Bloodstock agent Gus Bell died July 4 at Veterans' Affairs Hospice care in Lexington, according to his daughter, Jessica Bell. He was 80.
"Beloved father, grandfather, and best friend to so many, he forged his own path in life—with honor, courage, humor, and steadfast faithfulness to the people he loved. He was so special to his family and we will miss him dearly," a Facebook post from his family noted.
A Lexington native and graduate of Lafayette High School, Bell attended Marshall University where he was an accomplished football player and graduated in 1964. He went on to serve as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army as helicopter pilot in the 173rd Airborne Brigade during 1964-68. He served with distinction, having received several medals and commendations for brave acts of heroism at war. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Air Medal with 27 Oak Leaf Clusters, and Vietnam Campaign Medal National Defense Service Medal.
Following his military service, Bell worked in several capacities as an educator, administrator and board member of Sayre School in Lexington. He next launched a career as a Thoroughbred bloodstock agent that took him around around the world for nearly 45 years. He was remembered by many for his kindness, integrity, and keen eye for a horse—and known for his yellow golf cart at the horse sales. He specialized in Thoroughbred consulting, conformation analysis, pedigree evaluation, sales assistance, and racing management. His clients would go on to have success in graded/group stakes races in the United States and abroad.
Bell was described by his family as a walking contradiction of gentleman and poet, paratrooper, athlete and artist; he loved music, food, was an avid golfer (with a storied golf handicap of 6), and treated people of all kinds with respect. . He prided himself in having relationships with folks from all walks of life, treating everyone he met with respect.
"If it's true that love should look like something, then those with the privilege of knowing Gus Bell understand that it looks like quietly upholding your commitments, always offering a kind word, doing the right thing when no one is looking, and forgiving people that don't deserve it," his family wrote in his memory. "A model friend, a loyal listener, a consummate gentleman who was so proud to surround himself with the likes of the good guys he called his friends. The world has lost a lion of a man, who will be so sorely missed by all who knew him."
Since the announcement of Bell's death, remembrances have followed.
"We are all saddened by the news today," Keeneland vice president of sales Tony Lacy wrote on Facebook. "Gus was one of the best. Always had such a positive attitude and outlook. We will miss him greatly."
"Gus was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed our conversations at the sales. My deepest condolences to the family," National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association CEO Eric Hamelback added on the social media platform.
Visitation will take place at Milward Funeral Directors at 391 Southland Drive in Lexington on July 13 from 4-6 p.m. ET, with a funeral service at 6 p.m. immediately following. Burial will be July 14 at Camp Nelson, with attendance for close friends and family.
