May 1, 1938 (Islay, AB) – June 17, 2021 (High River, AB)
We can’t believe you are gone.
You were so invincible. No matter how many times you were knocked down, you always got back up. We thought you would be around forever.
You came back into your daughters’ lives after so many years and for the past 8 years were lovingly welcomed into the home of your daughter, Shelley, and her family. Shelley will always treasure the time, and love, she shared with you. The past was the past and the present and future was full of meaningful and unconditional love.
Helping you and caring for you – through good times and hard – became a joyful part of our lives. Letting you go, is the hardest thing we have ever done.
Holding your hand and stroking your head to let you know she was with you became part of the bond between you and Shelley as she cared for you through the emotional and physical struggles you endured because of your ever-progressing dementia.
As the end grew closer, Shelley knew that you both had to give the other permission to let go and see each other at another time and place. Know that your daughters, Shelley and Tracy, were there to watch you serenely breathe your last and join your son, your brothers and sisters and your parents.
You were our hero, our teacher and our protector. You taught us so many things – except how to live without you. We will miss you so much.
You will always be loved and in our hearts. While letting you go was incredibly hard, knowing we will see you again someday makes the pain just a little more bearable.
Frank Coombe is survived by his daughter, Shelley Jessome (Shaun), daughter, Tracy Coombe-Young (Ray), granddaughters, Rachel Jessome and Nicole Jessome, great-grandson, Marc Jessome and ex-wife, Vicki Codd. He is pre-deceased by his son, Frank Coombe Jr., his siblings and his parents.
Frank’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the High River Hospital staff for making his final days a time of compassion and dignity. The nurses were simply amazing.
Special thanks to nurses Candace, Kaylee and MacKenzie. You gave Frank peace in his final days. Also, thank you to Mike at Snodgrass Funeral Home, Viktoria and Mike, Rod at HCR and our friends at the Western Wheel for your loving support.
Vascular dementia is a terrible decease that robs a person of their true identity. But we will always remember Frank Coombe as a strong,intelligent and loving father, brother, son, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Until you hold my hand again, love Shelley
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