Daniel "Dan" Combs

Debbie, Amy and Brian, my heart hurts at the news of Dan's way-too-soon passing. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I regret now that My and Dan's paths didn't cross much since grad school in Missouri. Dan was a great friend then, and already was demonstrating his enthusiasm and predestination to be a great teacher. His passionate interest and knowledge about the entire natural world was always infectious, and I learned much from him. The world is a lesser place without him, as I am sure you know. RIP Dan, and my condolences for your loss. Don McKenzie

Dan was a leading pioneer of mallard and other waterfowl wintering ecology through his doctoral research with colleagues at University of Missouri in the Boot Heal of that state. As mentioned, Dan was an expert naturalist of diverse wildlife species with brilliant understanding and dedication to their habitats. RIP Dan and be our heavenly caretaker of nature and family-focused humanity. Dr. Rick Kaminski, South Carolina

About 15 years ago Dan gave me a cherrybark oak tree, about four feet tall, from his backyard by the stream. It is now a beautiful tree more than 40 feet tall. It will bear a plaque saying that it is "Dan's tree". He was a wonderful person and we all will miss him.