Our wonderful and loving father, Dailord M. LaCombe, a long time Spokane resident passed away at the age of 101 on September 5, 2024.
Dad was born on May 30, 1923, Memorial Day, in Crookston, MN and grew up in the village of Mentor, MN where, to his delight, they always held a parade and other festivities each year on the day of his birth.
He was born the third of six children to his parents Joseph and Mary (Raymond) LaCombe, where his father owned a small garage and blacksmith shop on Main Street. Dad grew up helping his father at the garage and in 1943 was drafted into the Army. He served until 1945 when he was wounded after participating in the Battle of the Bulge, earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
After the war dad returned home and soon began courting his future wife, Sylva McFarland, who lived in nearby Red Lake Falls. He met her at the Jewel Dance Club where they enjoyed their mutual love of dancing that continued throughout their lives. They were married on June 10, 1948, and began their life together in Mentor where dad went to work for the Post Office after the war.
In 1959 the family, which now included four children, relocated to Spokane where dad continued to work for the Post office until his retirement in 1979. After retirement he returned to his earlier love of fishing, making weekly visits with his buddies to nearby lakes for over twenty-five years. Another of his great pleasures was travel. He and mom were able to visit most of Europe, Central American, the Caribbean and all 50
states. They made San Carlos, Mexico their winter home for over thirty-five years.
Dad and mom loved being surrounded by their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and countless friends. Every birthday and holiday was celebrated either at the family cabin at Loon Lake or their home in town, which bulged to capacity on Christmas eve. Happy hour was celebrated most nights at 5 pm. and all were welcome.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Sylva; his parents, two brothers, two sisters, and a grandson. He is survived by one sister, Marilyn Bruggeman of Annandale, MN, sister-in-law Nona LaCombe of San Diego, CA, son Paul, daughter-in law Jan, daughters Claudia Erickson, Nettie LaCombe and Mary Jo Watson, all of Spokane: seven grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi church where he was a member for 65 years. 1104 W. Heroy, Spokane, WA 99205. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 13, 2024 with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.