Michael Bell

April 27, 1949 - March 31, 2004

Teacher, advocate, coach, curmudgeon, musician, singer, mentor, advisor, dad, husband, grandpa: Michael Bell was many things to many people. But when he died suddenly on March 31^st I and many others at Fremont High School lost a great friend.

What I enjoyed most about him was the way he talked. He loved words and when he spoke, the words he used could enlighten and influence, mock and amuse. He took delight in playing devil’s advocate. He had a way of addressing students and adults alike formally and respectfully with his “sir” and “ma'am”, “mister” or “miss”. It's hard to think that extension 8078 will no longer be answered with "This is Michael Bell."

Michael Bell looked intimidating. He was big and with that beard he looked kind of mean. Yet anyone who spent any time with him knew that not only was he approachable, he was someone who listened whenever and wherever one needed to talk. He was honest and realistic with his advice, even if it wasn’t what one wanted to hear. Michael mentored some of the new teachers and had a way of getting his “newbees” to want to reach to the highest standards. He wasn’t lavish in his praise and when (and if) it came you knew you had earned it.

We all know that he was not sugary. When you would see him you wouldn't know whether to expect some mockery or not --"Are you going to wear that?" he once asked me before parent- teacher conferences. He hated interruptions in his class. If you came to his door while he was teaching, you'd better cringe because he would shout, "what?!!" Sometimes I would come visit just to hear it. He had a wicked and irreverent sense of humor that never failed to entertain.

Aside from teaching and promoting Michigan State University, Michael’s most important role at Fremont High School was that of being the world’s greatest packer fan. He was school spirit personified - - if you doubt that you never saw him in the neon pink volleyball shirt. He believed in the students here and showed it in the way he participated in spirit week and supported the student activities, clubs and sports. He stood for students becoming the best they could be: in the classroom, competition, stage, field or community. It didn’t matter about ability or disability: he respected every individual and did his best to make a difference in their lives.

When someone dies, people will say “so and so wouldn’t want us to be sad”. But I think Mr. Bell would like to see us crying. He would be gratified to know he mattered to so many people. However, he would tell us to get over it. I know he wants us to carry on his belief that high school is the time to grow and use the gifts we have. Then on graduation day this year and every year he can be there with us as the graduates file past and we’ll hear him say “well done.”

Teresa Caliguri April 2004