Frank Alan Coombs

Alan Coombs (I never knew him as Frank, as I think he was, like me, known universally by his middle name) was one of my favorite people at the First Unitarian Church, and one of the old stalwarts. He was one of the few remaining members who overlapped significantly with my grandparents. My mom, who also knew him well, put together this video for the church auction a couple years ago. Alan's part is at :28. He nailed it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7CHH-It1YA He'll be dearly...

About a decade ago, I assumed the chair of the Church's endowment committee. Not having had any experience as a fundraiser, I sought the advice of my predecessor, Alan Coombs. The first thing he told me was that I had chosen a poor advisor, as his vision of millions coming to the church in endowment was actually realized by hundreds. At that statement I knew that I had indeed picked the right advisor, for I knew that if we got nowhere, we'd at least have fun getting there. I learned that he...

Dear Coombs Family: I was deeply saddened to learn of Alan´s passing. Our initial contact came during his first year at the U. Over the next few years, as I finished my undergraduate and graduate programs, I took his classes, benefitted from his wise counsel, and relied on his precise editorial skills as I completed my thesis. What is more important, I learned from him how a professor should act both in the class room and out. While our contact was sporadic recently, he was my friend and I...

Alan was a respected, level-headed and dependable member of the University of Utah faculty, both in his department and the university at large. He served the university with dignity and wisdom, always think of the long-term goals of a solid university education. His loss to the general Salt Lake community is also deeply sad. We were all enriched by his calm presence and few but wide words.

Alan was a treasured friend and trusted church leader during our years at 1st UU in the 198Os. We know he left a legacy of love and learning to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

We will miss his voice of wit and wisdom at First Unitarian Church. Difficult to think of a congregation without him. A thank you to his family for sharing him with us.

Carol & Jim, please accept my condolences on the death of your father. He was obviously a great teacher, to have raised, with Margie, such intelligent & kind children.