Bell-Irving, Richard (1888-1962)

Richard Bell-Irving, detail from A reunion of the officers of the 29th (Vancouver) Battalion, C.E.F.; Vancouver City Archives, CVA 371-2721; 1920s, http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/reunion-of-officers-of-29th-vancouver-battalion-c-e-f

Richard Bell-Irving was the sales manager for the Anglo-British Columbia Packing Company, and later the president of H. Bell-Irving and Company Ltd.

He lived at 1847 Barclay Street from 1920 to 1938.

Family Background

Richard Bell-Irving was born in Vancouver on May 31, 1888. His parents were Henry Ogle Bell-Irving (1856-1931) and Marie Isabella del Carmen Beattie (1863-1936).

Henry Ogle Bell-Irving was a civil engineer and a leading salmon canner in British Columbia.

The Bell-Irving family lived in a large, rambling house, called “The Strands,” at 1210 Harwood Street in Vancouver.

Exterior of building – 1210 Harwood Street; City of Vancouver Archives, Bu P508.69; http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/exterior-of-building-1210-harwood-street

Richard and his brothers went to school at Loretto, near Edinburgh, Scotland.

Marriage to Kathleen Morris

On June 27, 1913, in Vancouver, Richard married Kathleen Hume Morris. She was born on June 30, 1885, in Hamilton, Ontario. Her parents were Henry Hume Morris (1853-1936) and Fanny Louise Dewar (1850-1900). Henry Hume Morris was the local superintendent of the branches of the Canadian Bank of Commerce. The Morris family lived at 1833 Haro Street.

Military Service

Richard was active in the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. During the First World War, he served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Richard Bell-Irving, detail from Officers of the 29th Battalion C.E.F. on the steps of the Industrial Building at Hastings Park, Vancouver City Archives, AM336-S3-2-: CVA 677-898; http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/officers-of-29th-battalion-c-e-f-on-steps-of-industrial-building-at-hastings-park

During the war, he commanded an air training station for the Royal Flying Corps in Turnberry, Scotland. He was made a Commander in the Order of the British Empire.

Return to Vancouver

After the war, Richard returned to Canada. He was involved with Vancouver sports, including golf and rugby.

Richard Bell-Irving, second row from top, wearing bow tie, Vancouver Rep. Rugby Team, Vancouver City Archives, AM54-S4-2-: CVA 371-806, 1920 or 1921, http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/vancouver-rep-rugby-team

He worked with his father’s company, and he became the president of the company in 1931.

Colonel and Mrs. Richard Bell-Irving on the shore of Lake Louise; Vancouver City Archives, Port P1827; [1940-1948]; http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/colonel-and-mrs-richard-bell-irving-on-shore-of-lake-louise

From 1948 to 1950, Richard was the chairman of the BC Division of the Canadian Manufacturers Association.

Richard died in Vancouver on April 29, 1962.

Kathleen died in Vancouver on December 28, 1969.

Richard and Kathleen had the following children.

Constance Bell-Irving

Constance Bell-Irving was born in Vancouver on November 21, 1913. She attended Crofton House School, and she later went to Strathcona School at Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island.

Constance was an artist. Shegraduated from the Vancouver School of Art. She specialized in making pottery.

On July 28, 1939, in Vancouver, she married Rodney James Browne. He was born in Nelson, British Columbia, on June 16, 1910 (his death certificate says that he was born at Rossland, British Columbia, on July 16, 1909). His parents were Donald James Browne and Violet Constance White.

Rodney was killed in action at Malta on June 15 or 16, 1942.

On August 23, 1945, in Vancouver, Constance married Richard David Haywood Wyndham. He was born in Vancouver on October 19, 1911. His parents were Thomas William Wyndham (1876-1936) and Louise Burpee. Richard was an art instructor.

Richard and Constance lived on Hornby Island for many years.

Richard died at Comox, British Columbia on December 12, 1991.

Constance died on Hornby Island on November 4, 2008.

Richard Morris Bell-Irving

Richard Morris Bell-Irving was born on November 29, 1916, in Hythe, England. He studied marine engineering. In 1938, in Lincoln, England, he married Sally Reid, who was the daughter of Robert Reid.

Richard joined the Canadian Navy during the Second World War. He died on March 17, 1945, when his ship, H.M.C.S. Guysborough, was torpedoed off the Bay of Biscay.

Ian Malcolm Bell-Irving

Ian Malcolm Bell-Irving was born in Vancouver on January 13, 1920. He went to Shawnigan Lake School for Boys. He served with the Seaforth Highlanders during the Second World War.

On October 25, 1947, in Vancouver, he married Joan Virginia Frost. She was born in Vancouver on March 21, 1923. Her parents were Anson Carr Frost and Lila Maud Coburn.

Ian became the commander of the Seaforth Highlanders in 1957. In 1962, he became the president of H.Bell-Irving Company.

Ian died in 1999.

Joan died on May 25, 2009.

Sources

Richard Bell-Irving

Henry Ogle Bell-Irving, Vancouver Voters, 1886, pages 87-98 at page 91.

“He Thought He Was the Boss of Everything,”  Masculinity and Power in a Vancouver Family: Working paper of the Fifth Annual Seagram Lecture, presented on January 17, 2001, by Robert A.J. McDonald, http://bell-irving.com/b-i_history.asp

“Scotland, Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XYYW-FDC : accessed 09 Oct 2014), Henry Bell Irving, 26 Jan 1856; citing Saint Mungo,Dumfries,Scotland, reference ; FHL microfilm 6035516.

“England and Wales Census, 1871,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V5TR-MXM : accessed 09 Oct 2014), Ma Isabell Beatie in household of Richard Beatie, Torquay, Tormoham, Devonshire, England; citing “1871 England, Scotland and Wales census,” index and images, findmypast.co.uk (www.findmypast.co.uk : Brightsolid, n.d.); PRO RG 10, folio 97, p. 51; Newton Abbot registration district, Torquay subdistrict, ED 3, household 263, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey; FHL microfilm 831781.

“England and Wales, Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005”, index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2D8P-KJ4 : accessed 09 Oct 2014), Henry Ogle B Irving, 1886.

“Canada Census, 1901,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KHVJ-MZR : accessed 09 Oct 2014), Henry Bell-irving, D, Burrard, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 1, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario.

Loretto School, http://www.lorettoschool.co.uk/

Loretto School, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loretto_School

1911 Census of Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver, 6 Vancouver City, page 25, family 251, lines 45-50; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census11/View.jsp?id=63872&highlight=45&desc=1911+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Henry+Bell-Irving

1911 Census of Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver, 6 Vancouver City, page 25, family 251, lines 1-10; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census11/View.jsp?id=63873&desc=1911+Census+of+Canada+page

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLVG-GL2 : accessed 09 Oct 2014), Henry Ogle Bell-Irving, 19 Feb 1931; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13142, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1952653.

“H. Bell-Irving, Dean of Salmon Canners, Dead,” Vancouver Province, February 19, 1931, pages 1 and 2.

“British Columbia Birth Registrations, 1854-1903,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDZK-ZSZ : accessed 08 Oct 2014), Richard Bell-Irving, 31 May 1888; citing British Columbia Archives film number B13808, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2114957.

“Canada Census, 1901,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KHVJ-MZB : accessed 08 Oct 2014), Richard Bell-irving in household of Henry Bell-irving, D, Burrard, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 1, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario.

“Massachusetts, Boston Passenger Lists, 1891-1943”, index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/23F6-WHC : accessed 09 Oct 2014), Richard Bell-Irving, 1906.

“Canada Passenger Lists, 1881-1922”, index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2Q9V-CJW : accessed 09 Oct 2014), Richard Bell-Irving, 1906.

“New York, Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JJKV-9J6 : accessed 08 Oct 2014), Richard Bell – Irving, arrived at New York, 29 Mar 1911, on the Cedric; citing National Archives, Washington D.C.

“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDZJ-V5N : accessed 08 Oct 2014), Richard Bell-Irving and Kathleen Hume Morris, 18 Jan 1913; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11377, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1983705.

“Weddings: Bell-Irving-Morris,” Vancouver Sun, January 20, 1913, page 7: “A wedding of great interest because of the prominence of the contracting parties was solemnized in Christ church Saturday at high noon, when Miss Kathleen Morris, daughter of Mr. H.H. Morris, was married to Mr. Richard Bell-Irving by Rev. C.C. Owen. The bride was attended by Miss Bell-Irving, Miss Cambie and Miss Baker. The groomsman was Mr. Malcolm McBain Bell-Irving. Following the impressive ceremony a reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents.”

Society, Vancouver Province, January 21, 1913, page 8: “Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bell-Irving, who were married on Saturday and who are at present in Victoria, will be among the passengers on the Marama bound for Australia and will not return to Vancouver until some time in April.”

Canadian Expeditionary Force, Name: Bell-Irving, Richard; Rank: LCL; Date of Birth: 31/05/1888; Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 626 – 29; Item Number: 36728; https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/first-world-war-1914-1918-cef/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=36728

Bell-Irving Family, A Canadian Family’s Service, http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7181: “Richard Bell-Irving (1888-1962) Lt.Col., 29th Bn. CEF & RFC. OBE.”

The Aeroplane, January 8, 1919, page 148, https://archive.org/stream/aeroplan161919lond#page/148/mode/1up/search/bell-irving: “Order of the British Empire, . . . Commanders (C.B.E.), Lt.-Col. Richard Bell-Irving, Instructor, Royal Flying Corps. (Gazetted Jan 7th.)

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLTZ-57J : accessed 08 Oct 2014), Richard Bell-Irving, 29 Apr 1962; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13256, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2033377.

Richard Bell-Irving, death notice, Vancouver Sun, April 30, 1962, page 35: “Bell-Irving – Richard, on April 29, 1962, in his 74th year. No flowers please. Memorial service Thursday, May 3 at 1:30 p.m. in Christ Church Cathedral.”

Kathleen Hume Morris (wife of Richard Bell-Irving)

“Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FMNT-S64 : accessed 19 Sep 2014), Henry Hume Morris and Fanny Louise Dewar, 03 Jun 1880; citing registration 012129, Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario, Canada, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1869509.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL5V-YQ3 : accessed 18 Sep 2014), Henry Hume Morris, 04 Apr 1936; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13156, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1953020.

Society, Vancouver Province, March 15, 1900, page 10: “Mr. Morris, manager of the Bank of Commerce.” [reference to new bank building at Hastings Street and Granville Street.]

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLKB-XTL : accessed 19 Sep 2014), Fanny L Morris, 15 Sep 1900; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13093, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1927121.

“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDZF-ZGN : accessed 18 Sep 2014), Henry Hume Morris and Letitia Madeleine Philpot, 28 Aug 1909; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11374, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1983702.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL5V-YQ3 : accessed 18 Sep 2014), Henry Hume Morris, 04 Apr 1936; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13156, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1953020.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLB2-NYZ : accessed 19 Sep 2014), Letitia Madeleine Morris, 24 Feb 1974; citing Richmond, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13331, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2050286.

“Ontario, Births and Baptisms, 1779-1899,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XLTN-39F : accessed 09 Oct 2014), Kathleen Morris, 30 Jun 1885; citing Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1845877.

“Canada, Births and Baptisms, 1661-1959,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F2KH-JYK : accessed 09 Oct 2014), Henry Hume Morris in entry for Kathleen Morris, 30 Jun 1885; citing Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario, 30 Jun 1885, reference 434; FHL microfilm 1845877.

“Ontario Births, 1869-1912”, index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VNGS-T4L : accessed 09 Oct 2014), Henry Hume Morris in entry for Kathleen Morris, 1885.

“Ontario Births, 1869-1912”, index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VNGS-THY : accessed 09 Oct 2014), Henry Hume Morris in entry for Kathleen Morris, 1885.

Social and Personal, Vancouver Province, May 6, 1905, page 6: Miss Evelyn Tilton came over from Victoria on Monday, and is the guest of Miss Morris, Haro street.”

Social and Personal, Vancouver Province, October 14, 1905, page 4: “Miss Constance Morris and Miss Kathleen Morris will leave on Sunday for Southern California, and will spend the winter visiting friends in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Miss Morris entertained a few friends at tea on Friday afternoon.”

Social and Personal, Vancouver Province, October 14, 1905, page 4: “The Misses Morris of Haro street are leaving on Sunday for Santa Barbara, and will spend the winter visiting there and other parts of Southern California.”

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLYZ-846 : accessed 09 Oct 2014), Kathleen Hume Bell-Irving, 28 Dec 1969; citing West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13300, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2034111.

Constance Bell-Irving (daughter of Richard Bell-Irving)

Society, “Constance Bell-Irving Bride in Noon Wedding on North Shore,” Vancouver Sun, July 28, 1939, page 8, http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vTFlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LIkNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1341%2C3298625.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLYD-5QW : accessed 10 Oct 2014), Rodney James Browne, 16 Jun 1942; citing Overseas, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B14427, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2231497.

“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JD81-GLZ : accessed 10 Oct 2014), Thomas William Wyndham and Louise Burpee, 01 Dec 1906; citing , British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11373, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1983530.

“Canada Census, 1911”, index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/QV95-SJX3 : accessed 10 Oct 2014), Thomas Wyndham, 1911.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLLY-3ZF : accessed 10 Oct 2014), Thomas William Wyndham, 09 Aug 1936; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13157, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1953021.

“Bell-Irving Daughter Weds,” Vancouver Sun, August 24, 1945, page 15: “Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bell-Irving, Onslow Place, Capilano Estates, announce the marriage of their daughter, Constance Browne, to Cpl Richard D.H. Wyndham, U.W. Army, son of Mrs. C.L. Osborne of Portland, Oregon, and the late Thomas W. Wyndham of Vancouver. The wedding took place quietly Thursday evening in St. Stephen’s Church, West Vancouver, Rev. E.W.P. Carter officiating.”

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1991-09-022923, Richard David Hayward Wyndham, date of death: December 12, 1991; place of death: Comox.

Constance Wyndham (nee Bell-Irving) November 21, 1913 – November 4, 2008, death notice, Vancouver Sun & The Province, Saturday, November 15, 2008.

Richard Morris Bell-Irving (son of Richard Bell-Irving)

Richard Morris Bell-Irving, March 18, 1945, http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/2557469

Find A Grave, Lieut Richard Morris Bell-Irving, Find A Grave Memorial# 56170718, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=56170718; Birth:  unknown; Death:  Mar. 18, 1945; Note: Lieutenant (E), Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve. Age: 28; Burial: Halifax Memorial, Halifax, Halifax County, Nova Scotia, Canada; Plot: Final resting place unknown. Name listed at Panel 13 on the Memorial.

Richard Morris Bell-irving, http://www.canadaatwar.ca/memorial/world-war-ii/148135/lieutenant-e-richard-morris-bell-irving/.

Richard Bell-Irving, Canadian WWII Casualties, http://canadian-wwii-casualties.findthebest.com/d/a/Richard-Bell-.-Irving.

Ian Malcolm Bell-Irving (son of Richard Bell-Irving)

Joan V. (Frost) Bell-Irving, death notice, Vancouver Sun, May 28 to May 29, 2009, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/vancouversun/obituary.aspx?n=joan-v-bell-irving-frost&pid=127772244