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Frank Coombs Obituary
1938-2024
Salt Lake City, UT-Frank Alan Coombs, age 85, of Salt Lake City, died Friday, February 2, 2024, of natural causes.
Alan was born September 26, 1938, to Lewis Madison and Ruth Virginia Stokes Coombs. He grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, graduating from Lawrence High School as Student Council President in 1956. He entered the University of Kansas on a Navy ROTC scholarship, joined Delta Upsilon fraternity, majored in political science, and graduated in 1960. At K.U. he met the love of his life, Marjorie Jean Williamson. Upon graduation, he served the next three years on active duty in the U.S. Navy (Supply Corps), primarily aboard the submarine tender, USS Orion. He and Margie were married on July 8, 1961.
In 1963, he began graduate study in history at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana), earning his M.A. in 1964 and his Ph.D. in 1968. During that time, his daughter Carol and son Jim were born. He then joined the University of Utah History Department faculty where he taught over the next 36 years (save for a one-year exchange professorship at the University of Hawaii-Hilo in 1977-78). He was also active for over 50 years in the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, including serving a year as President of the Board of Trustees.
Following his retirement in 2004, he and Margie traveled extensively, visiting more than sixty countries on six continents and every state in the United States. He often reflected on his full and rewarding life and the multitude of friends he would leave behind upon his death. Alan was beloved by all who knew him for his intellect, decency, compassion, wisdom, and the wonderful and wry sense of humor he passed down to us all. We will fondly remember him for the love he shared of music, sports, camping trips, critical thinking, history, politics, and always-insightful conversation.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife of over 57 years, Marjorie. He is survived by his older brother Fred (Nancy), his children: Carol L. Schuster (Brian) with grandchildren David (Elizabeth) with great-grandson Solomon, Daniel, and Emily Kaplan, and step-grandchildren, Shoshana with step-great-granddaughter Kayla, Galya, and Raphael (Sarah) Schuster; and James A. Coombs with grandchildren Michelle and Christopher. A celebration of his life will be held at the First Unitarian Church this coming summer. In lieu of flowers, donations to the church's Endowment Fund or the donor's favorite charity would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Coombs
Patrick Dylan Zwick
February 18, 2024
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 missed by all who knew him and enjoyed his kindness, intelligence, and humor.
Hugo Rossi
February 14, 2024
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 had a very sophisticated sense of humor, and I benefited from it. I learned that he was a deeply compassionate person and was advisor and confidant of not just a few of us struggling to make sense of life and the role friendship has in making that sense.
The photo of him in this obit is the way I want to remember him - and his sweater.
John Sillito
February 12, 2024
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 will miss him for the rest of my days. I am not alone. There are literally hundreds of individuals who feel as I do. May that be of some comfort to his family.
John Sillito
John McCullough
February 12, 2024
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.
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Peter and Linda Talley
February 11, 2024
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.
Sydney Fonnesbeck
February 11, 2024
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.
Miriam Harper
February 10, 2024
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.
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