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Joe Bell, trains in March in La Grande for his two-year, 5,000-mile walk across the United States to promote an anti-bullying program in remembrance of his son. Jadin Bell, a gay La Grande High School sophomore, died Feb. 3 from injuries suffered from a suicide attempt on Jan. 19. Jadin's family and friends believe that he was driven to suicide by bullying.

(Chris Baxter/The Observer)

The death of Joe Bell, a La Grande father who was walking across the country to raise awareness of bullying after losing his openly gay teenage son to suicide, has left many who were touched by his journey mourning his loss.

One person whose life was changed met Joe Bell on Tuesday,

Sheriff Tom Nestor was moved by the Oregon man who introduced himself as Jadin Bell's father. The 15-year-old died in January; his family says he was bullied to death at school.

Joe Bell took his grief on the road, pledging to walk from eastern Oregon to the East Coast. Along the way, he hoped to change minds.

With his permission, we're sharing Sheriff Nestor's email of his encounter with Joe Bell in its entirety.

"I met Joe Bell after I contacted him walking along Hwy 40 in Lincoln County on Tuesday afternoon. I spoke with Joe briefly the first time I stopped, But could tell right away that he was very genuine. I generally don’t share personal stories with people I just meet but Joe was different and could tell right away he was a good man. I talked with Joe about my oldest son who is also gay. Joe talked to me about accepting my son without question because he was born that way and was not a choice.

"Joe shared his personal story in detail and explained to me what the walk meant to him. Joe talked to me about all the schools and churches he talked at. He WAS making a difference. I let Joe get on his way and went back to my office where I read more about Joe and his family. I called my department chaplain and asked him to go for a ride with me. “you have to meet Joe Bell”. We talked with Joe Bell again in some length and asked him if he would be willing to talk with our local youth about bullying on Wednesday night.

"Joe agreed but requested that he continue his walk and that we would come pick him up where ever he is. I agreed to this because his message would be very important to our kids. Before I left I presented Joe with one of our department challenge coins and told him this is because he was going above and beyond to spread this important message. Joe then shared with me two other items that he carries with him. Joe made it into Hugo, Colorado and ate dinner at one of the local restaurants and headed back east.

On Wednesday, Joe Bell posted this photo, used with permission, on his Joe's Walk For Change Facebook page. He described the items as "three of my most prized trinkets I have been given along the way of my journey." He added: "Thank you Brian out of Steamboat Springs. Giovanni out of Denver Colorado. Sheriff Nestor out of Lincoln County Co."

"I seen Joe headed east as it was getting dark. I remember thinking I hope he is careful but did see a red flashing light on the front of his cart.

"On Wednesday I spoke with Joe on the phone late in the afternoon and asked him how he was doing. Joe told me his feet hurt but doing well. I asked Joe if he was still willing to come and talk to the kids. Joe just simply stated absolutely. I asked Joe when he wanted me to come and get him because he could get food at the church. Joe wanted to walk until 6 at which time I would pick him and his cart up.

"I stopped by my house and grabbed a couple of straps, I spoke to my wife about Joe staying with us that evening to which she had no hesitation. I headed Joes way when I got the call of a pedestrian hit in the next county. I checked his GPS online and confirmed Joe was in fact in that area.

"I still could not believe it so I drove with lights and siren into the next county. As soon as I got on scene I observed Joes cart in the middle of the hwy. I ran over to the medical staff where they were covering Joe up. I got down on one knee and put my hand on Joes head and said a silent prayer. I then told the ambulance crew who the man was in front of them.

"I only knew him for a very short time but this man had to of made a huge difference in everyone he met. He made me realize how important basic humanity still is. I will pass his story on to many people.

"He may not have reached his destination but I feel like he completed his mission. He did in fact made a change!

"I think what is most important now is to support his family and his mission."

-- Kimberly A.C. Wilson