He was one of 13 siblings in his family. His son, Dean, was the Warriors’ foundation captain.
Mann, who is now the chief growth officer at Auckland Rugby League, said Bell was a magnificent coach.
“Cameron was one of the great rugby league influences of my playing career.
“I had the privilege of playing under Cam in his all-conquering Auckland representative teams of 1988 and 1989, before captaining the Counties Manukau Stingrays in 1996 when Cam coached us to the Lion Red Cup national title.
“Cam was a genuine players’ coach. He had an exceptional rugby league mind. He was a clever tactician who could see the game differently and communicate his ideas in a way players understood.
“His teams played tough, but Cam demanded skill, courage, discipline and commitment to the team. His philosophy was simple and memorable: the ball will always beat the man.”
After playing for Manukau, he began coaching them and led them to success by winning the Auckland competition.
During his time there, he won Auckland coach of the year, as well as beating top British side St Helens 26-10.
He then led the Auckland provincial side for two successful seasons, including wins over Australia, Great Britain and the Eastern Suburbs Roosters, 26-12.
Bell then moved to Carlisle in northwest England before returning home to coach the Counties Manukau Heroes to victory in the Lion Red Cup in 1996.
During that time, he was appointed coach of the NZ Māori team and led them to the World Cup in England, where they beat Scotland, but finished third in their group.
Cameron Bell coached Auckland and the NZ Māori teams. Photo / Photosport
He then returned to England to coach the Barrow Raiders, who had merged with Carlisle in the late 1990s.
A Facebook fan page set up in memory of the former Border Raiders paid the team’s respects.
“Sad news of the passing of Cameron Bell, a top coach and great guy who brought in so many great players in his four seasons at Carlisle and gave us some excellent and entertaining rugby. Condolences to his family.”
A private memorial service will be held.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.