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John Combs Obituary

Combs

John Giles Combs (Age 80)

John Giles Combs, beloved husband of Margaret (Kammerer) Combs, passed away suddenly on December 13, 2023. John worked for several federal agencies.When he retired John was Director of Labor Relations and Employee Relations for U.S. Department of the Interior. He later became a consultant with other federal agencies on these issues. John earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland and a Master of Public Administration from the American University. John was a Certified Maryland Master Naturalist, a lifelong lover of nature, a dedicated conservationist, birder, and fisherman. He was active in the Care for Creation Committee and other activities at St. James Episcopal Church.



His brother James Combs predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Margaret, brother Edward Combs (Terri) of California, Meg Combs of England, and many nieces, nephews and friends.



The graveside service will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 21 at Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery, 2406 Ridge Road, Windsor Mill, MD. A celebration of life will be held at a later date at St. James Episcopal Church, Potomac, MD.

www.SagelBloomfield.com

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

Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 17, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

Ed Combs

December 11, 2024

Memories of John arrive in a Flood. So many that they challenge me to focus on individual events. In recent days I have thought a lot about John's work as a weed warrior. This group addresses the alarming increase of invasive non-native plants. The invaders have dramatically changed our landscape and threaten to change it further. Any progress made in addressing the issue is slow and hard to measure.

Many individuals choose to address issues where progress is easy to see. John did not need the reassurance those type of efforts provide. He saved himself for the most important tasks. Although he often found himself in leadership roles, he did not need them and selected tasks, like the one discussed here, based on their long-term importance.

John was a terrific brother. Many of my most memorable experiences involved him. But most important to me is what I learned from observing John over the years. Focus on the importance of an outcome, in this example the native landscape, and less about how long it will take to reach the outcome or the role you will play. Get involved.

I miss him terribly, but his influence on me endures.

Dianne (Kammerer) Palmer and family

December 18, 2023

There are many fond memories of Kammerer family gatherings. Our Dad´s youngest sister Marge and John were the cool ones! Trips to Rock Creek Park and other things to keep us busy were always fun. It gives me comfort to know that John lived life to the fullest with the love of his life until the very end. No illness or suffering until God decided it was time to bring him home. Those who are left behind with sadness will surely realize he was truly blessed.

Laura Fleming

December 17, 2023

We loved Uncle John so much!! I could send pictures of wildlife in SC and he told me what it was. So many good memories of him and Aunt Marge growing up and taking on the 6 Kammerer children for summer day trips. Amazing!!

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Memorial Events
for John Combs

Dec

21

Graveside service

12:30 p.m.

Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum

2406 Ridge Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244

Jan

13

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

St. James Episcopal Church (Potomac, MD)

Funeral services provided by:

Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care, Inc.

170 Rollins Ave, Rockville, MD 20852

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