Abbott Combes

My name is Marion McKeone. I was Kit's fiancee - we had planned to marry at the end of January. Since Kit's Memorial Service on January 6th, I have been contacted by many of Kit's old friends who have asked me to post the eulogy I delivered, so his very happy last four years could be shared with those of you who couldn't be present but who have sent such lovely expressions of sympathy and support. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contacted me and written such lovely letters during the...

I didn't know Kit long, compared to so many others who have left messsages, but he was the kind of man with whom it didn't take long to become friends. Kit loved Exuma and he will always be a part of the island and the lives that he touched there.

What can you say about someone with whom you went through puberty? (I almost wrote the sentence with a hanging preposition, but know from experience that it would be a hanging offence.) He won every game of Hangman I ever played against him.

Kit always had a clear view of the commoner's view and always had a way to make it classy. Pink Brooks Brothers button down shirts in Junior High School? In the 50s? Please.

Godfather of my son, Jason, Kit took the honor of moral...

We were saddened to read of Kit's death. We only met him once, but his brother Richard was a close friend, and we knew his parents well, having gone to Christmas Eve Brandy Alexander receptions at their house on Barker Road in Pittsfield for many years. Our thoughts are with the family, especially Abbott and Richard.

Dear Abbott,

My deepest condolences on your loss. Have thought of you often through the years. Know that you are in our prayers.

One of the good people--at the Star, the Times, and in civilian life. When my children were very young, Kit asked my wife Kay to do a story for the Times magazine on what it was like to raise twins. The girls, now 31, treasure it to this day--as I treasured Kit's friendship and companionship. He was an original.

It was such a pleasure to have known Kit and he will be missed. I will always be grateful for his offers to get me the crossword puzzle answers.

My sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Combes.

From Allan Dodds Frank


Kit Combes was a great and generous gentleman who we shall all miss, yet remember for the twinkle in his eyes, the bounce in his step... I do not remember the exact moment when I met Kit although it was shortly after I got off the plane from the Anchorage Daily News to join the Washington Star. I may have met Kit while he was still at the Washington Post. In any case, God knows how many drinks and cigarettes and laughs and good times and political and...