Eric Ralph Coombs

Passed peacefully away on May 6, 2022 with his family by his side. Leaving behind his loving wife Anne of 56 years. Daughter Maryann (Peter) and son Eric Jr., three grandchildren Melody (Nick), Julie (Mitch) and Buddy (Rebecca), seven great grandchildren , and sisters Audrey and Daphne, many nieces, and nephews.
Predeceased by his parents Walter and Glady’s Coombs (nee Ledrew), sisters Evelyn, Shirley and Rose.
Eric was born in St. John’s, Nfld on the 27 of February 1941. He joined the Canadian Forces on October 8th, 1959 and was posted to Shilo, MB where he completed Basic Training and Gun Numbers course. From there he was posted to the Third Regiment RCHA at CFB Gagetown, NB. In 1960 he was rotated to Germany where he spent 3 and a half years. In February of 1964 The Regiment moved to Winnipeg, MB. In 1964 he met the women of his dreams and they were married a year later on the 5th of February 1965.
Eric spent 33 years with the Regular Force and three years with the Militia. He reached the rank of MWO (Master Gunner) with the Canadian Artillery and Regimental Sergeant Major with the PWOR.
Eric was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 35 years. Throughout his Military career he did 2 tours in Germany, he was an Instructor at Vernon Cadet Camp (1970) and also CFB Cornwallis, NS (1973-1975).
Eric was also the Drill Sergeant Major at RMC in Kingston, ON (1985-1988).
Eric’s favorite employment was being the Battery Sergeant Major of W Battery Field Artillery School from 1989-1991. Eric was also deployed twice to Montreal in 1970, during the FLQ Crisis and in 1990 during the OKA Crisis.
Eric’s favorite pastime was fishing and playing darts. Keeping with Eric’s request there will be no visitation, cremation has already taken place.