Loren Lee Bell

Loren Lee Bell, born in Healdsburg November 18th, 1946, passed from this life on December 15th at his long-time home in San Francisco.

Throughout his life, Loren wove wit, creativity, intelligence, and compassion into everything he did. Raised in Healdsburg by his parents, Inez and Lea Bell of the Bells Ambulance Family and his Nonnie; Palmira Lazzareschi Guadagni Vittori, Loren learned to lead a life of service and community.

Loren pursued service first as a Boy Scout and then as California’s youngest Eagle Scout at age 13 while attending St. John’s Catholic School, and later at St. Mary’s Resurrectionist Seminary. He studied for a BA at St. Louis University and an MFA at Bowling Green University in creative writing, and started the Bowling Green New Free University, one of his many efforts to redirect higher education to the interests of students. “Make the classroom a home,” he would say. It is not lost on his children that he made the home a classroom, too. A poet and teacher by calling, Loren advocated for students with verve for 40+ years teaching at City College of San Francisco, and earlier as a special education teacher. He loved CCSF, his colleagues, and his students.

Together with his forever love and wife Sam, Loren welcomed many into his family over evenings at the dinner table, spinning stories and sharing food. He made the best saltimbocca, delighted in the little things, played with the musicality of language, and wore the most outrageous hats. Loren never left any room for doubt about his love for his wife, Sam, daughter Taylor, son Zach, daughter in-law Rochelle, sister Pamela (Brad), brother Wayne (Pam), friend Ron, nieces, nephews and many other dear family and friends.

If you would like to be notified of upcoming memorial plans, please send contact info to: lorenbellmemorial@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Loren Bell Scholarship, which is for “a non-traditional student wishing to explore the Arts and Literature, particularly Poetry, and to apply that knowledge to making the community, society, and the world a better place.” To donate:

1. Make out checks to City College of San Francisco

2. In the memo section of the check write: The Loren Bell Scholarship

3. Mail checks to:

4. City College of San Francisco

5. 50 Frida Kahlo Way, SH 118

6. San Francisco, CA 94112

7. Attn: Teddy Zhong