Mr Bell (Could never bring ourselves to call you anything else, remanent from school days) We moved in next door to you with our three little girls. You treated them and us as if we were your own. You were the best neighbour for the years we were there, so kind and so generous. You taught our girls so much. We had the upmost respect for you. We remember being test subjects for your home brew. Hard job but someone had to do it. You will be sadly missed Mr Bell, Rest in peace xxx

Loving thoughts to all the family. We knew Bob through Heather and Neville. He opened his home to us when we all travelled up to Warkworth for a weekend to attend a rock n roll dance and stayed the night. Good easy conversation and quite a few wines if I remember correctly. Rest easy Bob, free from pain. Fly high with the angels. xx

My deepest sympathies to Bob’s family. When I was not even 10 years old, Bob was the hero that saved my nanna (Connie) when she had a stroke and was trapped in her shower. He somehow managed to climb through a tiny window high up off the ground to get to her, and our family will be eternally grateful to Bob for his brave and heroic actions. You were a kind and courageous man, I hope your afterlife is filled with all the love and wonders you deserve. Rest easy Bob, and thank you again, from my family to yours ❤️

My deepest sympathy to Christine and all Bob's families including Connie on your sad loss. When I first joined the Warkworth Tennis and Squash Club the two guys I noticed the most were Bob and Brian Rees. I think they both had a great influence on the way the Club ran and how they inspired people. When Brian stopped playing Bob carried on the good work and this is a tribute to how the club is working today He was very helpful to me when I was president. He was a humble quiet guy but when he spoke every one listened and took note. Bob was a keen sportsman and played rugby, golf, tennis, and cricket. In rugby he represented King Country and played along side that great All Black Colin Meads, I think Bob played centre When rugby was being shown on sky tv Bob and Val and Nev Thornton another great All Black would come to our home to watch. It was great to listen to their comments on the game and various players. Bob was a valued member of our team who won the National Team Event 65plus at Tauranga in 2001. Playing with Roy Cooper against Wellington on the number one court. The court had a low hedge running down one side in front of the club house, Bob had his cross court topspin working well and after the call crossing the net 3 or 4 times Bob had worked such an angle that ball ended up unplayable in the hedge much to the delight of the crowd watching, poor old Tom Witherspoon the Welling ton player was not amused. Keep that crosscourt going my friend until we meet again Des Sharp

The entire family from Russia mourns the passing of Bob. Nearly 20 years ago, at the age of 73, Bob bravely came to Russia, allowing the Russian and New Zealand families to reunite after losing contact in the 1930s. We will always be immensely grateful to him for that! Bob was an incredible person: kind, open-hearted, hospitable, and of course, full of energy and a love for sports. He and his ever-radiant smile will forever remain in our memories and in our hearts.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with you at this time. Bob was a longstanding and highly respected member of Warkworth Rackets and served on the Committee for many years in various leadership roles, with contributions that have had an immeasurable impact on our club. He was Tennis Captain from 1971-1977 and again from 1979-1982, President from 1984-1989, and Treasurer from 1989-2007. During his time, Bob was instrumental in the installation of courts 1, 2, and 3, as well as the construction of our clubhouse, leaving a lasting legacy that future generations of players will continue to benefit from. On the court, Bob was renowned for his wicked forehand cross-court topspin shot and his perfectly placed topspin lob over the net player when receiving on his forehand-shots that were nearly impossible to return once they hit the court. In 2001, he was part of the team that triumphed in the National Championship for the 65+ age group, a proud achievement in his tennis career. Bob organised the annual Karapiro-Warkworth Tennis Exchange, a popular and much-enjoyed event that brought both communities together each year. Bob also served as the Tournament Controller for LNVTC's inaugural Open Veterans Tournament in June 1985, a competition that continues to this day and remains a highlight of the tennis calendar. Rest in peace, Bob. Your impact on our club and the tennis community will never be forgotten.

So sorry for the loss. Bob was one of my first teachers at Mahurangi in the mid 1970s and I had a lot to do with Bob during my time with the Tennis and Squash Club and others where he always did an awesome job, He was legendary for holding on to memorabilia from club events. He will be sadly missed. A truly great guy for this community. Thank you and RIP Bob!

Such a huge loss to our community and tennis/squash club. It was such a pleasure to interview Bob mid-last year and learn about his huge contribution to tennis and squash at https://youtu.be/CFq2XRQwWNs?si=P5XilquLxZUOvGt. The Bob Bell Teams Trophy was created in 2023, and we will always keep his name in our hearts as an important annual event in our history as a club. This was the first event we ran in his name: https://youtu.be/rWUv93fq5jY?si=vHd-dp7eCAEplaBa RIP, Bob; thanks for all you have done for our club and community.

Have a safe journey Bob. You worked so hard for the Warkworth Club - and those of us who remember all your hard work are forever grateful. Kaye Jackson

Good morning Christine I was just enquiring two days ago as to how Bob was from a friend in Summerset. I am very sorry to receive this news and it renews many memories of the great times we had together at Mahurangi College, cricket field, tennis courts, golf course, and our great trip with Bob and Val to Italy. Cannot forget the home brew comparisons either. Please pass on my sincere condolences to all your family and many thanks for keeping me informed. It was not that long ago that Bob and I spent a very pleasant time retracing old memories when I called at Summerset to see him. Bob was a great friend to have and an excellent dedicated teacher and leader. I just marvel at all the work he did at the tennis courts over many years. I know that he was a much loved father and grandfather who doted on his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. I am sorry I cannot join you for “a few beers on the deck”. Thanks for asking after me. I am well, still playing golf on four days a week, doing some writing and appreciate still being active at 91. However I do miss my Warkworth friends. Kindest regards to your family Alon

Uncle Bob, thanks for being such a special person in my life. I learnt so much from you in the classroom and on the tennis court and by just being my uncle. You were such a wonderful brother and friend to Mum. I don’t recall you ever talking negatively of anyone and I loved your quick wit and positivity that it was always a pleasure to be in your company and could learn so much. There was always a ready smile and a chuckle and always an interesting story to tell. I loved having you visit me in London and Sydney. You were so talented musically and sporting wise yet so incredibly humble. You spent endless hours coaching kids at tennis and helping to make Warkworth tennis club the place it is today. I will never forget how fastidious you cleaned your boat, car, house and dishes. What a truly great and successful person you have been. It is an honour to have had the privilege of Knowing you. I’ll miss you but I’m sure you’re enjoying being reconnected with Auntie Val and Dad. See you again on the other side. I’ll look forward to hearing some new stories when the time comes. Love always Tania

My memories of Bob go back to Form 2, Warkworth Primary, 1967. My true appreciation of Bob was to come over the years well after school days. He was a fabulous sportsman in many fields but better than that he was a good sport. He was an old identity around Warkworth but better than that he was a true gentleman. I will miss bumping into Bob in Warkworth. My thoughts and Love go out to Christine and Kevin and the entire Bell family