Branden Michael LaCombe

November 11, 1980 – September 19, 2025

Have you ever met someone who was truly a miracle? Branden Michael LaCombe was born at just 24 weeks, weighing only 1 lb 14 oz. From his very first breath, he fought for his life with a strength and determination that carried him through the rest of his years. Though he faced challenges—some that echoed his earliest struggles—Branden’s life was defined not by hardship, but by love, laughter, and loyalty to those he held close.

Branden was born on November 11, 1980, to Mildred Dawes and Michael McDonald, and later adopted by Mark LaCombe. He was blessed (and sometimes challenged!) with three sets of parents: Mark and Debbie LaCombe, Mike and Susan McDonald, and Mil and Dan Fisher. He is survived by almost all of them, Dan passed a few years ago, along with his devoted wife of 23 years, Roxanne, his children Lily (21) and Alexander (18), and his three dogs—Rocky, Rose, and Leia. He was welcomed into heaven by his grandparents, Mike and Char LaCombe, who no doubt greeted him with open arms.

Early Life

As a child, Branden’s quick mind and boundless energy made him both brilliant and distractible. His love for Legos was legendary—he once ate a hot pepper just to earn a coveted set, and his room overflowed with the creations of his imagination. He practiced karate, threw himself into challenges, and dreamed bigger than life.

He attended Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, where he discovered independence, ocean adventures, and resilience. Though his path shifted, Branden’s determination carried him through. Back in Washington, he finished high school at an alternative program, graduating as valedictorian with a heartfelt speech about preparing to be a father one day. He then chose the Air Force, a decision that shaped his young adulthood with discipline, service, and purpose.

Branden & Roxanne: A Love Story

Fate brought Branden and Roxanne together on November 18, 2002, when both worked at America Online’s billing department in Spokane. Roxanne spotted a goofy guy in an Air Force jacket and asked him to the movies (8 Mile, the day before Thanksgiving). That night, under Idaho skies streaked with three shooting stars, Branden held her hand and promised to take care of her and fill every dream she had. On their first date, he asked her to be his person—and she said yes.

Together they built a life full of devotion, laughter, and adventures both ordinary and extraordinary. Branden loved his cars (especially his Dodge Neon RT), video games, and inside jokes. But more than anything, he loved Roxanne and their growing family.

Family & Fatherhood

In 2004, they welcomed their first child, Lily, their Christmas gift discovered on Christmas Day. In 2006, Branden and Roxanne married at Mirabeau Park—after a torrential rainstorm that lifted the moment the cake arrived, as if the universe itself was blessing them. Their vows were simple but strong: “Where you go, I will follow. To love each other no matter what.” Their son, Alexander, was born the next year, completing their family.

Branden was a dedicated father, often staying home with the children and forming a bond with them that was deep and unique. He was playful, patient, protective, and always present. Whether building Lego towers, helping with school, or simply being their safe place, Branden gave Lily and Alexander the gift of a father who chose them every day.

Work, Struggles & Strength

Branden’s journey through work and life was never simple. He faced setbacks—health issues, job losses, and physical injuries, including a devastating fall in 2018 that led to years of pain and recovery. But through every challenge, he kept showing up for his family. He was a dreamer and a fighter, always willing to start over, to try again, and to believe that better days would come.

Even when illness returned again and again in the form of cyclic vomiting syndrome, Branden met it with courage and stubbornness. He hated hospitals, feared intubation, but held onto hope. In his final days, he told the nurse to tell Roxanne he loved her—words that carry on as his last earthly gift.

The Heart of Branden

Branden loved fiercely. He was the guy who would help a stranger carry groceries, drive through a wildfire just to get home to his wife, or give secret gifts under the name of “fairy magic” without wanting recognition. He had a big laugh, a gamer’s spirit, a soft spot for dogs, and a lifelong love of dragons and the Jacksonville Jaguars (who won the Super Bowl countless times on his PlayStation).

If Branden liked you, he loved you. Whether you shared one conversation or a lifetime, he left you better for having known him.

His Legacy

Branden passed on September 19, 2025, just ten days before Roxanne’s 45th birthday. He always teased about being the “younger man” in her life by forty days, and in the end, they remain the same age—something he would have found special.

He is survived by his wife, his children, his parents, his extended family, his dogs, and countless friends. But more than that, he is survived by every story, every laugh, every act of kindness that will ripple outward long after him.

Branden was a miracle at his first breath, and he remained one every day of his life. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.