Kenneth E Coombs Jr was born December 8, 1931 and passed peacefully from this realm on January 26, 2022. He was received into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ and Adrienne, his sweetheart of 65 years.
A viewing will be held at the Holladay North Stake Center, 4395 S Albright Dr, Holladay, UT on Thursday, February 3 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm and again on Friday, February 4 from 9:30am – 10:30 with funeral services following at 11:00am. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Dr. Military Honors will be provided by the Utah National Guard. The family welcomes all who want to pay their respects but strongly encourage all to wear a facemask.
The service will also be available online at: https://youtu.be/DW32L5GZ5ZI
Ken was the 4th child and first son of Kenneth and LaVern Coombs. He always took his role of eldest son very seriously and became the patriarch of the family after the passing of his father. He was dearly loved by his 5 sisters and 4 brothers. His 50+ nieces and nephews called him “their favorite Uncle Ken.”
Dad grew up in Sugarhouse where he loved playing marbles and excelled at sports. He graduated from South High School and was elected Freshman Class President at the University of Utah running on the slogan: For Complete Corruption, Vote Kenny Coombs!
He was one of the youngest missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints called to serve during the Korean Conflict. He served two years in The British Isles Mission, gaining a testimony of Jesus Christ that never wavered throughout his life. Two months after his return, he was called up as a Corporal to serve in the army and spent 2 years in Korea.
After coming home, he met the love of his life, Adrienne Harrow Coombs. They courted for 3 years and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in 1958. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage before Adrienne passed in August of 2020. Together they raised 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Their greatest joy was spending time with their kids at home or on the many family vacations. Favorite places were Capistrano Beach, CA; Lake Powell; Sun Valley, ID; and Mazatlán, Mexico.
Ken started his career in banking, becoming one of the youngest VPs at Valley Bank and Trust. He was also a successful stock broker. But he found his greatest success in real estate. Dad was a pioneer being the first in Salt Lake City to develop the concept of sharing executive office suites. He went on to develop research parks at universities across the country.
His testimony of the Savior was one of his greatest treasures. He served in many callings until his passing. He had a great knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was a gifted teacher and leader. He welcomed his passing without fear or doubt, knowing exactly what awaited him on the other side.
Ken is survived by his children, CarolLynne (Randy) Thurgood, Kenneth Reed (Julie), Anthony Harrow (Hillary); 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren – with one on the way; brothers Alan (Carole), David (Marva) and Steven (Barbara), and sisters Mary (Lee) Chamberlain and Melba (Garth) Welch. He was proceeded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, 1 brother and his wife Adrienne. The family would like to thank his family (staff and residents) at The Grand at Holladay, Canyon Hospice and his nurse Jennifer, and Dr. Kimberly Davis for their great and loving care. We also want to thank for their patience and good humor all the waitresses, salesgirls and CNAs that dad tried to line up for his sons and grandsons over the years.
