Robert Dennis Combs
December 31, 1969 ~ May 4, 2022
Robert Dennis Combs (formerly of Wells, Vermont) passed away unfairly and way too soon on April 28, 2022, at the age of 69. If you knew Robert, you were blessed. Robert was a hardworking, strong, kind, loving, and gentle soul who always wanted to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and his community.
The loves of his life were his three girls – his wife Rae and his daughters Tasha Hall and Sheila (Scott) Hensley – as well as his five grandchildren – Peyton and Morgan Hall; Sterling, Stone, and Sierra Hensley. It takes an exceptional person to be a fierce, loving parent to children who are not biologically yours and that is what Robert was to Tasha and Sheila. To them he was “Dad” in every single sense of the word and feeling.
When asked for a few words about what Papa meant to them, the grandchildren had the following to say: “he was creative, inspiring, and passionate” (Peyton) and “was always a kid at heart” (Morgan). Favorite memories with their Papa included “fishing off the end of the dock together” (Sterling), “amazing stories he would tell us about his past” (Stone), and “paddleboarding, baseball games, and tickling my feet” (Sierra).
His loving wife Rae was by his side for almost three decades. A true love story, from Vermont to North Carolina, they were each other's steadfast companions. They truly were the best of friends and each other’s biggest fans.
As a master craftsman, Robert took great pride in building beautiful homes and treasured works of art. They were always superbly crafted – as nothing was more important to him than providing his absolute best for the families he knew would make memories with what he created for years to come.
Robert absolutely loved the outdoors. Throughout his life, if you couldn’t find him, he was probably out fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, or all four! His most favorite thing, however, was spending time on the lake behind their dream house, making lasting memories with family and friends.
In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Robert is survived by his sister, Carol Combs, his two brothers - Roland and Colin Combs - as well as several nieces and nephews, all of whom live in Vermont. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Charlotte Combs, and his brothers Clifford and Carl Combs.
While we are glad you are not suffering anymore Robert, we will miss and love you forever and hold you deep in our hearts. We are thankful for and will cherish every single second we got to spend with you.
"If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again."
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation in Robert’s name to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation (https://www.alzinfo.org/) or the Adirondack Council (https://www.adirondackcouncil.org/).
Condolences to Rae, Tasha and Sheila. Also all of Roberts grandchildren. Condolences being sent to Roberts sister Carol and his two brothers Roland and Colin as well as his many nieces and nephews. Finally condolences sent to his many friends as well.
I met Robert back in the early 60s. We lived about a half mile away from each other. He went to school in Wells, Vt and I in Granville, NY so we didnt go to school together until much later. Robert and I worked for the same farmer then I worked for the farmers brother.
Robert got into the building business right after high school and did real well. Wally Tompkins took Robert Under his wing and showed him the ropes. Wally retired and gave Robert his tools which Robert made good use of.
Robert was my best man when I got married in Jan 1973. I introduced Robert to downhill skiing at Pico in 1978. He took to it like a duck to water.
We had a few lapses over the years but each time we reconnected it was if time had stood still waiting for our next shenanigan.
Im really glad I liked him up in 2016. We shared some good times during the last six years. I love you Robert and look forward to seeing you on the other side.