At PVF we mourn that our long time board member Howard Bell has passed away. He only sat on boards where he enjoyed the people and the cause. And in turn, everyone enjoyed Howard and his wisdom and wit.

With his sonorous voice he could have been an opera singer. He only spoke when he had something to offer. He was always insightful and the work of the Foundation was enriched by his ideas and observations.

Howard, may you have a good journey.

More details about Howard’s life are below:

Howard Hinsdale Bell died on March 9, 2011. Howard was born August 19, 1924 in Schenectady, New York, the only son of Howard Hinsdale Bell, Sr. and Margaret Jessica (McCarthy) Bell. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Syracuse University in 1947 and received his law degree from Stanford University in 1950.

Howard married Frances Trotter Bell in 1950. Together they had a wonderful life that included many friends, good meals, gardening and a love of books. Frances died May 30, 2007.

Howard was a founding partner of Bell, Rosenberg & Hughes and served for many years as a trustee of The California State Parks Foundation, The Thomas J. Long Foundation, and Philanthropic Ventures Foundation. He was an avid fly fisherman and wine enthusiast.

Well loved by many and respected by all for his sage counsel, Howard will be missed by his friends and colleagues.