I had the pleasure of knowing and spending time with Mike for decades, going back to the 70’s. During that span of time, we shared many experiences, events, and trips. Here are some reflections on those shared times. I believe our best times were all the several years of family camping on Buggs Island Lake. During some summers, we could accomplish as many as 4 trips from June through Labor Day. We’d have a camping breakfast with our coffee while awaiting midday to begin water activities with the kids. One of the most enjoyable activities was the “fun island” where the kids would try to escape the water monster dads by getting on the island (about 7 feet wide) for safety, all knowing that any minute the swimmer monster would disappear under the inflatable and toss it and the kids into the air, crashing back into the water. Again and again, the kids would want that activity repeated—so much fun for all of us. Mike captured as many photos as he could while being water monster. At night during the camping trips, everyone would enjoy a campfire, sometimes with marshmallows, and the adults would have a competitive card game until bedtime. One of my fond memories of Mike is that during the card game, he’d sometimes worry about which card to play and by the time he released the card on the trick, the card would be curved from his grasp. It was never that important which card he played ‘cause there’d be another game tomorrow, but he still wanted to play the correct card. We’d have to remind Mike, “…it’s OK, no problem, play a card.” Associated with camping on the fresh water lake, Mike loved his afternoon swims for exercise. He was such an impressive swimmer, a true marathon athlete in the water. It always impressed me how far (distance) and long (duration) he could swim. For safety, he painted red a gallon water jug and tied with rope to his leg so that boaters would hopefully see him in the water, which they did. He was an excellent swimmer and could probably have swum the English Channel, had he been inclined for that challenge. Once I went with Mike on one of his art show trips to experience what it was like for him in conducting his art career & business. This trip was to Miami Beach, and we traveled in his aged, white, Ford model sedan, loaded to the limits with all his art work. He had arranged for us to stay in a private residence in a rich gated community in Miami Beach, certainly a different lifestyle than what we were accustomed to. During the days of the show, he’d set up his booth and take care of the art sales, at night we’d dinner with some of the other artists, have artist conversation (I’d listen), then to the residence for the night, repeating the show’s work the next day. It was a memorable trip for me and one with insight to what a his career was like, different from a 9 to 5 desk job. Good memories of that trip. Another event we’d enjoy, with wives and other sets of friends, was going to nightclubs for New Year’s Eve. We’d get dressed up w/ties and coats (possibly the only time during the year), take pictures, and head out for the evening’s entertainment. One of the most memorable NYEs was at 2001 in Richmond, where some of the group welcomed the next morning for wakeup coffee and breakfast. But no trouble, just good fun. Mike loved music and playing his guitar and the harmonica, as well as occasional lyrical writing. On a mini-trip a few years ago to a Jackson Creek cottage, he played his instruments and sang for us beside a campfire, making for an enjoyable evening. When one’s friend passes on before you, what survivors have are the good memories of all the times spent passing through life, and over those decades of having Mike as a friend, I have many of those memories. Thank you, Combs, for sharing your life with me and leaving me with memories of good times with a friend. Rest in peace………

Our deepest sympathies and prayers, from our family to yours.

Lots of fun memories with Mike and the Combs family. From swinging on the backyard rope swing to camping at Kerr Dam, Mike was a wonderful, kind, and fun man. I will never forget his laugh or the way his garage smelled like photo paper developer. I will always admire his bravery for swimming in the Chesapeake Bay, alone, with a red spray-painted milk jug tied to his ankle. We will miss you dearly Mike. Save a spot at the Spades table for us!

Reading Mike's obituary brought up so many memories. Sitting around a fire listening to Mike play his guitar is a favorite one. He loved a practical joke so there were times we were mailing an obscure kitchen tool back and forth for many Christmases. We had a lot of fun with the life-sized characters he created for his photography and used as props for family dinner photos. At one time or another, his friends and family appeared in creative photos of tiny people performing dentistry or giving medical attention to a hospital patient. His photography of these superimposed figures were quite popular at art shows. Mike had an abundance of ingenious ideas for making things work or just making new things. He was an insatiable reader. RIP dear friend. I hope heaven provides you with your own workshop and a wealth of materials to continue your creativity. With love, Mike and Nancy Hall

Cathy.....I'm sorry for your loss......Lynne

one of the happiest and loving guys I ever knew 💚

What a talented funny energetic man. He was best friends with my brother John Bouman but found time for my husband Gerald and me. Condolences to his family.

What a great guy I had a blast with Mike when we would hang out

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.