Bryan Bell ’41

Born and raised in New Orleans, he left only to attend Princeton and then go to war. A graduate of Northwood School, he majored in the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton.

He was on the staff of Tiger magazine and Nassau Lit , a member of Whig-Clio and Terrace Club, editor of the Calendar , manager of College Art Press, and president of the Democratic Club.

Entering the Army in 1942, Bryan went through Officer Candidate School and joined the infantry as a platoon leader. He participated in three campaigns in Europe, earning a Bronze Star and a Unit Award of the Croix de Guerre. He was later knighted by France and awarded the Légion d’honneur.

After his service, Brian started a very successful fruitcake business, which he sold to Procter & Gamble in 1964. He then became an independent oil operator, active in oil leases, gas, and drilling. At the same time he started a real estate business. As a result he taught “Economics of Real Estate” at Tulane University for 22 years. (He also ran a successful 1941 mini-reunion in New Orleans.)

Bryan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruby Crosby Bell; his son, Bryan Jr. ’83; his four daughters, Bee Gosnell, Bettina Larson, Beverley Bell, and Barbara Bell Barrett ’86; and 12 grandchildren.