The founder of one of Ottawa’s top-rated insurance agencies recently passed away.

James Raymond “Ray” Bell was 88 when he passed away on March 13.

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He is survived by his second wife Grace, his four children, 12 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Ray had followed in the entrepreneurial footsteps of his father, William J. (Billy) Bell, who operated a general store in Stittsville and a trucking company. Ray started working for his father when his was just 15 years old at W.J. Bell Construction, where he later became president of the company.

He later built and operated a feed mill on Stittsville Main Street and started what would become Bradley’s Insurance today.

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Ray was also known as one of the first developers in Stittsville, and even donated land to be developed on.

James also operated Bell Service Center, a gas outlet, convenience store, and office building located along Stittsville Main Street.

Bradley’s Insurance has been operating for more than 50 years offering both personal and commercial insurance.


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