Obituary of Russell R. Combs

Warrensburg: Russell R. Combs, 47, of Forest Lake Road, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at the Glens Falls Hospital surrounded by his loving family after enjoying a day of waterskiing on Lake George. Born May 17, 1963 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Clifton and Lida “Dolly” (Dahmer) Combs. Russ was a lifelong resident of the area and graduated from Warrensburg Central School in 1981. He excelled in the sports program as an accomplished three sport athlete. He could hit a softball a country mile, and routinely sink 25 foot bank shots from impossibly high off the glass on the basketball court. He was the caretaker and maintenance supervisor at the Forest Lake Camp for many years. Russ began learning the carpentry trade from the age of 13, when he began working summers with his father, Clif, and his Uncle Gib. Later, he worked under the tutelage of master carpenter Ed Hitlin, before striking out on his own, and in various partnerships. In addition to the countless smaller projects he completed over the years, he did near total rebuilds of several area homes, from Bolton to Warrensburg to Schroon Lake. He was also responsible for substantially upgrading virtually every structure at Roger's Cottages on Friends Lake. For the past 19 years, he held the position of Caretaker at Forest Lake Camp, following in the footsteps of his father, and brother, Jerry, who among them held down that post for 54 of the past 58 years. In addition to keeping the camp in immaculate shape, Russ created the character of Skinocki, a wild, story-telling mountain hermit, who befriended the camp. Generations of Forest Lake Campers will remember his tales and antics for years to come. His favorite pastimes included trapping, helping other people and restoring his 1948 Willy’s pickup. He always looked forward to the annual Slobberfest. Besides his parents, he is also predeceased by his son, Seth D. Wagner Combs; and his brother, Jerrold A. Combs. Russ leaves behind his children, Cy Combs and his companion, Jillian O’Hara of Sweetwater, NJ; Casey and Carter Combs of Warrensburg; the love of his life, Dana Power and her sons, Kyle and Jason all of Warrensburg; his sister, Candy Terrell and her husband, Shirley of El Paso, TX; his brothers: Lin Combs and his wife, Tina of Eden Prairie, MN; Dan Combs and his companion, Jill Fulmer of Shannon, VA; Erick Combs and his wife, Kim of Yelm, WA; sister in law, Colleen Combs of Warrensburg; his former wife, Amy Combs-Baker and her husband, Vern of Thurman and their children, Kendal and Gage ; along with several nieces, including Sunday Combs–Conine and her children, Paisley and Winnie and nephews, including, J Combs; many cousins and lifelong friends of Forest Lake Camp. Friends may call on Russ’s family from 5-8 pm Wednesday evening at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A service to celebrate his life will be conducted 11 am Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. Robert Herrmann, Pastor of the Thurman Baptist Church officiating. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Russell Combs Memorial Trust Fund at any branch of TD Bank. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.