Obituary: Ian Bell, chartered accountant

Ian Bell was a handsome gentleman noted for his immaculate dress sense and ready wit. He belonged to an era when gentlemen rose to their feet when a lady approached the dining table and would have been shocked had he not been allowed to foot the bill for coffee in the presence of a group of women.

After studying at Airdrie Academy he went on to Glasgow University where he proved his prowess in matters financial and became a chartered accountant. As was the custom, he did his national service in the army in Cyprus.

Bell was christened John Tomlins Bell but preferred always to be known as Ian. When he and his wife June came to live in Livingston, he made many friends, both at his church, Elim Pentecostal in Deans, and latterly, after his beloved June died in November, 2004, among his coffee morning set who knew him simply as Ian, the accountant.

Originally a member of the Baptist Church in Livingston, Bell was gifted with a fine singing voice which he used to entertain people in retirement homes and clubs, indeed, anywhere he could cheer up those around him. He never once accepted payment, paying his accompanist out of his own pocket. His reward, seeing people smile, was sufficient.

After officially retiring, and despite the onset of his illness, Bell still went each day into his office in order to assist his clients. It was his philosophy as a practicing Christian to go out and help people and so he never charged anyone in need. In fact, he would offer help if he discovered someone was worried about tax issues; he would solve the problems and keep the transaction in total confidence.

When he heard a children's choir from Elim Pentecostal Church and became a lifelong friend of the pastor, John Henson, he also became a member of his congregation, a role which sustained him and brought much comfort. Those of us who shared a cup of coffee with him were treated to a conversation in which he would regale us with brilliantly amusing anecdotes peppered with accurate impressions of those he had met.

Even when sharing a busy table with his cronies, Christine, Allan and Jimmy, there was always room for someone else to join in the company and he never once complained about his illness which he knew to be terminal and accepted with great dignity.

Ian Bell will never be forgotten. His snow white hair and impeccably groomed beard and ready smile will be very much missed by those whose paths he crossed.

He is survived by his three sons, Jim, John and Robert, their wives and his beloved seven grandchildren.