Robert Randolph McCombs

Even though he lost his 34-year battle with cancer on March 13, 2023, Robert "Bob" RandolphMcCombs loved his life. Born on September 21, 1940 in South Bend, WA to Matilda TheresaSturza and Ira "Bud" Franklin" McCombs, Bob grew up in many small towns around the PacificNorthwest, and would talk about seeing the ripples in the ground during the 1949 OlympiaEarthquake. Eventually, his family, including his two brothers, "Bud" and Doug, stayed inCharleston, OR, where his dad ran the McCombs Lumber Company. There Bob played on thefootball team, a career that began with his mom outrunning him to the goal-line in middle schooland ended as a defensive back on the Marshfield HS State Champion football team in CoosBay, OR. It was there he earned the nickname, Fibre, because he would bend but never break. Armed with social skills and a top tier sense of humor, Bob was carted off to Millard School inLanglois, OR to prove just how unbreakable he was. Bob learned scholastic tricks, developedhis memorization, an astounding vocabulary, and how to wiggle his ears under Colonel HomerMillard. Then, it was off to Oregon State College and University of Oregon for BS in GeneralScience. More importantly, he earned the heart of the equally intelligent and strong Dorothy"Dodi" Starr. Bob proved his intelligence by asking her to marry him months after talking her intoa date. With his parents' consent, the legend of Bob & Dodi began - a 61-year marriageadventure between two people fully devoted and in love. Some even say that they each livedlonger because of the care they provided the other. Bob worked the greenline at his dad's mill, delivered chemicals (some radioactive) in college,and did numerous jobs in chemical engineering. His ability to apply academic knowledge in thereal world coupled with his approachable demeanor landed him a job with Dow Industrial. Heteamed with scientists and engineers to build "green energy" (nuclear) power plants along theGreat Lakes in the late 1960s. Bob, Dodi, and I, his first born, Shannon W McCombs all moved to Westport, OR on a loggingroad in 1969. Eventually, Bob (my dad) discovered a niche and, along with a team, launched anew company, Western Industrial, which offered chemical cleaning for industries, including pulpmills. While he worked multi-day shifts, I thought his actual job was "Santa," which wasn't too farfrom the truth as he always found time to play. The playing never stopped, even as the company grew, after it was sold, and after he retired.Hobbies included: motorcycles, scuba diving (made his own suit!), bow & arrows, boats, tennis,model airplanes, golf, flower gardening, and tv-channel surfing. When his son, Robert "Chris" McCombs was born, dad was ready to move on up to Ridgefield,WA in 1975. With all of that extra fun and space, it's no surprise that my sister, Wendy TAnderson, joined us in 1977. Bob & Dodi raised kids, dogs & cats, as well as opening theirhome and hearts to all of our friends. And, yet, the adventures continued. He piled us into thecar on May 18, 1980 to witness Mt. St. Helens' eruption, watching ash plumes, remnants ofmudflows and endless traffic. Beyond teaching curiosity, dad taught us all the importance of agreat sense of humor and that home is a place you can always come to, no matter what. Hepushed us to not take our time, our privilege, for granted. And, as his children, we pushed right back. In 1997 dad's heart grew as grandchildren nuzzled their way in. Rhys Colson, enjoyed a 6-yearlead, then was followed by Shelby McCombs, Tirion Colson, Elliott Anderson, Lauren McCombsand Matilda "Tilly" Anderson. Each grandchild belly laughed as dad (grandpa) told tales ofwrestling sharks, turning them inside-out by the tail. These 6 grandkids now tell equally tall talesand still smile, securing dad's legacy for the generation yet to be. When I asked my dad for his thoughts on dying he said, "I've lived a full life. I've been lucky thatI've had your mom and you three kids. I'm good with that. I just want your mom to be ok." Myparents' love is so strong that it is transcendental. Dad comforts mom each day in thissentiment. I hope it comforts all of you too. We love and miss you and your crooked smile, Bob, dad & grandpa. Celebrate his life with us on Saturday, April 29th at 2pm. Liberty Bible Church, Vancouver, WA.We will be sharing our own stories and inviting others to share theirs. In lieu of flowers, pleasesend a story about Bob or a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma society.

Robert Randolph McCombs

March 13, 2023 - March 13, 2023