Obituary of David Vern Coombes

To Watch the Recorded Live Stream of the Service click here.

David Coombes passed away peacefully on December 10, with his loving wife, Gladys (Plemel), at his side.  When he was diagnosed with cancer, David’s faith provided him great comfort and allowed him to always look forward to a new day. 

He is lovingly remembered by Gladys and their children, ERIN (Brad) King, Carly, Caitlyn, Haley Coombes, RYAN Coombes, Anna, Katherine, BRENT Crittall (Melissa), Laynie, Kash, CURTIS Crittall (Tara), Autumn, Jaida, MITCH Crittall (Avery), Ezra, Indie, BARBARA Smadu (Blair), Elizabeth, Samuel, Joshua, Claire, brothers and sisters-in-law Don Plemel, Ben and Vivian Plemel, Harry and Carole Plemel, Vera and Bruce Taylor, Jim and Lorna Plemel, Joan and Rick Dixon and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, Esther and Reginald Coombes, his mother and father-in-law, Marie and Conrad Plemel, grandchildren Gabriel and Nathaniel Smadu and sisters-in-law Irmela and Diane Plemel.

David was born in Swift Current on August 18, 1951.  His career was spent with the Government of Saskatchewan, first as a Conservation Officer and later as Regional Operations Manager with Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management in Saskatoon. 

David loved family time.  He was totally involved in the children’s skating, football, soccer, hockey, baseball, and all other family activities.  He was always rooting and encouraging on the sidelines.

David was a true sportsman, competing at high levels in bowling, curling, baseball and hockey.  He was an avid sports fan, especially for the Riders. 

David’s parents taught him to love, protect and respect nature, and all that goes along with it.   This love carried throughout his lifetime and the family has everlasting memories of time spent together camping, boating, fishing, and visiting around the campfire.  David loved to share stories of his days as a Conservation Officer.  He loved this province and the beauty it has to offer, and he encouraged us to see it all, from the “West Block” in Cypress Hills in the south, to Nistowiak Falls in the north -- two of his favorite places.

While David and Gladys travelled extensively, cruising was by far David’s favorite way to vacation.

David had an exceptional love of animals.  He was never without a canine companion.  Andy and Charlie will continue to look after Gladys.

The Vigil of Prayer for David will be held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, December 28, 2023. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 PM, on Friday, December 29, 2023.  Both liturgies will take place at Holy Spirit Church, 114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon, with the Mass being livestreamed at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com 

In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to donate in David’s name, please consider St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, Palliative Care Services, 1702 20th Street West, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan https://www.stpaulshospital.org/foundation/donate/donate.php?page=140   or the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, Adopt an Acre program, 9 Lancaster Road, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, S6J 1M8. https://swf.sk.ca/adopt-an-acre/

Gladys and the family wish to thank David’s oncologist Dr. Nayyer Iqbal, his surgical oncologist, Dr. Peter Graham, Saskatchewan Abilities Council, and the Palliative Home Care team. Your dedication and continued support allowed David to create some very special family memories over the years.  Thanks also to everyone at St. Paul’s Palliative Care Unit for the care and compassion they provided during David’s final days……and thank you to David for fighting so hard.  You’ve given us so many memories to hold on to.