JE / September 11th, 2014 / Blogs
Rest in Peace Bryan Bell

San Diego (2010)

Bladers, breakers, rappers, whatever you call yourselves… you’re part of the Bell family now.” — Gary Bell

At 5pm this afternoon we joined a roomful of some 150+ friends, family and community supporters that paid tribute to the life and achievements of Bryan Bell.

The two-hour memorial included footage of Bryan’s blade sections before an eye-opening photo slideshow showing Bryan from newborn to present day. Serving as centerpiece to the proceedings were heartfelt statements from sisters, nephews, nieces, and friends, closed out by Bryan’s father, Gary Bell.

Outside the auditorium, artifacts from Bryan’s life decorated the lobby. Here, a table Bryan made by hand as a young boy. There, a display showing loops of his videos and his blade magazine layouts and a pair of all-black Roces Fifth Elements.

The line to sign the guest book was long.

It was during this time after the memorial that faces emerged from the crowd: Chris Haffey, Eric Schrijn, Robert Lievanos, Jon Elliott, Nick Wood, Larry Fagan, Ernie Villarino, Gonzo Jacquez, Matt Mickey and many more.

As a longtime blade event attendee I can report that never had I seen so many bladers standing around with nothing to say. It was grim faces and firm handshakes. Dark shirts and darker sunglasses.

Bryan Bell’s memorial service left me and many other attendees speechless. Which seems strangely fitting, given that Bryan’s entire life pretty much had that very effect on everyone lucky enough to cross his path.

Rest in Peace, friend.

Photo by Jonathan Labez

Discussion / Rest in Peace Bryan Bell

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  • JP - September 12th, 2014

    RIP B. BELL !!! : (

  • Enter Your Name: - September 12th, 2014

    Someone should hold an memorial fundraising skating event to help the family out or have a memorial event for Bryan Bell every year maybe a good Ideal to remember someone that has impacted many skaters life and all people of all walks of life

  • beau cottington - September 13th, 2014

    The OG Reunion might turn into something in memory of Bryan for 2015, just FYI.

  • Jason LaPay - September 13th, 2014

    R.i.P my thoughts and prayers go out
    The soul will go on life does not end for if it did you never existed at all. All human life defines what we see both what is and is to come with out this there is nothing.We will see those we love again. Bryan was an inspiration and brought us things we love to do on and off the camera and those things will hold with us forever.we look to hope in what is to come. Again RIP

  • Larry Fagan - September 13th, 2014

    r.i.p. Bryan Bell

  • Gary Yeung - September 26th, 2014

    RIP BBell.

  • Minneapolis - January 1st, 2016

    One of the best!

  • Chris Hines - January 21st, 2020

    Bryan was one of my dearest friends growing up. We traveled the world together. He was by far the most respectful and humble person I have ever known. I will miss you dearly my friend. Your in a better place now.

  • Carrie Forys - March 3rd, 2020

    Would you please share my message with Bryan’s family because I’m not on facebook. This is Carrie (forys) Perez and I was Bryan’s team manager at Hyper. I’m so sorry for your unimaginable loss. I pray for continual healing for your family and for everyone who loved Bryan, because he was so very much loved.

    Last night I had a dream that Bryan was skating in and out past me in a white room. As he skated away for the last time, I cried out … begging him to come back. Finally, he did. He gave me a quick, sideways hug – and skated off.

    For those of you hurting or just wandering through life, please don’t wait another day to seek God. Feel free to contact me at carrie@BuyAllimed.com.

  • Joey L. - January 19th, 2021

    Hi Bryan. I’m sorry we couldn’t help you. You helped so many to have courage, thank you for being kind to me when we were young. There were so many angry kids, bullies, you didn’t treat people bad to make yourself look good. I always admired that. I never thought you were hurting too. I wish peace for your family and that they remember your smile because I willl. Maybe you can stop by rollerskate land in heaven and have Auggy tighten your wheels,.that would be dope.

    Later dude,

    Joey

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