Coombs Family Genealogy & History

Pat Coombs was a renowned English actress, celebrated for her comedic portrayals of downtrodden women in radio, film, and television. Known for her roles in shows like "Hello Playmates," "Hancock's Half Hour," and "EastEnders," Coombs also made memorable appearances in the "Carry On" film series and "Dad's Army." Her work on children's TV, including "Ragdolly Anna" and "Playbox," further showcased her versatility. Coombs' lasting impact on British comedy was underscored by her record-setting TV commercial attempts, proving her dedication to her craft.

Born in Camberwell, South London, Pat Coombs was one of three children. Her father worked in insurance, a career that preceded the formation of Commercial Union. Coombs' educational journey included attending the County School for Girls in Beckenham, Kent.

Ernest Arthur Coombs, CM, known as Ernie Coombs, was a beloved American-Canadian children's entertainer who starred in the iconic television series Mr. Dressup. Born on November 26, 1927, in Lewiston, Maine, Coombs began his career as an assistant puppeteer to Fred Rogers before making a significant impact on Canadian media. His show, Mr. Dressup, which ran from 1967 to 1996, became a staple of children's programming, promoting creativity and imagination. Coombs was honored with numerous accolades, including the Order of Canada and the Gemini Award for best performance in a children's program, cementing his legacy in the hearts of Canadian families.

Coombs resided in Pickering, Ontario, with his family. His wife, Marlene, operated a daycare center called the Butternut Learning Centre in Scarborough. Together, they had two children, Catherine and Christopher. Tragically, Marlene was killed in a traffic accident in 1992. Coombs became a Canadian citizen in 1994 and continued to be a dedicated family man until his passing in 2001.

Doug Coombs, born on September 24, 1957, was a renowned American alpine skier and mountaineer, pivotal in pioneering extreme skiing globally. Coombs, a fixture in Jackson Hole's extreme skiing scene, co-founded Valdez Heli-Ski Guides in Alaska in 1994 and twice won the World Extreme Skiing Championship in 1991 and 1993. With his wife, Emily Gladstone, he established Doug Coombs Steep Skiing Camps Worldwide, now operating in the French Alps. His legacy lives on through Coombs Outdoors, a foundation supporting outdoor activities for low-income children in Jackson, Wyoming.

Ted Coombs, born Ronald Alvin Schlemeyer in 1954, is a prominent American technology author, futurist, artist, and scientist. Notably, he set a Guinness World Record in 1979 by roller skating across the United States, protesting the energy crisis. Coombs is also an early author of the "...for Dummies" series and has written numerous computer books. As a programmer for CognitiveAI, he develops AI systems and has contributed to the TedAgents reasoning system. His diverse career spans technology, art, and activism, making him a multifaceted figure in these fields.