Cooperative Center Federal CreditUnion is mourning the loss of former President/CEO Gary Bell, whodied at the age of 54 from complications following a severebacterial sinus infection.

Always dedicated to a life of public and community service toimprove the lives of others, Bell got his start in Wichita, Kan.,where he not only became the second African-American to serve onthe Wichita council, but the youngest as well.

He served the Berkeley, Calif., credit union as CEO from2000-2002 and returned to serve as president/CEO in 2008 until his illness.

“He was a skilled manager who brought to the credit union astrong capacity to build and sustain a positive rapport between thestaff and members,” said James Garret, board chairman of the $103million CCFCU. “His warmth and infectious smile are well rememberedby many members.”

He added that Bell was greatly respected both at the creditunion and in the Bay Area community. Bell served on the Richmond,Calif., City Council from 2001-2004, and last year had beenre-elected to that position when he became ill.

In September 2012, he was named to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's 15-member Credit Union Advisory Council.

“CCFCU will miss Gary Bell, as will many others in ourcommunity. However we will recognize that we have greatlybenefitted from his contributions to our credit union and to thecommunities he served throughout his life,” Garret said.

Bell is survived by his wife Shelley Ross-Bell; sons Gary Jr.and Germaine; eight brothers and sisters Edward Bell Jr., AnthonyBell, Charles Bell, his twin sister Gale Bray, Carol Davis,Carolyn Young, Jacqueline Bell-Murry, and Donald Bell.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to theGaryBell Memorial Fund. Services were held Wednesday at HilltopCommunity Church in Richmond.