RICHARD CHARLES COOMBS
July 11, 1941 - May 2, 2007

"Our sincere sympathy is sent to you and your family. Mr. Coombs was a wonderful teacher. He will always be remembered for his broad smile and genuine compassion for the teaching profession. He will be greatly missed."

"To Lisa and the extended Coombs family: I was sad to read of your dads passing. Above and beyond his legacy as a teacher and coach at Marquette High and all of the great things he did for his students, his athletes, and the Marquette sports community, he was just plain and simply a good and decent guy. He was especially nice to my dad, my mother, and to me and my siblings. He always had a big smile, a hearty hand shake, and nice things to say to us, or about us. He was also one of a very few select people who had the decency and thoughtfulness to visit my dad when he was ill and in his final days. Not so coincidently, he was also the life of my fathers going away party and made sure everyone and anyone who was there remembered my dad and knew about the positive, and often-times funny adventures they shared. Death of a family member is never pleasant, nor fun. But, I hope the entire Coombs family can walk around Marquette and the U.P. with your head held high - this week and always - with a mighty big grin your dad was a hell of a guy and truly a mans man. My very best of thoughts and condolences during your time of loss. Jerry Brumm"

"To the Coombs Family: My deepest condolences during this tough time. Some of my best highschool memories are from his class. He always had a smile for everyone and went out of his way to make his students feel good. He will be greatly missed. I hope you can find peace in the great outdoors that he loved and can remember him with a smile."

"My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Coombs. He was my favorite teacher at MSHS, I remember him as always smiling and having a story to tell during class, which made Conservation class fun. Julie Jutila Mauermann MSHS Class of 1969"

"Phyllis and Family--Please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of Dick. I will always remember his ever present smile, but even more, that twinkle in his eye. We taught together for many years--so many memories. I am sorry we didn't get to visit after our retirement. Phyllis,if you ever want to just talk, please don't hesitate to give me a call. Since I have just recently lost Dale, I can certainly understand your grief. Mark Canale can give you my phone nunber, Take care--my thoughts and prayers are with you all."

"Lisa Tom and family - So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. His pain and suffering is now over, and he is at peace. Your Dad was going through Chemo treatments when my Mom was going through her treatments, so we seen him many times at the hospital, he always had a positive attitude and kept everybody smiling. He was a strong guy, and very educated about his illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time in your lives. Remember all the fun times with your Dad, and he will live on forever!"

"My Sincere Condolences to the family of Mr. Coombs. He will be greatly missed. He was one of my favorite teachers at MSHS. I will always remember him telling a story before class. I lost my mom Sharon 1 year ago I certainly understand your grief. Class of MSHS 1988"

"Dear Friends, We were saddened to learn of the loss of your dear husband and father. We have such fond memories of our visits together and we know how much Tom Gill enjoyed hunting with Dick. We regret that we cannot be with you physically to extend our sympathies, but,know of our presence in spirt and prayer during these very difficult times. Sincerely, Deacon Bill and Chetti Green"

"Our sincere condolences to your family. We certainly enjoyed having a conversation with Richard.It was always a learning experience as he was so knowledgeble of so many things. We know his love of picking morels and will certainly think of him when searching for them. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time."

"To Shane and the Coombs family, I am sorry for the loss of your dad, He will be truly missed. I will never forget the football party we had at his camp after our 1979 football season, His trust and generosity created a lifelong memory for all of us. Your dad touched alot of people in the community and was an inspiration and a mentor to all his students. My thoughts and prayers are with you.. Scott W. Greer"

"If there was ever someone to look to as a role model, a man you'd want your son to grow up to emulate, it was Dick Coombs. I did not know him well, but each time we'd bump into each other, he would remember me, and call me by name. Dick was instrumental in helping to fight a huge environmental case back in the 70s -- the Reserve Mining Company's dumping of its taconite tailings into Lake Superior from its mine in Minnesota. At the time I was press secretary to U.S. Senator Robert P. Griffin, and he allied himself with Mrs. Verna Mize, a single citizen living in the Washington DC area (and a native of the Copper Country), who started the "crusade" against Reserve Mining. Dick was helpful in many, many ways and eventually we won the case. The dumping was stopped. I was saddened to learn of his passing. He leaves a large footprint in our beloved Upper Peninsula... Matt Surrell"

"Dear Phyliss and family WE are very sad to hear of Richards passing. He was a teacher to our daughter Patti. She admired him very much. I forwarded his article to her in Spokane. You are all in our prayers. Sincerly, The Hutchens"

"I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Coombs Passing on... I had him for a teacher at mshs and he was Awesome! He will be sadly missed... will also miss him driving his tractor into town... God bless all of his family on this sad day."

"Lisa,Tom and Nicole, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad and grandfather. He was wonderful man and a good friend to many. He left Joey with some wonderful memories that he will never forget. God Bless you all at this very difficult time."

"Im sorry for your loss, Mr. Coombs was a wonderful teacher. He taught me more then I was ever able to tell him. Both my boyfriend and I were blessed in having him as a teacher. Thank you for sharing Mr. Coombs with us."

"I am fighting back tears as I right this message.Mr Coombs was my favorite teacher at MSHS. He made science fun! I loved how excited he got when the students got into a project or topic that we were studing. He was a brillant man. I remember him talking foundly of his grandchildren. He also was so excited to build his dream house. I remember him telling us all about the different energy saving ideas that he had for his home. I know that Mr Coombs has a special place in my heart.He will be missed."

"Mr. Coombs was one of the great teachers at M.S.H.S He always did everything in his power to bring out the best in his students. I had him as a teacher in the 1960s and he was wonderful. He will be missed terribly. My sincere condolences to his family. Steven L. Hassel"

"Dear Mrs. Coombs: I am very sorry to here about your husband. My father (Bill Ryan) was a good friend to him. I fondly remember that you and Richard showed up to my wedding in 1970 a week before it acually happened. I remeber you driving by my parents house and we laughed because you were a week early. I am again sorry for you loss. Colleen Koenig (Ryan)"

"To the family of Richard Coombs, My name is Bruce A. Rivard, MSHS Class of 1980, a former student of Richard Coombs. I must say in all honesty, that Mr. Coombs was truly my most favorite and respected teacher that I ever had in all of my years of schooling. He made Natural Resources interesting, educational and most of all enjoyable. I will miss Richard Coombs, but I know that he's in a place where he'll be treated with dignity and much respect. Our hearts reach out to the Coombs family, take care, God Bless. Bruce & Susan Rivard and Family"

"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Coombs was my teacher and friend for many years at MSHS. In addition to being my favorite teacher he was also my neighbor for awhile on Birch St. Mr. Coombs was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by myself and the community of Marquette."

"I was very sorry to hear of Dick's passing. We have lost touch over the years but I have some very fond memories. Hopefully Dick and Merrill are getting in some great duck hunting in the hereafter."

"Richard showed "random acts of kindness" towards me as a newly hired teacher in the Marquette Area Public Schools. When he retired, he gave me his lectern, chair, and many nature specimens that the students and I used this very day in drawing class. I will always remember him for vaccuming his classroom everyday after school, but most important- zest, enthusiasm, and his motivation to work for enduring goodness in our young people, our community, and our environment."

"I had Mr. Coombs for biology when I was a sophomore in high school ('91). I remember that he LOVED to tell stories about his children and grandchildren. I believe that one of his grandchildren was born while I had his class. He had a story every day. I also remember his story about a student that drank so much Mountain Dew that her skin started to yellow...he was an advocate of students limiting their soda intake. My condolences to Tom (my cousin), Lisa and all of Mr. Coombs' family. You're in my thoughts."

"So many of us in the Marquette Area Pubilc Schools were very fond of Dick Coombs and are saddened by his passing. I will always remember his kindness, his warmth, his sense of humor, and his smile."

"Mr Coombs was one of those special teachers that you will never forget. My best memory was when he took our class on January 14th up near Big Bay for a winter survival overnighter..... It was 14 below minus windchill, and he had me and a friend set up a shelter in a swamp, Well we learned how to survive, we woke up ( or never slept ) at 2 am and walked down to Mr Coombs campsite to find him in front of a large fire cooking up some venision heart. Never enjoyed a fire and a hot meal and conversation about the outdoors like that again... Thanks Mr. Coombs !!"

"Many people teach a particular subject, few teachers teach the lessons of life. Mr. Coombs was a teacher of life. His classroom was one where the lesson of respecting the individual began with his respect for his students and moved to include nature and the environment. He made me think, he made me ponder, he made me consider what could be, not just what was. My prayers are with your family."

"Richard was my Dad's inspiration. He met Richard in MGH last year. They became friends. My Dad, AJ Johnson, is also fighting for his life with cancer. I met Richard, along with my family, when my Dad was hospitalized last summer. Richard was so good for my Dad and seemingly everyone he met. What a great man! We've always considered him an angel. We all miss miss you Richard. Thank You, The Johnson Family."

"Mr.Coombs, what a wonderful human being he was. His love of life, his passion for everyday living was simply incredible. This man radiated the best of what life is supposed to represent. His presence reached into the hearts of many, many people. He will remain a shining light in those hearts. You will be a teacher of life for eternity. Peace to you, Mr. Coombs."

"It is with the greatest sadness that we send our condolences to you today. Your husband, father, grandfather was a great man and though we lost contact in recent years we thought of him often. He was a great educator and conservationist. Of all those I have met while going to school and teaching over these last 50 years he is the one who made a difference in my life and one of the few who I have seen actually care for students and the environment. He did what was right even though administration may have thought differently and for this we thank him. He taught me to study, fly fish, do taxidermy, canoe, respect the outdoors, and to stand up for my own beliefs. As a young girl in 1970 that was very important. Our hearts are with you all. Patricia Hutchens Jouppi"

"Dear Coombs Family, After learing of Mr. Coombs passing I reflected on personal experiences as a past student of his and I came across this quote that reminded me of him. "The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think - rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with thoughts of other men. ~Bill Beattie" He taught me all of the above and more. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from such a wonderful person. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of remembrance and loss. Sincerely, Michele Velmer (Grandchamp)"

"My condolences to the Combs Family. I have fond memories of Dick. He used to bounce me around in city basketball times (always with a smile). He told me many times how he skipped out of teaching in 1966 to watch Bishop Baraga play at NMU on a Fri PM....as the story was retold over the years he had me scoring more and more points until it seemed like a hundred. He will be greatly missed by all. Bruce Pesola"

"Mr. Coombs was one of my favorite High School teachers. There were many memories shared with him during those times, but the one I remember most is when I was leaving the HS one day and went to my car (I was sooooo cooooool being a driver!) and my car had a flat tire. Mr. Coombs was leaving the building and saw me standing there and said, "looks like you've got a flat tire, I think we should change it." I had never changed a flat tire, and would not have figured it out on my own. He walked me through it, showing me all the ways to make it safe. That's the kind of guy he was, always there to lend a hand, always concerned about what would improve a situation. He was larger than life."

"Dear Phyllis and family; We were so saddened to learn of Dick's passing. I wish I was there to help comfort you as you and Dick were there for me when Helen passed. It was so heartwarming for me to find you there doing the dishes, having cleaned the house, when I returned from the hospital after her death. I will always cherish so many of our fishing days at the Garlic and also on the Big Lake. Coaching football was both Dick's and my great passion. I regret that at this point circumstances prevent me from being able to attend the funeral; but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.I will be making a contribution in his honor to the YMCA in Marquette. Love, Jerry & Bertha Pangrazzi"

"The Sandona family wishes to extend our sympathies to your family. I know Mr. Cooms made a difference in our son Steve's life...They spent time together and our son would want to send his regrets at no being able to attend his services...He is in New Orleans on businees... The Sandonas"

"Lisa, Tom and Family: I am sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a good guy and taught me a lot about life in school, during football and after high school. He will be missed."

"My prayers are with your family! Dick was my absolute favorite teacher. He had a such a beautiful spirit and aura about him. He touched the lives of all his students and instilled in me a love of teaching that I am now doing today. I will never forget him. God Bless! ~Kathy"

"Our deepest sympathies are with the Coombs family. Though I was never one of Mr. Coombs students, he always told me stories of my mother and brothers being in his classes. Steve also talks of Mr. Coombs being a favorite teacher. He will be missed by my people. Our families prayers are with you! Steve Dionne and Amanda Dupras"

"Mr. Coombs was a truly exceptional teacher and person. I fondly recall my 10th grade Natural Resources class and the lessons he gave that didn't seem like lessons at the time. He always had a smile and a kind word to say. My thoughts and prayers are with the Coombs family."

"Very sorry to hear of "Mr. Coombs" passing. He was my Natural Resources teacher in High School ~ What a great guy and storyteller. He was very cool too! He will be missed by many. Ellen Cleary Dewitt- MSHS Class of 1977"

"I was a former student of Mr. Coombs class of 1990 M.S.H.S. I was in his Natural Resources class. Mr. Coombs taught me alot and that was to always be kind to people, his love for nature was truly inspiring. I now have 4 children of my own and we spend alot of time outdoors respecting and nurturing what we have and never take it for granted. I am truly sorry for your loss. Michelle Uhlbeck(Babcock) Skandia, MI"

"Mr. Coombs was one of my most memorable and well liked teachers that I had in highschool. He always had a friendly face; the picture of him posted couldn't show that any better. He always had a smile on his face and was very well mannered, helpful, considerate and pleasant to be around. I've run into him on occassion since attending MSHS, and have spoken with him on the phone at my job, and always, always know that I will have a nice conversation and know that my day will be better after speaking with him. He lifted spirits. What a wonderful man, I am a better person to have had what little contact I did with him. My condolences to his family."

"I would like to express my deepest sympathies for your loss. I was a student of Mr. Coombs in high school and in drivers ed. He was a great man and will surely be missed dearly. I will always remembering watching Buck Lavasseur every tuesday in class :) Your family is in my prayers!"

"I would like to send my condolences to Phyllis,Rhet, Lisa,Nicole, Aaron and Shane and family.I remember Richard as a very nice,friendly caring neighbor. He was always friendly and called me "neighbor" even when I wasn't his neighbor anymore.He was a very funny guy. I also remember when he put my new lawn mower together for me one summer. It never ever needed to be repaired or replaced!It lasted a good ten years +.It even worked when I bought a bigger one for my new lawn.I also remember celebrating his birthday with him one time. Not sure if it was his 50th maybe? But it was sure fun and he was very interesting to talk to.He is blessed with the "Angels of Heaven" now. And I will remember him as a very special person. I am sure he will be greatly missed by family and friends.My deepest sympathy goes out to you all. Laura L."

"Dear Phyllis and family, You have our deepest condolences, we were quite shocked to hear about Dick, we only hope he didn't need to suffer to much, He is only 14 days younger than myself, I remember the fun we had in school with Dick, never a dull moment. You have something to be proud of with his record of things he has accomplished in his life time.He was a good guy. Ken & Carleen Buchler"

"Phyllis and children, especially Lisa, who I had the pleasure to have in my class at Marquette HS, I want to express my deepest sympathy on the passing of a mighty man who I thought would live for ever. Richard should have been eternal; his spirit was large and comforting. I knew we would be ok as long as Coomsy was on the job. I have missed him since I moved out of the area and had always planned to one day get Carl Mayer, Dick Robinson, Bob Apple,etc and visit his camp once again. We had great times there: good food, drinks,cards and once even Carl told stories. Keep the memory alive; I am sure it will warm you as it does me. Hugs to all of you, Dennis Zanetti"

"My Deepest sympathy to Mr. Coombs family Mr. Coombs is the teacher that you will always remember and one that has an impact on your life forever, not just because of the subject he taught but because of his passion for you to grow to be the best human being you could be and he always grabbed you in the hallway to say hi and ask how things are going. I often talk of Mr. Coombs when reminiscing with friends about school and was deeply sorrowed by his passing"

"The Coombs family, I was saddend to hear of your loss. Richard made a huge influence on me when I had him as a teacher. He was by far the best teacher that I've ever had. I also had the honor of knowing him outside of school as my friend "Shane's" dad. He was alway's fair and kind to me. I still remember him showing up at our camp on lake Independance around midnight to show me a "huge" northern pike he had landed in the stumps back around 1976. I'm sure he's still fishing and hunting wherever he is now. I'm glad that I knew him and will remember him for the best class I ever had in high school. Please accept my condolences. Dean Trost. Class of 1981."

"I will miss always being greeted with his amazing smile and a kind and gentle hello. Love and Hugs to Lisa"

"Mr Coombs was my favorite teacher hands down. He was also someone I always liked talking to. I might see him on the streets downtown or I might even encounter him in the woods(if I was lucky) that was rare as he knew all the best places to find solitude. His love of nature is what I will always carry with me. He instilled this deep appreciation of nature in me. I took his Natural Resources class in my sophmore year. It changed my life. I must admit I initially took it to avoid Louise T's biology class. Fortunately for me it was one of the best choices I could have made. Why. Because he taught me that it was ok for a girl to love nature and he taught me that it didnt matter that I was a girl, that I could do what ever I wanted to do. That my opinions were just as valuable as any guys in the class. BAck then it really was not the norm. He had a genuine respect for everyone.He gave the message that it was ok to be yourself. His encouragement meant alot to me. It influenced my decision to pursue a career in Natural Resources. I have Mr. Coombs to thank for that. It is a path I am grateful I have taken.I am not so sure I would have gone down that path without his encouragment. Dick Coombs was simply, a great human being. There are so few that reach the level of actualization that he did. He embodied kindness. He loved life and shared his passion for life with everyone. I am grateful to have know and been mentored by him. Many years had passed since I had him in school. I lived away for 25 years. I passed him on the stree on a visit home. He called me by name, asked what I was doing with my life, looked deeply into my eyes and really cared the about the answers. I will always love and respect him for being one of those rare individuals who speak the truth and care about people and how they are doing in their lives and how we are treating each other and taking care of the earth. He was many things to many people. WE are all better people for having him in ourlives.I will truly miss him."

"dear coombs family- i was so sad to hear of mr. coombs passing. i had mr. coombs as my teacher for natural resources in the late 80's and he was always a fun teacher to have and very friendly and outgoing. he always tried to make class fun and im sure many of his students appreciated that. he'll be greatly missed by all who knew him."

"I had Mr. Coombs for several classes while I attended MSH and I can say he was the best teacher and mentor I ever had. He inspired my interest in the outdoors and because of him I, too, became a science teacher. Every day before class he would always start off with a hearty "Good Morning, Class!" Once a student asked him why he always said this, and with a smile on his face he replied, "by saying this, the class starts off on a good note. After that, it may go to hell in a hand-basket". My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Coombs family, especially Rhet, whom I played baseball with on various All-Star teams. God be with you all. Ken Mercier"

"When I saw Mr.Coombs obit in the paper I was devastated. I thought he would live forever. He is such a great guy and had the best smile. I had him for Biology, Wildlife Mgmt and Driver's ED. And when I found out he was my Driver's Ed teacher I tried to get another teacher because I heard he was the toughest one. He would not let me, He said "you are not getting off easy on this one Lana." Needless to say he made me parallel park on third street during lunch hour traffic. But now I am a great parallel parker. And he would always comment how my sister Carla and I ran like deer in Cross Country. He was just a wonderful teacher and person. My thoughts are with your family!!!!!! Lana"

"Aunt Phyllis & Family I just heard the news today about Uncle Dick passing away. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. I miss you all and wish there was a way for all of us to see each other. I just sent a graduation invitation to you the other day for my oldest son Robb but I know I live a long way away and just wanted you to know he was graduating. I know it doesn't seem possible - he was only 20months old when mom died. I will never forget Uncle Dick. Miss & Love you much!"

"Aunt Phyllis and family, Jill just called to tell me about Uncle Dick, I was shocked to hear the news, did not know he was sick. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Haven't seen you in a long time but think of you often. He had a great smile and really great stories, he will be greatly missed!! Take care!! Love to all!!! Lori, Tim, Timmy and Jessica"

"I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Coombs' passing. He was hands down one of the best teachers I had at MSHS. I always enjoyed his class and looked forward to it. He was a wonderful teacher and a great person. The fact that he was always smiling is something that has always stuck out in my mind. My thoughts are with his family at this time."

"I was so surprised and sorry to hear that Mr. Coombs had passed away. I had him for Natural Resources and he was a wonderful teacher with great patience for making sure that I understood his teachings because of my deafness. May God be with you in your time of sorrow. Elaine - class of '87"

"Dear Phyllis and Family, So sorry to hear about Dick. We will truly miss him and his great personality, that kept us laughing and remembering. So thankful he left you with good memories and wonderful children and grandchildren. Isn't it wonderful that God in his wisdom and infinite mercy, seen fit to give us children. We nutured them and sacrificed for them and they in turn minister to us and give us the greatest blessing of grand children. May they give you joy and comfort at this time. I read about Dick at my sister Beth's house, where I was taking care of our mother February, March and April after she fell and broke her leg and had a pin put in her hip. I had just recently been laid off from the bank, as they had illiminated my position in the process of cutting back. She is doing well and Sister Edie has taken over for now and we have moved Mom back home. May you seek comfort from our Lord and his precious promises in His Word. Psalm chapter 139 is my favorite. Then there is St. John chapter 19. Jesus's prayer for us. May God's blessings be upon you. With prayers and Love, Coz. Amy Melvin"

"The dandelion wine... God Bless You Sir."