Huber Gibson “Samm” Coombs

nephew Charlie (Pam), niece Mary (Martin), nephew Jim (Mari), great nephews Charlie (Courtney), Patrick, Tom (Maddie), Michael, Tim, Mathew, Mikayla, Christina, Eric, Vince and Zoey. Also her Great Grand Niece Sophie and many cousins. Elaine was grandmother to David and Michelle Cilia and great grandmother to Chiron, Renate and Silas. She was also grandma to many rescue dogs, currently Ranger!

Elaine was predeceased by Bill her husband, Michael her son, sister-inlaw Lucy Johnson, brother Charles (Junie) sister-inlaw Genevieve and many lifelong friends.

Thank you to the staff at Casa Sandoval for the past nine years, especially Noe and Jacinta! Also, thanks to Vitas Hospice especially Lydia, Herminder, Adina and Derrick!

Thanks mom for your guidance, patience, grace, teaching us the benefits of using common sense, showing us the importance of a positive attitude and the healing power of laughter! You will remain in our hearts forever. Toast Elaine with your favorite cocktail, her’s was an old fashioned and a piece of See’s candy! Anytime you see the color lavender or purple think of Elaine!

For those who would like to attend services they will be held tomorrow, Monday, December 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel Church at 2559 40th Avenue, San Francisco, CA. Masks are required.

Anyone who wishes to honor Elaine may consider making a contribution to St. Anthony Foundation or your favorite charity.

Huber Gibson “Samm” Coombs peacefully passed away from natural causes in Palm Springs, California in the early hours of Monday, November 15, 2021. During his last days, he was surrounded by loving family in peace and positive recollections of a well-lived life. The second son of Samuel Woolley Coombs and Edith Young Coombs, Samm was born in Riverbank, California on March 19, 1928 and raised in Oakland and Orinda with siblings, Sam, Jr, Catherine and Ben. He is survived by his wife Shirley Muir Coombs of 56 years, daughter Bridget Coombs and son Jefferson Christopher Muir Coombs and brother Ben Coombs. He is predeceased by his eldest daughter Maureen Coombs, brother Sam, Jr, and sister Catherine.

Samm attended Acalanes High School, graduated from The Menlo School and earned an AA at St. Mary’s College in Moraga. He entered the advertising industry during its golden age of the 1950s and established himself as a dynamic voice of the San Francisco creative community. He climbed the ladder at leading agencies—BBDO, McCann Erickson, AllenDorward and Kenyon & Eckhardt before founding as President, Wilton, Coombs & Colnett (now Saatchi & Saatchi).

Ever the clever wit. Samm penned some of the most recognized and awarded ad campaigns of his era, including PG&E’s campaign “Don’t be a dish washer – Buy one.” Once referred to as one of the two best copywriters of his generation, he liked to say that accolade left his contemporaries wondering who the #2 was!

Mozell McDonald Woodford passed unexpectedly Oct. 20, 2021, at her home in Sacramento, CA. Mozell M. Woodford is a retired civil service employee with the city and county of San Francisco, employed in management, supervisor at Medi-Cal --25+ years employed. She touched the hearts of many during employment at the Dept. of Medi-Cal with the city and county of San Francisco. Devoted aunt to David M. Dangerfield. Loving sister to Gerone McDonald Mathews.

Samm’s creative career journey also took him to the Bahamas, Hawaii and Santa Monica during which time he co-founded Halo Books and published his first book, The Teenage Survival Manual. This guide to reach 20 in one piece was reprinted in several languages and used in high school curricula. In the 1980’s he returned to his beloved Marin County and opened the Samm Coombs Company, which established itself as a leader in commercial real estate and destination marketing. Concurrently he wrote his next three books: Time Happens, The New Green Christmas, Wining, Dining & Reclining with the 49ers. When time came for retirement, Samm and Shirley settled in the oasis of Palm Desert, California, His passion for writing never waned and he established himself as a featured columnist in The Desert Sun’s Valley Voice column.

His words of wisdom have benefited so many over the years. His voice of compassion, humanity and humor serve as a lasting legacy and a point of pride for his family.

Shine above us in the constellations, Dad. We love you.

Tributes at https://www. sammcoombsmemorial.com