1928 – 2013

LIVERMORE —Winston G. Coombs, 85, of Livermore died Sunday, Aug. 4, at his home on Long Pond, with his family by his side.

He was born March 24, 1928, in Livermore, the son of Gerald and Edna (Clark) Coombs. He attended Livermore Falls High School, leaving his senior year to enlist in the Navy, joining his brothers in the military during World War II, serving on the USS Missouri.

Upon his return from the Navy, he completed his schooling at Livermore Falls High School, graduating in 1949. During his high school years, he was active in football and hockey, being captain of both for two years.

He married Madeline Chicoine on May 13, 1950, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay; she passed away in 2001, following 51 years of marriage.

He was employed by International Paper Co. and James River Otis as a paper machine foreman, retiring in 1990. He raised his family on Searles Street in Livermore Falls for 30 years before making his summer camp on Long Pond their permanent resident in 1976. This home will continue to be part of the family for future generations to enjoy.

He was an avid sports fan of all local sports, following his children and grandchildren. Nana and Papa could always be seen and heard on the sidelines. He adored all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved making them all feel special. He enjoyed following their activities through their growing years, faithfully attending dance recitals, baseball, basketball, softball, football, hockey and cheering.

Winnie loved having the best seat in the house during football, running the downs markers for years. His love for sports also included the Red Sox and the Patriots. He also enjoyed spending time sharing many stories of his military travels with his family.

He was a member of the Livermore Falls Fire Department for more than 25 years and served as first lieutenant and captain for several years. He was also a member of the American Legion George Bunton Post No. 10, the Blue Falcons Drum and Bugle Corps., International Paper Quarter Century Club and former school board member of SAD 36.

He was one of the original organizers of Spruce Mountain Ski Slope at its current location and was very active in Boy Scout Troop 524 and later as a Scout leader for his children. Papa was a great man and exemplified what a parent, grandparent and a great-grandparent should be. He will be deeply missed by his family and others that knew and loved him.

He is survived by two sons, Dennis Coombs and his wife, Nancy, of Jay, and Darryl Coombs and his significant other, Catherine Ouellette, of Turner; two daughters, Debra Finley and her husband, Jim, of Livermore, and Dawn Plossay and her husband, Mike, of Monmouth; one sister, Arlene Wilkins of Fayette; 10 grandchildren, Corey Coombs, Carrie Mitchell, Kristy Labonte, Jaime Johnson, Meagan Armandi, Brett, Bryce and Molly Plossay and Nate and Miranda Coombs; 13 great-grandchildren, Cody, Cameron and Carter Mitchell, Kyle Coombs, Madeline, Myles, Max and Mason Labonte, Finley Johnson, Aurianna, Austin and Aisla Armandi and Lydia Plossay; three stepgrandchildren, Katelynn, Taylor and Brielle Ouellette; and two stepgreat-grandchildren, Morgan and Celia McDonald.

He was predeceased by his wife, Madeline Coombs; four brothers, Francis, Kenneth, Ronald and Claude Coombs; five sisters, Roxie Ethridge, Helen Wilbur, Wilda Safford, Eula Coombs and Idis Crockett.

The family would like to thank Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for their caring and dedication.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.