Our family was rocked with horrible news!

Today had started like any other day. Jamie went to work. The kids were off to school. Laundry and dishes were done. The children came home from school, got snacks and started homework. Then I received the phone call that changed us all.

Jamie's Aunt Sis called me from Shady Grove Hospital very upset to tell me that Richard was there and in very serious condition. She asked me to please get ahold of Jamie and Becky as soon as possible. I made those phone calls and no sooner had I hund up and Sis called again. Richard, my father-in-law, my children's grandfather, was gone.

Richard was coming home from work. About half way home, he suffered a massive heart attack. Thankfully he didn't hit anyone else when his Blazer swerved across the road. Doctors tell us that he was gone quickly and didn't suffer to which we do find some comfort.

The next few days were filled with planning his arrangements through lots of tears.

There were tons of people ~ family, friends (even friends from Virginia and West Virginia) and many co-workers ~ at his viewings and funerals. Richard impacted a lot of people's lives. We miss him so much.

His work put a really nice memorial on the side of his truck which they will not be taking down. Richard's nephew, Chris, drives the truck now and even took Richard's job. We all know Richard is very proud of Chris.



The City of Rockville did an amazing press release on him as well.

Press Release

News Release
CONTACT:
Tony Ruffin, Communication Officer, 240-314-8115
Kimberly O'Sullivan, Public Information Specialist, 240-314-8116



Long-Time Public Works Supervisor’s Death Leaves Tremendous Void, Sadness
Richard Combs Best Knew City Water Distribution System; Key Person in Reliable Water Service for Residents, Others

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 4, 2007 —Richard Combs was one of the many City of Rockville employees who most residents don't meet or read about. But every time residents turned on their faucets, they had Richard to thank as one of the key people who made sure that the water came out and that it was clean and of the highest quality. And every time the fire department needed a City fire hydrant, it could thank Richard for making sure it operated and that water came out at the pressure that was needed. Richard Combs passed away on Thursday, May 31, when he suffered a heart attack on his way home from work. Richard had served the City and its residents for 34 years, the past 23 as a utilities crew supervisor. He was 59 years old and had been planning on retiring soon.

“Richard knew the City’s water distribution system better than anyone,” said Craig Simoneau, Director of Public Works. “Whenever anyone had a question or problem with any part of the system, Richard was the first person they turned to, and invariably, he had the answer or knew where to find it. That kind of knowledge cannot be replaced, except over time—a long time.”

However, not all of Richard’s knowledge is lost. Those who worked with him said he was a tremendous teacher, and part of his legacy is a well-trained staff that is prepared and able to carry on providing a high level of technically proficient service.

Steve Sokol, the City’s Operations Maintenance Superintendent, said, “Richard will be truly missed not only for the valuable service he supplied the City, but also for the wonderful man that he was. Richard was a well-respected person and liked by all who knew him,” said Sokol. “He was the epitome of the dedicated and hard working public servants who work behind the scenes on a daily basis to make sure Rockville residents and businesses have the important services they need. Even when he was not on duty, he was available to answer questions from other utilities employees and to come in when needed.”

Richard Combs began his employment with the City as a utilities maintenance worker in 1973. He became a utilities crew supervisor in 1984. His work involved maintenance and repair of all parts of the City’s water distribution system, among them water tanks, water mains, fire hydrants, and pressure reducing valves. He also worked with City inspectors on water system hookups to new construction. For more than 20 years, he was a vital part of the City’s biennial water main flushing program, which cleans sediment out of the system and ensures the proper operation of the City’s fire hydrants. He also was the primary person to respond to residents when they had problems with their water service.