Posted by Newspaper Transcriber on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 22:59:50 :

Skipper Lance Combs

Skipper Lance Combs, a Coastside resident from 1975 to 1988, died peacefully on March 6 at his home in Morro Bay, after suffering from heart disease for several years. He was 65.

Mr. Combs was born Sept. 1, 1940 in Bakersfield. While living on the Coastside, he worked at the Frank Torres restaurant (overlooking Montara Beach) and at the Moss Beach Distillery where, along with drinks, he served up advice and spiritual guidance, said Coastside friend and former employee, Maggi Quinlan.

"Everything was served with laughter and a deep appreciation of the complexity of our crazy humanness," she said.

"Skip was the kindest, most gentle and loyal friend anyone could ever wish for," said his longtime companion Kathy Benjamin. "(He) brought humor and joy, love and kindness into everything he did."

After moving to Morro Bay in 1988 to care for his aging parents, Mr. Combs put his guidance skills to work in a new phase of life, working as a psychiatric technician at Atascadero State Hospital. When failing health kept him from working, he turned to pursuing his lifelong love of art, studying art in San Luis Obispo. After his death, friends discovered that he had completed two associate of arts degrees in art studies.

"We know that he would want us to carry on, have a good time, and not be depressed over him," said Sam and Suzanne Varella, friends of Mr. Combs for 30 years, in a written statement. "So we are charged with keeping up with friends and carrying on the party amongst ourselves."

Mr. Combs is survived by his five children, Darren, Becky, Stephanie, Jennie and Michael, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sister, Dolly, of Morro Bay, and brother, Dan, of Bakersfield.

There will be a celebration of Mr. Combs' life at noon on April 15, followed by a celebration and reunion of friends at 2 p.m. at Cameron's Inn. Those planning to attend should call Quinlan at 726-9898 to allow her to know how many to plan for.

Half Moon Bay Review and Pescadero Pebble, Wednesday, April 5, 2006