Vale Nathan “Bully” Bell: Warwick sports fanatic remembered by family and community he adored

A beloved member of the community, who loved sport and his cars more than anything, has been remembered by those who knew him best. Read the moving tributes from his friends and family.

Warwick is remembering the life, passion and memories as a true pillar of the community as he is laid to rest.

A keen cricketer, lover of local sports and passionate pub baron, Nathan ‘Bully’ Bell was known for his devotion to his family.

Mr Bell sadly passed away in the early hours of January 1 at the age of 47.

In March of 2020, news broke that Bully had been diagnosed with a rare genetic lung cancer, a fight that the Rose City community also involved itself in.

It was the same cancer that would tragically end his life.

Nathan Bell with his daughter Sakara, and wife Narelle (Photo: file).

Nathan was known widely throughout his beloved Warwick, whether it was from his time managing the Golf Club and the Condamine, as a Wheatvale cricketing legend or through his passion for local sports.

Following Nathan’s diagnosis, his best mate, Grant Windle organised a GoFundMe to help with the costs for his treatment.

The fundraiser smashed it’s initial goal, raising over $13,000 to support the Wheatvale cricketer and his family during the tough times.

“It says a lot about the Warwick community. No one is in a great position at the moment, with the coronavirus and work, but people just have not hesitated,” Mr Windle said speaking to Daily News in 2020.

“People in Warwick are selfless, they care, and when times are tough everyone throws their differences aside. It's amazing to see.”

Nathan Bell (Middle) celebrate a significant business deal with Guy Sugden and Don Stewart. (Photo: Gerard Walsh)

Mr Bell’s eldest daughter, Sakara, said Nathan was proud of all his children and had endless love and support for them.

“I can speak on behalf of all the kids, he was so supportive, in his own words he’d say ‘follow your dreams, you can do anything’ and he meant it,” Ms Bell said.

“He was so proud of all of us, and constantly supported us, whether it was going to footy games, cricket matches, beauty pageants or any netball carnival, he would be there for all of it.

“We’re going to have to try and live our lives without our dad, but I think what’s going to make it easier is knowing he will still be here with us.”

Keen cricketer: Nathan Bell bowling for Wheatvale against Colts. (Photo: Gerard Walsh)

Bully’s best mate Grant Windle said his favourite memory of Nathan was pretty simple- just having a chat around his table.

“We could chat for hours, mainly about sport, how the Broncos are doing, footy tipping or fantasy football, just two blokes having a chinwag- we just bounced off each other,” Mr Windle said.

“He loved his sport and his community, that was his things, he had his finger on the pulse and I’ve never met anyone as passionate as him.

“He loved his wife and kids more than anything in the whole wide world and would do anything for them, that was probably the best thing about Nathan, was his passion for everything, but especially his family.

“Bully was a very humble man and never asked for anything, I always thought it was important to see how much love and support the community had for him.”

Community man: Bully Bell (left) with the $5000 cheque for drought support in 2018. (Photo: Gerard Walsh).

When news of his passing broke, hundreds of tributes flew across social media remembering the great man.

“Sending love and prayers to the whole family, Nathan was an all-round great guy,” one local wrote.

“Condolences to the Bell family, Nathan was a lovely guy and we will all miss him dearly,” another said.

Over 300 people are expected to come to Bully’s funeral on Friday afternoon.

Nathan is survived by his wife Narelle, children Sakara, Chelsea, Kaige and Santenna, as well as grandson Kolton.