communications along the Northwest Staging Route during World War II,” Dixon noted.

“His communications skills transitioned to print media, as he spurred lively debate with his columns and articles in the Yukon News. He later served as an alderman with the City of Whitehorse.”

Bell was instrumental in the transition from the Yukon Territorial Council to the current Yukon government in the late 1970s, as he served as deputy commissioner, administrator, and commissioner. He administered the oath of office to the first fully elected government under the new party system.

During his time in government, he was well-known for his ‘tell it like it is’ style.”

“We extend our condolences to his family and many friends, as well as former colleagues, and all Yukoners who knew him.”

NDP Leader Kate White said “Doug Bell was recognized for his many contributions to the Yukon. He was awarded the Order of Canada, and recently was among the first to receive the Order of Yukon. Not only was Mr. Bell the Yukon commissioner, but he also served on Whitehorse city council.

“His service to the Yukon was considerable and not only in the political sense. He was a historian, a writer, a veteran, and a true Yukoner. His loss will be felt by many.”

Douglas Leslie Dewey Bell was born on June 15, 1926 in Moose Jaw, Sask.

He served as Commissioner from October of 1979 until March 1986, over three premiers Chris Pearson, Willard Phelps and Tony Penikett.

He was succeeded by the late Ken McKinnon.

Bell was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1989 and a member of the Order of Yukon in 2019.

Bell was living at Whistle Bend Place. He is predeceased by wife, Pearl, and his eldest son, Bernie.

He is survived by children Linda Syverson (husband Wayne) and Bob, and Bernie’s widow, Caroline, who had been helping him for the past two years, and his many grandchildren.

The Office of the Commissioner of Yukon also commented on Bell’s passing.

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Doug Bell, former commissioner of Yukon on April 18th,” the office said.

In 1968, Bell was appointed telecommunications area manager in Whitehorse, a position he held until 1977.

In 1976, he successfully ran for a seat on city council. In 1977, he was appointed to serve as the Yukon’s deputy commissioner under the late commissioner Art Pearson.

Upon Christensen’s resignation as commissioner in 1979, Bell took over her duties in the interim capacity of administrator.

In 1980, Bell officially became the 34th commissioner.

“He was the federal government’s top official in Yukon during one of the most significant transitions in the territory’s history: the final stages of the changeover to responsible government in Yukon,” the commissioner’s office noted.

“He also convinced the Governor General at the time, Ed Schreyer, to invite the territorial commissioners to the annual Governor General and lieutenant governors annual conferences.”

After his retirement, Bell chaired many committees such as the Emergency Measures Organization, the Federal Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee, the Northern Resources Conference, and the Hootalinqua Land Use Study.

“He was also an active member of the Whitehorse Legion, Branch 254 for many years and he enjoyed sharing stories with others.

He also operated a home-based business called Triple Image which offered writing, photography and public speaking services.

“The office of the Commissioner of Yukon sends its love and prayers to his family and all his friends.”