Joe Shell - Shell in Perspective

Shell in Perspective

Joe Shell had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ellie, Tommy, Mark, Justin, Matt, Emily, Jennifer, Dana, Ryan, Stacey, Brian, enjoyed visiting him in Bakersfield whenever they could.

Among his varied interests, Shell was a sailing enthusiast. He once placed third in the TransPacific sailing race in his boat called the Khamsin. He also collected classic cars. His obituary says that he "liked all dogs." Joe Shell's health began to deteriorate late in 2007 when he broke a hip in a fall. He rallied with use of a walker, but he broke two ribs in another fall early in 2008. He also developed dementia.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger extended condolences to the Shell family. In a proclamation, he called Shell “a dedicated, loyal public servant, who contributed years of service to his district and was thoroughly committed to bettering the lives of Californians.” Shell was interred on April 11, 2008 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Bakersfield. A memorial followed at the First Presbyterian Church of Bakersfield. He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield.

Dan Walters summed up Shell's political legacy in the Sacramento Bee on April 8, in an article entitled "For Joe Shell, character trumped ideology in California politics":

" Deukmejian persuaded Shell to take a seat on the Agricultural Labor Relations Board in 1989, but Shell resigned two years later, saying he was embarrassed to be paid for doing almost nothing. It was vintage Joe Shell, a crusty, old-school politician to whom character was more important than ideology. Shell died Monday at his home in Bakersfield – the same day that old enemy Jerry Brown was celebrating his 70th birthday and contemplating another run for the governorship . It's too bad Shell won't be around to see what happens."