Dr Raynor Colin Bell DDS, (1890-26/4/1926). "an inspiring teacher"

OBITUARY.

DR RAYNOR BELL. 

The friends of Dr Raynor Colin Bell, professor of Clinical Dentistry in the University of Otago, will learn with regret of his death, which occurred yesterday morning in a private hospital. Dr Bell was a native of New Zealand and was educated at Nelson College and Otago University, in 1914 he look his degree of B.D.S. and was then appointed to the dental department of Christchurch Hospital. Volunteering for active service, he joined the Dental Corps at Trentham and accompanied New Zealand troops to Egypt. Subsequently he was recalled and appointed to the dental staff of the Featherstone training camp. Upon receiving his discharge from military service he established himself in practice in Masterton, where be was when he applied for, and received, appointment to the staff of the Dental School in 1920. He received his degree of D.D.S. in 1924, and was the first person to obtain that degree from the New Zealand University, securing it as the result of brilliant research work. The funeral will take place to-morrow, and, as a mark of respect, the Dental School will' be closed, fresh appointments being made for patents who would otherwise have received an appointment on that day.  -Otago Daily Times, 26/4/1926.

Sympathetic reference to the death of Dr Raynor Bell was made at the meeting of the University Council on Tuesday. The Chancellor (Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P.) said they had been greatly shocked on learning of the death of Dr Bell, who was one of the most brilliant students who went through the dental school. Dr Bell was the first to qualify for the degree of doctor of dental surgery in New Zealand. At the University he discharged his duties very efficiently in spite of the disadvantages under which he carried on his work. The following resolution was passed, members standing in silence: — “The Council of the University of Otago records its deep sorrow on learning of the death of Raynor Colin Bell, Professor of Clinical Dentistry in the University. Dr Bell, who was a graduate from our own dental school, was appointed to the University staff in 1920, and as a professor he proved an inspiring teacher, much-beloved by his students. Despite his arduous teaching duties, he succeeded in doing research work of great value which was recognised when the degree of D.D.S. was conferred upon him. The council deeply deplores the early death of so brilliant a teacher and student, and directs that its sincere sympathy be expressed to Mrs Bell and her family.”  -Otago Witness, 25/5/1926.

GIFT OF BOOKS. 

Mrs R. C. Bell, wife of the late Professor Raynor Bell, wrote stating that she desired to present to the University the books owned by her husband, as a memorial. The books would be required to be catalogued and lent to students under adequate supervision. — The gift was accepted with thanks.  -Otago Daily Times, 18/8/1926.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.