He was born in Islay, Alberta, Jan. 16, 1922, and received his schooling in that province, including a diploma from the Vermilion School of Agriculture. His bachelor of science degree came from the University of Alberta in 1943, his master of science from Macdonald College in 1945 and his PhD from Cornell University in 1948.

In 1948 he was appointed assistant professor in the animal husbandry department (later known as animal science), University of Saskatchewan. He rose to full professor and department head in 1954, a position he held for 21 years. From 1975-80 he was associate dean of agriculture and in 1980 he was named first Burford Hooke chair professor of animal science. He retired in 1989.

Dr. Bellís expertise in animal nutrition has placed him in great demand as an advisor to farmers and researchers in Canada. In addition he has delivered technical advice on missions to countries around the world and has counselled and, often guided, delegations coming to Canada on fact-finding missions and tours.

He headed the research team responsible for evaluating meal, oil and by-products of rapeseed processing that proved the potential of rapeseed as a major oilseed crop for the Canadian prairies. His own research showed the benefit of removal of harmful compounds called glucosinolates from rapeseed. He proved rapeseed meal could be a valuable component in animal feed and thus did much to open up a whole new market for this oilseed crop, now called canola. He also saved Saskatchewan farmers from severe losses by showing how off-grade and frozen canola could be effectively utilized in animal feeds.

Other accomplishments included developing new nutrient requirements for Canadian Yorkshire swine, initiating studies into raising dairy calves without whole milk and promoting work on increasing the food value of whey by yeast fermentation.

For his work as scientist, teacher and adviser Dr. Bell has received the Queenís Silver Jubilee medal, the Order of Canada, Centenary medal from the Royal Society of Canada, honor scroll from the Saskatchewan Livestock Association, life membership in the Saskatchewan Dairy Association and the Canadian Feed Industry Award. He received an honorary doctor of science from McGill University, was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, first Agricultural Laureate by Guelph University and a Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada. He was given the James McAnsh Award by the Canola Council of Canada and the Borden Award from the Nutrition Society of Canada.