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BORN
1928
DIED
2012
Peter Combs Obituary
Peter T was born in 1928 in Santa Ana, Calif., the youngest of three sons of Walter and Dorothy Combs.
At age 17, Peter joined the Navy. He served as an engineer on a destroyer in the Pacific, in both World War II and the Korean War. Between wars he attended the California Maritime Academy, earning a degree in civil engineering. After the Korean War, Pete worked as a civil engineer for the Orange County.
In 1950 Peter married the love of his life, Virginia (Jinny) Beardsley, and started a family that was to include five children: Deborah Combs Martin, Peter Jr., Virginia (Ginger), Timothy, and Bruce.
In 1960, Peter and Jinny moved from California to the Diamond J Ranch, up Jackass Creek, near Ennis, Mont. Guest ranching was to be the first of many entrepreneurial pursuits for Peter T in Montana. His many irons in the fire including cattle ranching, banking, and town grocer.
This man of many hats – literally and figuratively – also dedicated his life to civic pursuits. Peter was a Shriner, Lion, Mason, and served on numerous community boards. Pete also served in the Montana legislature. But the community service he will perhaps be best remembered for was his dedication to the preserving the beauty and heritage of downtown Ennis. He absolutely loved the town of Ennis, and thanks to Peter T, the town enjoys a gorgeous park on Main Street that bears his name.
Over the years, Peter T had many, many, hobbies, including sailing, golf, horses (both riding and driving), traveling, and photography.
Those that knew Peter T will remember him as a man with a great sense of style (never without a bolo tie), and wonderful entertainer and story teller. Peter T lived his life with incredible passion, energy, and creativity. With the passing of Peter T. Combs, heaven just got a whole lot more interesting.
Peter T is survived by his children, Peter Jr., Virginia (Ginger), Tim and Bruce, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Combs
6 Entries
Barbara Browne Gravlin
December 30, 2012
My condolences to all the Combs kids and family. I was a waitress for the Diamond J the summer of 1960, Pete and Jinny's first year. Yes, I was there when the cook left WITH her boyfriend and WITHOUT her teeth right before dinner. Mention of Pete's instant Conga Line will bring back many memories of that historic right-before-dinner "flight of the Cook". The Diamond J has always been my heaven on earth. I visited whenever possible. The fun and beauty will never end thanks to Peter and Jinny. Yes, Rest In Peace, but also in laughter and in fun and with the everlasting knowledge that you touched many hearts, mine most definitely. With the best memories and big smiles, Barbara Browne Gravlin
Ginger Harstad Glawe
December 19, 2012
All the Jeffers family (Belle, Isabelle, Ginny & Lem) remember Pete & Jinny with great fondness. Pete was always full of fun, ready with a good story. And his civic-mindedness gave so much to the Madison Valley. On behalf of Isabelle Harstad and Ann Harstad Pasha, I send condolences and a celebration of a remarkable life.
Peter loved his job!!!
Wendy Pitha
December 10, 2012
The Pitha family from Phoenix is very sad to hear of Pete's death. We shared many grand summers with the Combs family at the Diamond J and will hold those memories ever so fondly. Our deepest condolences to his family. Love,
Nick, Wendy, Emily, and Nicholas
Vurnie Barnett
December 10, 2012
Our deepest sympathy goes to the entire Combs clan. We were certainly touched by both Pete and Ginny. They are together again. Dodie & Vurnie Kaye Barnett
Judy & Clint Cain
December 9, 2012
Pete was a good friend to the Anderson's who managed the Grocery store for him almost 25 years. Nice Banker to all who used the FMV Bank,the Cain's among them. Fun at a party which the Combs' gave @Xmas on the ranch.. He sure made his mark on Ennis as one of the good guys.
May it comfort the family to know that others care & send our Sympathy.
Robert A. Young
December 9, 2012
To the family, I am sorry for your loss.
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