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Stephen Thomas "Steve" Combs

Stephen Thomas "Steve" Combs obituary

Stephen Combs Obituary

Combs, Stephen (Steve) Thomas
Stephen (Steve) Thomas Combs, 69, passed away from a sudden heart attack on Saturday, January 25, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Nancy Combs; 4 children, Debbie Porter, Cristi Wong, Sarah Combs and Jeremy Combs; 6 grandchildren, Kim and Amber Wong, Shannon and Carson Porter, and Tyler and Lauren Combs; 3 siblings, Chris Burns, Diane Hanson, and Bill Combs. Steve was a wonderful husband, the best Dad to his 4 children, the greatest Papa to his 6 grandchildren, and a good friend to many. He will be missed every day as he was truly a spark of life and laughter that brought everyone closer together. He was a man of many passions. Retired in 2010 from a career of 40 years at Banner Healthcare, he loved to travel with his loving wife, Nancy, tell the most fantastic stories (as he was the world's greatest storyteller), cook the most amazing food for his friends and family, plant beautiful flowers and plants in his backyard garden, and play (sometimes even win) bridge and poker with his good friends. He loved and adored all 6 of his grandchildren and enjoyed taking them on family outings. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014, at 3PM at 12832 West Pinnacle Vista Drive, Peoria, AZ 85383. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to either Friends of Eight PBS, check made payable to: Friends of Eight, memo: In memory of Stephen Combs, 555 North Central Ave., Suite 500, Phoenix, AZ 85004; or the Monterrey Bay Aquarium: please go online to https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/aqp/member/Donate.aspx and please note in the Comments section that your donation is in memory of Stephen Combs. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Jan. 29 to Jan. 30, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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February 18, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to Nancy and the rest of the family-Steve was always smiling every time we saw him, and seemed to be a person who was happy with his life and always willing to help others. I know he will be missed greatly.
Ava and Terry Bruner

Maria Burke

February 1, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.

Barb & JL Myers

January 31, 2014

We are so sad that Steve passed away. He was so kind and generous with his time and talents. He welcomed us as neighbors and we became friends. We will miss his energy, his sense of humor, and his presence. We send our deepest sympathy to Nancy and the rest of Steve's family. May he rest in peace.

Rebecca Shocklee-Hanefeld

January 31, 2014

Steve made coming to work a joy due to his wonderful wit and sense of humor, not to mention all the practical jokes he love to play on those of us who were close to him. I have so many fun memories of Steve that I will always treasure. When it came time for my maturity leave, Steve was asked to cover for me as the ICU/CCU Coordinator at Good Sam. I remember coming in to visit after my daughter was born, and he was running up and down the ICU holding up his scrub pants because they were a little big. When I walked in, he looked at me and stated, "honestly, Becky, I don't know how you do this every day!" It was so funny, we both laughed. He was a great supervisor and so sensitive to his employees needs. When I decided to leave Respiratory Care, Steve, was the first person I turned to for advice. He was one of those rare folks that really cared about people and his community and it showed in everything he did. My heart was so heavy when I learned that he had left us but I know we will meet again. My thoughts, prayers and blessings go out to his entire family as they grieve for this loss and appreciate the wonderful legacy that Steve left behind. I loved working with him.

Howard and Susan Thaxton

January 30, 2014

So sorry to hear this, he was a great guy.

Steve's Hard Work @ Good Sam

Peggy Daily

January 30, 2014

Steve

Peggy Daily

January 30, 2014

Steve & Geni Crofoot

January 30, 2014

Dear Nancy & family, Sorry to hear of Steve's passing. We only had the pleasure of meeting Steve a few times, but we remember his wonderful sense of humor. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Steve and his Red Solo Cup (before it was cool)

Peggy Daily

January 30, 2014

Steve is a sweet soul that shall be forever missed! I worked in Respiratory Care at Good Sam with Steve. I'll always remember his quick wit and being so easy to chat with!

Pat & Angie Murphy

January 30, 2014

We were so heartbroken to have heard about the passing of Steve. We use to have some great times as our boys Jeremy & Mark played basketball @ Moon Valley High School. I still recall a roadtrip the four of us made together up North to watch them play and how much we laughed all the way up and back. All the breakfasts Steve and Nancy would prepare for the entire basketball team on game mornings. All of these fond memories will forever live in our lives and the lives of those young men. God Bless you Nancy, Jeremy and the rest of your family. I hope knowing that one day you will all be together again will give you strength and peace. Pat & Angie

Jean Hurd-Meyer

January 29, 2014

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Steve. Praying for you all at this very tough time.
( Steve was a few years older than I was ,but, we all grew up together in Spencer, Iowa.).
Jean Hurd Meyer

Denny and Mal Nordquest

January 29, 2014

Dear Nancy and family,

We struggle to find the words to express our sadness over the loss of Steve. You and Steve open your beautiful hearts and home to so many, making everyone feel welcome and loved. We felt so very fortunate to have 'landed' in the house behind yours. We were honored to have known Steve and only wish it could have been for many more years. But Steve's fun-loving and caring spirit is part of the fabric of the neighborhood and serve as an example of how to treat others.

We send our love and prayers to you and your family. We wish we could be there for you at this time, but we will be there soon.

Denny and Mal

Cindy Keller

January 29, 2014

I am sending big hugs to Steve's family. I "played" at Banner with Steve for 31 of those 40 years. We held kids for hours at the Community Christmas gatherings in the parking lot..making them all smile for pictures with Santa. We entertained at employee awards ceremonies...Steve was the "Leader of the Pack" riding out on a big wheel decked out in leathers! Steve, I can just see you rolling up your eyes as you chuckled at something. Until we meet again.....I will smile up at you often. Cindy

Kyla Hill

January 29, 2014

My dearest Stevie - There really are no words I can find that describe how I feel about losing you, but one word does come to mind, blessed. I was so blessed to share four wonderful years working by your side and building a great friendship that would last even after your retirement. Seems like just yesterday there we were, celebrating 40 years at Banner Health, and you, because you know I loved it so, wore your pink shirt. That day, was a day to celebrate you and your dedication to Banner. Soon, we will all gather again to celebrate the dedication you gave to your family and friends, and the impact you made to each of us. I'd like to think that life is measured in laughs, and you my friend, so full of joy, happiness, love and laughter used up all your laughs. You remind us to live each day to the fullest and you've surely left a mark on my heart, and everyone who was blessed to call you friend. My deepest, heartfelt thoughts go out Nancy, Jeremy and your entire family. I'll miss you and love you always Stevie!!

Ed and Elaine Feldhacker

January 28, 2014

We wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Steve. He was a dear friend and classmate and we had so much fun at our 50th class reunion. May the peace of the Lord that passes all understanding be with you and your family. Our thoughts and prayer are with you during this difficult time.

Grandma Judy Larson

January 28, 2014

Steve volunteered at his grandchildren's school library, covering and repairing books. Sometimes he'd take a break and would talk about his wonderful family, who meant everything to him. I especially enjoyed the story of his road trip last summer with his two grandsons! He was a very special person and I am glad to have met him.

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