I met Dennes years ago in some gym or another in Fresno. He had the greatest belly-shaking laugh! In fact, I spotted him out of the corner of my eye using a machine and thought he had exposed his leather weight belt. When it turned out to be the above mentioned, but tanned,  belly. I told him about it, which of course, turned into another belly-shaking laugh.

Dennes was my friend and did me favors over the years but it was difficult to do one for him. Until one Thanksgiving when I discovered he had no dinner plans. He ended up picking up my son and I and joined my family.

At the gym one day, I pushed my gym bag out of the way with my foot. A friend saw me do it and came over and kicked my bag. Then. Dennes comes over and kicked it even further.

I call him my friend to this day.

Wow...  Dennes and I both played football at South Fork High, but 30+ years apart.  I met Dennes through my Southern Humboldt family in 1993.  I spent a couple weeks on the ranch working out in his 'barn gym', meeting many of his fans around town, and sitting poolside discussing politics, business and life as I looked for a job and a place of my own.  I had graduated a few years prior and I felt a gap between what I learned in the classroom and reality of business.  Whether he knew it or not, Dennes was a big and positive influence for years to come.  The following years that I lived in Fresno, I would run into Dennes and grab a bite to eat or just have a wonderful conversation.  He was a fantastic soul and will ever be in my memories.  

As I grow older, turning 54 (2 days ago), I find myself searching for those whom I truly have appreciated and reaching out.  It seems I was too late to say in person, but I am sure there is wifi in heaven.
Thank you Dennes... for being you.
~Peace 

Sincere condolences to Shannon,  Shelley and the Coombs family.  It is with heavy heart  to learn of Dennes' passing.  Our special friendship began at UC Berkeley in 1955/56.  Dennes and your grandfather were instrumental in chartering my career in the lumber business.  Dennes was the best man at our wedding  Aug. 15th 1959.  He was a treasured life long friend.

I first became acquainted with Dennes in 1996 when he was working on the Rio Mesa golf course development.  I was an attorney with a local law firm that represented one of the public agencies involved in that project.  Dennes welcomed me like a long-lost friend and treated me like he had always known me.  Just last month, Dennes called me out of the blue at my office at city hall in Vallejo just to say hello and tell me that he missed me and valued our friendship.  Dennes was a gentleman, a intellectual, a genuine and real human being.  He always had a kind word for everyone he met but, he was also a fighter for what he believed in and who he believed in.  He never abandoned a friend in good times or bad.  I will miss you Dennes.  God speed.

My condolences to you Shannon and Shelby, your father was so very dear and kind. Always the gentleman with a kind word. He had the best laugh when he laughed, A deep one with a grand smile. Keep your memories close to you to help you throughout the days.   Stay strong.  Blessings to you all. 

I met Dennes later in his life as he hired me to do a variety of repairs. I enjoyed being his go to handyman. I did not know him during his empire building days, but what i saw and learned of him was that he had a sweet spirit and was sensitive to the things of God. 
I loved our conversations and his eagerness to make me feel special. Dennes displayed great humility, whether that always marked his life or circumstances created it. That will be how I remember him.  Kind, generous, and very humble. I thank God for the opportunity to meet and get to know Dennes. I look forward to seeing him again beyond the pearly gates.

In 1959, I spent the summer living with my aunt and uncle Melba and Mal Coombs at their place in Redway, CA.  I bunked in their pool "shed" with Dennes and his buddy Phil, and helped where I could at Mal's Piercy lumber mill.  I have a number of vivid and fond memories of that summer - it was a wonderful experience for a kid from Calgary, AB!!  Unfortunately, our paths diverged after that as we went our separate ways, but he was a considerate mentor to me at that time - one I will never forget.  

I am devastated to learn that Dennes is gone.  He was such a gentleman and gave so much of himself to our community and to everyone he knew.  Dennes helped me establish myself professionally over 40 years ago... believing in a young guy and continuing to develop many projects together.   He was always humble and respectful of others and lived life with keen intelligence and intellect.   The world lost a giant of a man and I lost a fine friend.


OBITUARY

Dennes Boyd Coombs

October 14, 1937 – February 21, 2019

Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home

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