Eric Douglas Bell, 49, of Sergeant Lane, Brunswick, died Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick after a courageous and inspiring three-year battle against lung cancer.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Nov. 7, 1959, the son of Albert W. and Joan D. Bell, Eric attended the Hinckley School in Hinckley and was a graduate of the University of Southern Maine.

On Sept. 22, 1990, he married Kelly Marie Baker of Brunswick. The couple had met while both were employed at L.L. Bean in 1986.

For seven years, Eric worked at National Semiconductor in South Portland.

Eric touched the lives of everyone he met, and he faced even the toughest of life’s challenges with a sense of humor and a positive, determined attitude. A lifetime nonsmoker, Eric was happiest when engaged in outdoor activities. He loved to golf, hunt, ski, hike, climb mountains, and spend time with his family. His contagious enthusiasm was especially evident at Portland Sea Dogs games, where he would often lead his entire section of the stands in the singing of “Sweet Caroline.”

In recent years, Eric did a great deal of work to raise money for the fight against cancer through the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. He formed the “Bell Ringers,” a Relay team that raised more than $35,000 for cancer research over the past three years.

He was predeceased by his father in 1992.

A devoted and loving husband, son, brother, and uncle, Eric is survived by his wife, Kelly Bell, of Brunswick; his mother, Joan Bell, of Bath; a sister, Leslie Ambrose, of Bath; a brother, Alan Bell, of Littleton, Colo.; a sister, Tracy Foster, and her husband, Butch Foster, of Perry, Ga.; a sister, Lori Bell, and her husband, John Scannell, of Stamford, Conn.; a sister, Tami Thibodeau, and her husband, Stephen Thibodeau, of Bath; a brother, Jon Bell, and his wife, Catherine Bell, of San Diego, Calif.; a sister, Elena Wagner, and her husband, Peter Wagner, of Davidson, N.C.; 22 nieces and nephews, one great-nephew, many loving in-laws and friends, and his beloved golden retriever Bailey Jane.

A celebration of Eric’s life, “Eric’s Memorial Happy Hour,” will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2 Columbus Drive, Brunswick, from 4 to 8 P.M. on Friday, Jan. 16. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in Eric’s memory to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, 1 Main St. # 300, Topsham, Maine 04086; please earmark all donations for the “Bell Ringers” team.

A memorial celebration is planned for this summer at Reid State Park in Georgetown; the date and time will be announced by the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home 130 Pleasant St. Richmond, Me 04357