RICK COOMBER
Ralph ‘Rick’ Edward Coomber passed away peacefully at the West Parry Sound Health Centre, on Thursday, September 22nd, 2022. Age 80 years.
Beloved husband of Sally Coomber (nee: Jackson) for 51 years. Loving father of Stacie Branton (Shane), and Todd Coomber (Melissa). Cherished papa of Jacob and Lily Branton, and Lucy and Jackson Coomber. Dear brother of Sandra Marshall (the late Don), and brother-in-law of Judy Shiels (Alan), and Sue Whyte (the late Ross). Forever missed by his niece, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Rick grew up in Leaside and attended Leaside HS and University of Toronto. He spent his childhood summers at a cottage on Lake Rousseau where he fell in love with the area. When he graduated with a BSc., he was fortunate to teach science, biology and chemistry at PSHS. Rick loved teaching and enjoyed and respected all his students. Those feelings were reciprocated. Rick had a wonderful retirement golfing, curling and volunteering at the Curling Club. He also loved watching all sports while doing crosswords. He is the last Charter member of a Poker Club spanning over 50 years. Rick lived a simple, quiet ,pleasant life enjoying sunsets, wildlife and nature. Rick will be fondly remembered by his poker buddies, colleagues and former students.
As was Rick’s wish, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Rick’s Life will take place in the Logan Memorial Chapel, 81 James Street, Parry Sound 705-746-5855, on Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. Visitation prior from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Reception to follow.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation would be appreciated.
Condolences
So sorry to hear of Mr. Coomber’s passing. He was a great chemistry teacher and a Bridge Buddy of our dad (Ross Neale).
The Neale Family
Dear Sally: My sincerest sympathy to you and yours. We did have our share of fun and laughter, didn't we.
-Al KuzmykR.I.P. Mr. Coomber. You were a wonderful teacher, that taught with a passion. You had a caring and understanding way with each and every student. Thank you.
Sally & Stacie, you were the only family members I knew (from Guiding). I am so sorry for your loss. Sending heartfelt sympathies and big hugs.
Sally
I deeply sorry for your profound loss.
Regards Marilyn Plater-McNabb
So sorry for your loss Sally and family. Rick was a friendly face at the curling club and one of the best teachers I had.
Sandra
When I moved back to Parry Sound in 1970 I was very fòrtunate to have Rick as my science teacher, he was a very pleasant and caring teacher ! I have nothing but great memories of him as a teacher!
-Dennis BrownleyI really enjoyed his company at the annual poker dinner.
Sorry for your loss
My condolences to the family. I received my only perfect score, 100 per cent, on a biology class test given by Mr. Coomber. I will never forget him.
-Chris WhittakerDear Sally:
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Rick was an excellent educator who was respected by his students. Please accept our sincere condolences. May his memory always be a blessing to you and your family.
Marcia and Bob Groskorth
-Robert A GroskorthSo sorry to hear about Rick. We really enjoyed knowing him and appreciated all the work he did for senior curling. He was a spcial person. Our condolences to Sally and family. We regret that we are unable to attend Wednesday but we will be thinking of you.
-Don and Michelle BosleySo sorry to hear of the passing of Rick. Great teacher, and great friend to my dad. And always fun to see him and and the others when the poker gang met at our place - as well as Grey cup and Superbowl parties. Rest in peace Rick.
Condolences to Sally and family.
-Cameron FacerI’m very sorry to hear about Mr. Coomber’s passing.
He was a terrific teacher.
I remember once he told our class that if we all got a project done early he’d have a special assignment for the next class.
Of course we all got it done in time and the next class we made peanut brittle.
He made science class fun.
Deepest condolences 💔
Sally
We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing I enjoyed working with him very much in the SITB at PSHS . Our condolences to the family at this time.
He was such a great teacher. Not every teacher has the ability to decrease students stress by joking and laughing with their students. RIP.
-Laurie LandryDear Sally: I am so sad to hear of the death of your husband. Sending my deepest sympathies. Dorothy
-Dorothy ShaverLove to you, dear Sally, and family. Friend of our dad, and such an extraordinary teacher - kind, wise, patient, poker face, with a wry sense of humour. Rescued me from failing Chemistry, and memorably from near-miss car accident on icy winter road en route to babysitting Stacie. Gratefully -
-Gaye FacerHi Sally and family,
I am sorry for your loss. Rick was one my mentors at PSHS and more like my work father. He took me under his wing when I was hired, and I am so thankful for all his guidance as a new teacher. He also taught me how to walk the picket line the very first time. His smile and calm approach was always reassuring to me as a new teacher and being new to Parry Sound.
Dawn Buckland
-Dawn BucklandThinking of you Sally and your family during this difficult time. Your dad was a wonderful teacher and I remember him fondly.
-Tanya Davis-CochraneSally
My condolences to you and your family. Rick will be sorely missed by the many friends he made during his lifetime. His dedication to the curling community was remarkable over the many years and he is greatly missed.
-Conrad Van Der ValkSally and family, I am saddened by the news of Rick's death. He was my homeroom teacher, grade 12. He made us laugh and he never demeaned any student. We trusted him. God speed, Mr. C.
-Louise M ArmitageI am so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. I was so fortunate to have Rick as a mentor and colleague for 30 years. Condolences to Sally and the rest of the family.
-James (Jim)MintzSorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Coomber Excellent teacher and a mentor at school and in the community. Mr Coomber helped and greatly influenced my post secondary education. He made chemistry one of my favourite classes !!!
-Randy JohnsonI just found out today. I’m very sorry to hear this news. I knew Stacie fairly well. I was taught chemistry a couple years by Rick. He was definitely a great guy and I rate him highly as a teacher, person and motivator. A great friend of my dad Bill. He is missed by many I’m sure. Myself included. Heartfelt condolences sent. Brett
-Brett JamesonSally, so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear husband. Sending our sincere condolences.
Tom and Dale Traversy
Saddened to hear of the loss of Rick. He stood out as a fine chemistry teacher. Supportive of the concept of Science in the Biosphere, Rick played a strong role in developing a set of superb student labs for that new facility. Also, Rick’s behind-the-scenes involvement in the annual commencement operation will be remembered by many graduates. He was a good friend over many years; I shall miss him. Sincere sympathy to all the family.
Rich Poole