Obituary of Peter Bell

Peter Bell died July 14, 2024, after a brief illness. A resident of Aptos, California and although a lifelong resident of California, Peter has been a worldwide traveler. Born in Rome, Italy, as a child and teenager Peter was always interested in travel, motorcycles, and airplanes. He was able to live in many countries until his family settled on the coast of California. Peter had a true gift as a pilot. He started flying airplanes at the age of 13 and started piloting air tankers by the age of 22. This gift was also his profession for the next 50 years. He has fought hundreds of fires and become a top trainer for new air tanker pilots as well. He was an esteemed lead pilot at Neptune Aviation where he was contracted by the U.S. government to assist in firefighting efforts. Peter also worked as a certified FAA agent. His creative and curious spirit led him to other unique jobs like selling abalone out of Jamaica, getting his real estate license, playing and writing music, and accumulating multiple master's degrees. Peter was a talented, intelligent, and loving person. Peter was preceded in death by his beloved wife Karen Bell. He loved animals and adored his many pets. Peter will be missed by his children, family, co-workers, and friends. Peter is survived by his children, Peter Bell, Jr. of Chico, CA and Mandi Bell of Orland, CA; sister in law, Cheryl Keenan and husband Jack Keenan of Aptos CA; brother in law Sam Orwig and wife Brenda Orwig, of Murrieta, CA; niece, Corey Cherry and husband Bobby Cherry of Kona, Hawaii; nephew, Michael Keenan and wife Erin Keenan of Corralitos, CA; nephew, Kyle Orwig and partner Madeleine Ciobanu of Loma Linda, CA; and five great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life, Karen Bell. Celebration of life will be at a later date.