Sir Brian Bell passes on

Editorial, Normal

A GREAT man of the people; an honoured gentleman and citizen and a friend of Papua New Guinea passed away yesterday morning.
Sir Brian Bell, chairman of the board and managing director of Brian Bell & Company group, died in Brisbane yesterday morning at the age of 82.
The man from Cinchilla, Queensland, was in PNG far longer than he had ever been at home and, for most of his years here, he had been a citizen.
Respected far and wide, he was knighted by the Queen for his tireless contributions to PNG business and
commerce and was equally honoured by Norway and Sweden, both of which country he served as honorary consul until his death.
Sir Brian was an icon who had been at the helm of his business everyday since he began in 1961, but he had also reached out to touch both great and small people alike in his time with acts of kindness and charity that were legendary and would be his legacy in this land.
Children with disabilities at the Cheshire Homes, as well as those aspiring for university education but who could not afford the tuition fees, have felt the measure of this man’s kindness.
Always, he had been careful to keep well clear of politics and his opinions had steered well away from this area, which has trapped many a businessman, but his kindness as well as his advice had also been sought by aspiring politicians and political parties.
“Mr B,” we heard over the radio growing up and the tune has remained with us well into our adult lives.
Yesterday, Mr B the man left, but his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of people whose lives he had touched and in the many charitable acts and works he had both started and managed for many years.
Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said of him yesterday: “I take my hat off to this pioneer businessman who contributed to various organisations such as being chairman over many years until his death at the St Andrews Memorial Hospital, Brisbane.
“The late Sir Brian has made considerable contributions to his adopted country, Papua New Guinea, for more than 50 years in the areas of business development and innumerable humanitarian causes.”
Many more people from all walks of life will have similar comments and we will attempt to publish as many of them as possible over the coming days.
Mr B, as he came to be affectionately known, had been a constant in the business and commercial sector and had singularly been responsible for building up a quality conscious non-food mercantile, hardware, home and electrical appliances business in Papua New Guinea – expanding from Port Moresby to Lae, Kokopo, Madang, Mt Hagen and other smaller towns.
Brian Bell & Company Ltd has become one of Papua New Guinea’s premier retailer, wholesaler and distributor of non-food and clothing products. Through its extensive branch and distribution network, it offers a wide range of products and services to businesses, aid agencies, mining companies, government departments and individuals throughout the country.
Brian Bell’s retail network comprises 10 retail outlets and more than 25 distribution agencies in all major commercial centres in PNG.
Sir Brian also served as deputy lord mayor of the city of Port Moresby, and was a member of the PNG lands board, the Salvation Army advisory board and the PNG law and order committee.
He also served as chairman of UPNG Foundation, the NCD South Pacific Festival of Arts – 1980, the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal and served as patron of AIESEC PNG University, and the Port Moresby City Mission.
Sir Brian assisted many young people who sought his help through college with scholarships and funding.
Sir Brian, CSM, KBE, C.St.J, was knighted by the Queen for his many contributions to business and charity in PNG.
He was, until his death, the honorary consul general of Norway and Sweden.
So many in this country will miss Mr B and, along with the prime minister and his family, we join our voices to offer condolences to Sir Brian’s  family and friends.