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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Russell Bell, Professor Emeritus, Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology. A native of New Zealand, he completed his undergraduate degree there and his PhD at Stanford. Bell joined McMaster’s Department of Chemistry in 1964; he also held a joint member of the Department of Biochemistry. He was an excellent researcher, who made pioneering discoveries in the area of nucleic acids and natural materials, utilizing state-of-the-art NMR methods. He collaborated with many colleagues with the Department, and ran an active research group for more than 30 years. Dr. Bell was also well-loved professor of organic chemistry and an outstanding instructor, recognized by a life-time achievement award from the McMaster Student Union in 1996. Following his retirement, Bell remained an active scientist, regularly attending departmental seminars in his areas of interest and social events in the Department. He was always warm and encouraging to students, staff, and colleagues alike. More details can be found here.