RIP Dave Bell

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stevep

Boulder climber

Salt Lake, UT

Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 17, 2017 - 03:55pm PT

Some of you Salt Lake folks are probably already aware of this, but long time SLC climber Dave Bell passed away last Saturday following a battle with cancer.
Dave was a major force in the climbing community here for more than 25 years, as a founder of the early climbing gym, the Body Shop, its followup, the Front, and Pusher holds. He was also a prolific climber and responsible for many FAs in UT and elsewhere. In recent years he had run an organic farming business.
On a personal level, he was a great and generous friend to myself and others and will be sorely missed as part of our community.
A memorial party and fundraiser for his family is planned for the Front on Aug 9.

RIP Dave.

Mike Friedrichs

Sport climber

City of Salt

Aug 17, 2017 - 04:01pm PT

I was so sorry when I heard this. Dave was always so positive and generous. I have fond memories from the old Front on 90th south. He had a sign that said, 'Strong coffee makes strong climbers." He often played classical music on Sunday mornings in the gym. It was such a nice atmosphere. Tough battle with cancer. Peace to his family.

mike

climber

Just Livin' the Dream...

Aug 17, 2017 - 04:01pm PT

Sorry for the loss of your friend, Steve.
Condolences to his family and friends...sounds like he was a wonderful guy.

Oldfattradguy2

Trad climber

Here and there

Aug 17, 2017 - 04:54pm PT

RIP,

Dave was a class act, he was even really nice to me and I was never one of the cool guys. Will be misssed.

Very sad......the front under his ownership had the best vibe of any gym ever, period.

SilverSnurfer

Mountain climber

SLC, UT.

Aug 17, 2017 - 05:47pm PT

I'm sorry to hear that-I had many good conversations with Dave at the Front.

neebee

Social climber

calif/texas

Aug 17, 2017 - 06:27pm PT

hey there say, stevep... my condolences and prayers for the family and their loved ones, at this sad time of his passing... :(

may they be strong, as they go forward, without him, :(

thank you for sharing, so folks will know more and be aware
of the memorial...

john bald

climber

Aug 17, 2017 - 08:21pm PT

Dave welcomed me to town at the old Bodyshop when passing thru long ago.
Was surprised that he recognized me after many years when I relocated to SLC.
Loved hearing about his organic farm and was a member of his produce coop.
Will sincerely miss Dave. RIP my friend

Trashman

Trad climber

SLC

Aug 17, 2017 - 09:08pm PT

I'm absolutely gutted. I wasn't friends w Dave as long as many here, but I got to know him through the Crimp Shrine, then agent for two of my houses("I have the greatest job in the world. I drive around and BS with my friends, look at houses, the when they pick one, I get money!"), and produce provider throughout the last decade.

David was one of the most positive and upbeat people I've ever met, his exceptional climbing skill and resume were just gravy. As a tribute I'll be trying to emulate those qualities, and if I'm lucky, contribute 1/10 the positive energy that he did to this world.