The Wizard's Personal Page
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A Brief Biography
Let me introduce myself. I am David E. Bell, a.k.a. The Gray Wizard. The Gray
came with age while the Wizard came with experience in my profession. I've got 57+ years invested in the former and more than 30 years in the latter, While the
gray of my beard is clearly recognizable in the image on the left, the wizardry
has been acquired over many years as an information technology professional (No,
I am not a linguist nor an astronomer by either training or profession). My formal training
has been in mathematics and computer science.
A wizard's world is full of magic and enchantment and the Gray Wizard is no
exception. Let me now introduce you to some of the magical people responsible
for that enchantment.
The Archmage and Her Majesty
The Archmage, First of the Bell Clan, the Wizard's Father, my Dad. Recently lost to
us in this world, I like to think of him as gone "West-over-Sea" to the
Blessed Realm of amman, where he now dwells serenely among the nardhost. Or
perhaps he seeks adventures among the rándhin nomads in the remote enénsahar
desert east of the eröid elorenath. Wherever he now dwells be it known that I
miss him dearly. Perhaps when some enterprising service provider sets up shop in
amman, I can send him email and tell him once more how much I still love him.
Her Majesty, Matriarch of the Bell Clan, the Wizard's Mother, my
Mom. The most giving and caring person I have ever known, the very definition of
motherhood. Facing a new beginning without the Archmage, she has once again
proved her resilience and strength. Life continues at 87!! I love you, Mom!
Of these forebears I am truly proud. They say we cannot choose
our parents, but had I been given the opportunity, I could not have made a
better choice.
The Wizard and The Wizardess
Marlis Hundertmark, born and raised in Stroit, Germany came to these shores in 1974.
Ten years later she was to meet and win the Wizard's heart. A loving mother, a
kind and gentle soul, a bright and effervescent personality, a wizardess of
charm. On New Year's Eve 1984, the Wizard took Marlis Hundertmark for his bride
and for the last sixteen magical years she has been wife, best friend, soul-mate
and lover. For the Wizard, life is his bride.
On August 20, 1973, the Wizard accomplished his greatest feat of magic. He
became the father of the world's most perfect daughter. Akira (Kiri) Bell, now Akira Johnson, known to her
family as Kiri and called Squeezie by her father alone, a true Sorceress in her
own right. I have fond memories of teaching her to count, tutoring her in
mathematics, showing her how to program in Basic at age seven. Now, a recent
graduate of Princeton University with a degree in Civil Engineering and
Operations Research, she has embarked on a career in consulting (following
the Wizard's footsteps). A young woman who makes it all too easy to be proud of
her, a young woman with a brilliant future ahead of her. On October 4, 1997, she
married Dr. Brian Johnson, a PhD chemist whom she had met at Princeton. They have been happily making
magic ever since. Carpe Diem y'all!
In July 2000, Kiri and Brian announced that they were expecting
twins. The miracle continues. Check out some recent fotos taken
on a weekend trip to the expectant Johnson's including a trip to Lambertville for Sunday
Breakfast.
(My Mother and our Mother and Father to be.)
The Adventure of Sam and E.J.
And now as the ultimate act of magic and wonder, Kiri
and Brian became the parents of a boy and a girl. Samantha
Laurel and Ethan Jordan, two brand new additions
to our family arrived January 24th amidst a puff of smoke. Honi soit qui mal y
pense! ... Presto Chango! ... Ala
Peanut Butter Sandwiches! Alakazaam! I'm a Grandfather. Just
call me Pop Pop.
Check out their adventures here.
The Wizard's Accomplices
My
mother and my siblings. Left to right.
The Pages of The Gray Wizard
