Lasting Memories

Lyford "Brownie" Combs
June 23, 1920-Aug. 18, 2016
Palo Alto, California

Lyford “Brownie” Combs died peacefully at Vi, Palo Alto on August 18, surrounded by his loving family. A Marine and master mechanic, a golfer and grandfather, a tremendous storyteller and ballroom dancer, Brownie lived every moment of his 96 rich years.

Brownie was born in Corning, Missouri. He joined the United States Marine Corps, and in 1939 began his proud service as part of the Greatest Generation. Brownie was stationed in Guam during a Typhoon, and received a commendation from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt for his work toward the recovery effort. He was later selected to represent the Marines in FDR’s honor guard. Upon returning from Guam, Brownie was stationed at Treasure Island in San Francisco, assigned to guard the Bay Bridge when Pearl Harbor was attacked. He was promoted to Captain and served in the Korean War before joining the Marine Corps Reserves and eventually retiring honorably in 1963.

Brownie married native San Franciscan, Lee Porta, in 1945 in Quantico, Virginia. After the War, they made their home in Palo Alto, where they lived for nearly sixty years. As Stanford employees and the truest of Cardinal fans, Brownie and Lee faithfully attended every home football game for 30 years.

Brownie worked at Stanford’s High Energy Physics Lab as the Accelerator Project Engineer, biking to work nearly every day from May of 1953 to June of 1985. He was part of a team effort that resulted in two Nobel prizes in physics. In his spare time, Brownie enjoyed playing tennis at lunch, rebuilding cars in his garage, taking his boat out for waterski runs at Lake Berryessa, and camping with his family. He was a member of the Palo Alto Elks Lodge, golfed with the Santa Clara Seniors and loved ballroom dancing with Lee.

Brownie lived out his golden years happily at Vi, where he enjoyed playing poker, happy hours, dances, long walks around Stanford, swim workouts and many years of friendship with his neighbors. Brownie’s family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff at Vi, and to Pathways Hospice for their compassion and care.

Brownie’s legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his son, Steve (Cathy); his daughter, Penny Peterson (Eric); his grandchildren, Brian (Danielle) and Diana Neebe (Steven); and his great-grandchildren, Oliver, Charlie, and Sofia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lee.

The family will hold a private military burial. Semper Fidelis, Brownie!