Michael Robert Coombs
April 20th, 2021
COOMBS, Michael Robert
March 17, 1942 – April 20, 2021
Mike was someone we were lucky to have in our lives as a husband, dad, brother, uncle and friend. Mike was born in Enford, England, on St.Patrick’s Day. He joined the Merchant Navy in 1961. He met Anne during this time and they got married in 1963, then welcomed their son, Stuart, before moving from England to Dalbeattie, Scotland in 1970. Their daughter, Rona, was born in 1976 prior moving to Calgary, Canada in 1981. Mike was an extremely talented carpenter, working for himself for most of his career. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t build and he loved working with his hands. He developed special lifelong friendships through his work, his morning coffee meetings (where all of the world’s problems were debated) and at his favourite pub, Kilkenny, where he made frequent appearances asking “How are all you wankers?”. Mike loved to joke around and have a laugh, especially over a pint. Animals were a huge part of his life, having many dogs, cats, birds, rodents and a pig over the years. He’d always have a pocket full of dog cookies for his furry friends at the park and delighted in it when they’d come running to see him. Mike fought hard against leukemia for two years and beat COVID in December. He leaves behind his wife, Anne; children, Stuart (Mel) and Rona (David); brother, Ralph (Ann) of Dalbeattie, Scotland; sister, Carole (Barry) of Chisenbury, England; nieces and nephews; his dog, Zoe; his buddies from Kilkenny, friends from his coffee group and close friends, Dick, John, Robert and Tony (Chisenbury). We would like to thank Dr. Jamani and Nurse, Kerri, also the Doctor’s and Nurses from Unit 57 at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and his home carers, Donna Lynn, Iris and Ann Marie for their compassionate care. We apologize to anyone we’ve forgotten to mention. In lieu of flowers. Please consider making a donation to Northern Sky Greyhound Association (northernskygreyhounds.com) or an animal rescue of your choice. We will raise a pint to Mike at a later date at Kilkenny when restrictions are eased.
Messages:
My sincerest and heart felt condolences to Michael's family and dear friends. I was introduced to Michael by John when we worked on a renovation project together. It was such a privilege. He was so funny and such a sweet man. His talent at building and fixing things was truly amazing. There was nothing he couldn't do. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Our condolences to Ann, Stuart and Rona and families. He was truly a great and talented man who will be miss by so many. We'd be up to raise a pint in his memory when we can. Remember the good times.
Anne, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you and your family all the best.
Very few people pass on leaving so many special memories with everyone they have known over the years, even at his low moments in hospital he still managed to play a prank on the nurses. All the cards he received from his friends whilst in hospital were written with such sincerity it really showed the way people felt about him.The saying what you see is what you get fitted him perfectly, I’m sure if we heard of all the things he had done to make people laugh we could could really write a book, I can not be more proud to say he was my brother. I am so sad I won’t be seeing him again. As we pause for a moment and think of him we can all say he had a good life.Ralph.
I have known Michael for 73 years, often called Ginger or Ginge by most of us. I have many happy memories of our childhood growing in Chisenbury and going to school at Enford, even in our teens and early twenties we still met up evenings for a laugh and a few pints. A true gentleman and an excellent craftsman he could make just about anything, we will certainly miss him but he will never be forgotten. Cheers Ginge all the best. RIP my friend.
Mike was a wonderful man with a great positive attitude to life. We loved the banter and realize he was born on St Patrick's Day for a reason. Condolences to Anne, Stuart and Rona. Thanks for sharing him with us. Rose and Bob
Michael (Ginge) was a lifelong friend always ready for a laugh and joke. Riding on the back of his scooter to pubs and popular hot spots, checking out the girls. Many years later we had several holidays with him and Anne, which were always fun, and given us so many happy and special memories. He will be missed but certainly never forgotten Tony (Shup) & Janet
Mike you will always have a special place in our hearts.
Mike was a Man’s Man and a Gentleman’s Gentleman. A privilege to have had a chance to meet him.
Michael was my Brother-in-Law. The Message of Condolence reflects the man who was a friend to all - always ready for a chat and a joke or an argument and up for a pint at all times!. I was fortunate enough in being in Michaels company countless times in England, Scotland and Canada and like many others, have special memories of Michael, the man. Heres to you Michael. SLAINTE!
What a beautiful testament to Uncle Michael. I will always remember his infectious, cheeky smile. Dad was always so proud to show us the pictures of what Uncle Michael was making at the time. We send you all of our love. Sarah, Neil and Ewan xxx
You will so missed by all the people who knew you. A place will always be in our
Michael was a great man, a mentor and a friend. Michael had the highest integrity, honesty, love for his family, sense of humor, liked his beer and a good laugh, and all the other attributes only great men have. It has been an incredible honor in my life to have been a friend of Michael's for over 25 years.
Mike was a fantastic neighbor. Always had the time of day for you and always willing to lend a hand, especially if you were buying. We shared not enough pints together and I will certainly miss his tales which always resulted in tears of laughter. We picked-on one another in good fun with Mike getting the last laugh. Heaven is a better place as there is no doubt Mike immediately started to build a new staircase with much fancier railings you can bet. Although in no hurry, I look forward climbing that staircase Mike, and you can be assured, I will recognize the step designed to make me stumble. Until then, I will continue to hear your voice through Stuart and sharing tales from Anne and Rona. The next round is on me. Mike, try and rest in peace, your friend always, Tommy.
It was a pleasure meeting and knowing Michael for the few years that I did. He was always ready for an engaging conversation at the wood at Kilkenny and I always enjoyed his camaraderie. He will be missed by all who knew him.