Dirk Ii

DIRK GOMBERT II IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Dirk Gombert II, 53, of Idaho Falls, passed away April 19, 2009. He was born September 8, 1955, in Orange, California, to Dirk Gombert and Dorothy Barbara Albronda Gombert. He grew up in Anaheim, California, and Chicago, Illinois. He was a graduate of Oregon State University at Corvallis. He received his doctorate degree from the University of Idaho. He married Sheryl Rae Cook on February 3, 1979, in Bend, Oregon. They lived briefly in Idaho Falls before moving to Dharhan, Saudi Arabia, and Portland, Oregon. In 1987 they moved to Idaho Falls, where he worked as a Chemical Engineer for Battelle Energy Alliance at the INL. He was a member of the licensed professional engineers for the State of Idaho. Dirk loved his family first and foremost and traveling and the outdoors a far-behind second. Survivors include: Wife: Sheryl Rae Cook, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Skye Gombert, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Autumn Gombert, Idaho Falls, ID Father: Dirk Gombert, Boise, ID Brother: Michael (Susan) Gombert, Colorado Springs, CO Sister: Jan (Bill) Nerenberg, Astoria, OR Sister: Joanne (David) Habben, Boise, ID He was preceded in death by his mother. Please join the family in celebrating Dirk’s life Saturday, April 25, 2009, between 4 and 8 p.m. at the Gombert residence, 353 North Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Yellowstone Park Foundation, 222 East Main Street, Suite 301, Bozeman, MT 59715. Arrangements are under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Dianna Johnston dianna.johnston@my.eitc.edu Sheryl, there are no words that will ever comfort you, the girls, and Dirk's family. I am so sorry to hear of these tragic events. I watched the way your eyes lit up when speaking about your best friend and partner, and know how much you valued your time together. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dianna Walt Newcomb The Gombert family is in our thoughts and prayers at this time of great loss. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. Walt & Bendy Newcomb Thomas Hood thomashood@fmtc.com I just wanted to send my condolences to Dirks family and friends. I just met Dirk the morning of the accident when we were getting ready to depart. He seemed like a great guy from the little we talked. He will forever be in my memory and his loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. Pamela Moser pm33122@aol.com Sheryl, I was so saddened to hear of your loss today in clinicals. Our prayers are with you and your girls. The stories you tell made it seem like we knew Dirk and I am so sorry for your loss. Julie & Ken Merrill Dirk was such a free spirit, he will be missed. We are thinking of you and your family. Tina Nenoff My deepest condolences to your entire family for the loss of Dirk. He was a colleague of mine in the area of nuclear waste cleanup. I have known him for years and enjoyed his humor, breath of knowledge and good cheer. My co-workers at Sandia National Labs and I will miss him very much. Sincerely, Tina Nenoff Tom Byrnes jtbyrnes@peoplepc.com Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I like and deeply respected Dirk both at work and off-site. Again, I am deeply saddened for your loss. Respectfully and sincerely, Tom Byrnes. Kevin McMahon kamcmah@sandia.gov Words are totally inadequate at a time like this. However, I wish to express my deepest condolences to your family. Dirk was not only a respected colleague, but I also count him as a friend. He and I would compare Corvette notes all the time. I would "host" his visits when he cam to Albuquerque, and I always enjoyed our time together. He will be missed by many . . . but especially by me. Robert Caliva robert.caliva@inl.gov I didn't know Dirk well, but we spoke several times over the years. He was a brilliant engineer and always seemed to have a smile on his face as we passed in the halls at work and said hello. I thought of him as a critical thinker who challenged the status quo, always looking for a better way to conquer a challenge. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. From my family to yours, may the sadness of his loss be replaced quickly by all of the wonderful memories of such a wonderful person. Yifeng Wang ywang@sandia.gov I met Dirk about two years ago. Since then we have seen each other many times at meetings and workshops. Just two week ago, Dirk and I took the same flight from Richland to Salt Lake City. His smiling face now so vividly comes to my mind. We will miss him. Best regards to his family. Ken Erickson Sheryl, Please accept my deepest condolences. I knew Dirk a little bit from working with him on developing a Hazardous Materials training program for EITC back in the early 90's. I always enjoyed working with him and will miss him. Ken Robert Bodily robert.bodily@my.eitc.edu Cheryl, Just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. I hope you feel comfort in knowing so many here at the College are concerned for you and in a small measure share your pain. Paige Ellis mpellis@astound.net Sheryl, Skye, and Autumn . . . . I cannot express how sorry I am to hear of Dirk's death. There is nothing that can be said that will bring you comfort any time soon. I know how much he loved all of you . . . he was so proud of your accomplishments, and so happy when all of you were together. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you go through the difficult times ahead Dr. Albert Aloy aloy@khlopin.ru This morning I got a very terrible bad news about my friend Dirk via Dmitry Lopukh, who met Jay Roach. First time I met Dirk during Russian's team visit to INEL in 1995 year. We had a number of joint project and me as well as laboratory's staff knew him as an excellent chemist with fatalistic fundamental background. I and my wife Nina spent nice one day in his home and excellent trip to Yellow Stone. His family Sherill, Sky and Autumn last summer one week spent in St. Petersburg. I am very, very sad about this tradegy, because, firstly, he is my good friend, secondly, he started and initiated a new approach in SNF and RW management in USA. His leaving us is very emotional stress for me, Nina and whole my lab. Leslie Roberts roberts0915@yahoo.com I was a co-worker of Dirk's but I also counted him as a friend, a confidant, an advisor, and a tutor. He helped me during some difficult transitions in my life with his advice and quick wit and helped me pass Calculus and was always willing to assist when I asked. Dirk truly enjoyed telling me how much he loved his family and how very proud he was of the beautiful women his girls were growing into and all that they accomplished. He was a truly devoted husband & father. I will miss him much! Jeff Moore jeffmoore87@gmail.com Dear Sheryl and Family, It has been many years since I last saw you, but I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you in this time of great sorrow. Dirk was a wonderful person and I will never forget his laugh. Jeff Charles and Susan Griffin charlesdgriffin@cox.net Sheryl - This loss is difficult to reconcile against so many pleasant memories shared with Dirk and you. We are greatly saddened and offer our sympathies. Becky Chapman My Dear Sheryl, Heartfelt sympathy to you and the girls. Nothing prepares us for such a thing and I truly feel your pain. The Celebration of Life is a beautiful thing and wonderful opportunity to recall fond memories, fun times and remembrances with family and friends. Will see you then as I know you don't need visitors now. Love, Becky Steve and Sue Birrer We are saddened at the news of your loss. Dirk was a friend and a class individual and he will be missed. Our prayers are with the family in this difficult time. Bill Holtzscheiter BHoltzs@bellsouth.net I am so very sorry to hear of Dirk's passing. I worked with Dirk over a number of years while at the Savannah River National Lab. I thoroughly enjoyed knowing and working with Dirk. Bill Holtzscheiter Lloyd McClure lloyd673@aol.com I heard the sad news of the accident yesterday. Even though I moved away from Idaho over ten years ago, Dirk was still one of my best friends. We had lunch most every time I returned to Idaho on business or pleasure. Dirk was one of the smartest, kindest and fun loving people I know. I have so many fond memories of the time we spent together. My sincerest condolences to Sheryl and all the other family members and friend. Peggy Nelson Sheryl - for what it is worth, you and your daughters are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I hope you can take comfort in the wonderful years you shared together. If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to call on me. Respectfully, Peggy Vivian Drake rvdrake@bresnan.net Dirk and Sheryl have been friends of ours for over 30 years - since the early days at Allied Chemical, as well as business partners this past few years. We counted on Dirk in so many ways and losing him is devastating to all of us. Our hearts go out to Sheryl, the girls, and his family. Wade & Judy Heileson wado54@gmail.com Sheryl, Skye & Autumn, We are shocked and saddened to hear about Dirk. We have great memories of the activities we all shared when the girls were growing up. Both of you were like role models in raising our own daughter. What we remember best about Dirk was how well he treated everyone especially complete strangers. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Raeleen Roberts Sheryl, My thoughts and prayers are with you, Autumn and Skye in your time of sorrow. I will always remember sitting with you and Dirk at last years EITC year end party. Brent and I shared serveral good laughs with you and Dirk and those are now cherished memories. I have always loved hearing of yours and Dirks experiences together. You have my continued support and friendship. Glen Benedict geblb@aol.com Betty and I wish to express our sadness at your loss of Dirk. I knew him through Ron and Viv Drake and also had the pleasure of working with Dirk on a couple of projects when I was with Fluor Daniel. Dirk always was true to the principles of his profession. Glen Benedict Margo McFadden mmcfadden@phd7.idaho.gov Dear Sheryl and family: I am so sorry to hear about Dirk's passing. My thoughts are with you. Margo McFadden John Marra Sheryl, Skye, and Autumn - We have never met, but I feel like I know all of you very well. I had the real pleasure of working with Dirk for the past several years and we often met up during our travels. He was a dedicated colleague with keen insight, but it was always family that we talked about. He was so proud of all of his girls and he lit up when talking about his family. He was truly a family man. I will sure miss his keen wit and I am proud to say that he was my friend. - John John S Howze [John.Howze@inl.gov] I would like to express my condolences to the family of Dirk Gombert. I worked next to Dirk for more than a year in 1998-1999. He became a good friend and we remained friends over the years since. Dirk impressed me with his openness and down-to-earth quality. Highly educated and highly intelligent, he treated everyone as a person, with respect and dignity. He would take time to talk to anyone, and treat them as an equal. He was very level-headed and calm, even when circumstances in the workplace were difficult or not to his liking. He spoke often of his wife and children -- and his pride in Sky and Autumn were very clear. Dirk's death came as a terrible surprise. He contributed a lot to INL, but the greatest loss is not to our research, skill base or scientific talent -- it is that we lost this extraordinary person who added so much to the lives of those around him. I am sure for you the loss is far greater. I share your grief and shock at Dirk's sudden departure. May every comfort and mercy attend your loss. Sincerely, John Howze Roger Horn rogerhorn1@supanet.com Sheryl,Autumn and Skye I received your mail today and I am sitting here at my desk in a state of shock. It is a terrible loss and my thoughts and sympathies are with you. Although we were separated by distance, time never seemed to erode our friendship. Dirk was one of my best friends, even after years, when we did meet up, we still passed the time talking about life and things in common, just picking where we left from the time before. My happy memories are the "grudge" tennis matches and our trip together to Asir province in Saudi Arabia. My daughter described him as "a lovely man." A great guy - we will all miss him. Tom Batcheller Wisdom and courage — if we aspire to the level that Dirk attained, he will live on in each of us. Our deepest sympathies to Dirk's family and close friends. Tom Batcheller and family Tony Umek anthony.umek@fluor.com My prayers are with you. I had the privlege of working with Dirk at the ICPP in the mid 1990's and saw him from time to time on business travel. Please accept my condolences. Kathleen Nelson Dear Sheryl and Girls, I cannot imagine the great loss you are feeling at this time. My heart goes out to each of you. I know that you father was a great man by the way each of you are. I just want you to know in this time of your grief my thoughts are with you. I'm sure he will live in your hearts forever. Gary and Annie McDannel mcdandmcd@msn.com Dear Sheryl, Skye, Autumn and the Gombert family, Annie and I want to express our deepest sorrow over your loss. Being with him in his final moments will leave a lasting impression. The real blessing Dirk leaves all of us who knew him is that he loved and lived life to the fullest. He loved you all like none other. He lived life like few ever had. While his time here was shorter than we all hoped, the time spent was rich. As you think of him in the days, weeks, and years to come, ask what he would have you do. You know the answer, because he showed us how to love and live life. While our hurt and pain are raw today, we hold hope of a blessing in this storm. Peace to all of you. Our love is with you, Gary and Annie McDannel Marcia Lindsay Marcia.Lindsay@inl.gov Losing Dirk is a great loss. I have worked with Dirk for over ten years. During that time we had many great conversations. He loved his family. He was so proud of his girls and share their accomplishments. There was no doubt that Autumn and Skye were his pride and joy. I am going to miss seeing Dirk walk down the hall wearing his Birkenstocks and socks carrying his coffee/tea cup. We hardly ever saw him without it. He is going to be missed. - Marcia Kaytlun Pulido kpulido465@gmail.com Sheryl, I cannot find the words to express how extremely sorry I am for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Pam and Charlie Burns cwburns20@sbcglobal.net Sheryl, Skye and Autumn, Pam and I were saddened to here of Dirk's passing. Please accept our condolences and know that we will have you in our thoughts and prayers. I worked with Dirk in Saudi Arabia in the mid-1980's where we became friends. Dirk and I were scuba diving buddies in both the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. We also knew Dirk and Sheryl as a couple and enjoyed our time with them. Although we haven't seen either Dirk or Sheryl since the 1980's, when they left Saudi, we exchanged Christmas Cards yearly and enjoyed reading about Skye and Autumn. We have lost a good friend and will miss him greatly. Pam and Charlie Burns Sergey and Olga Stefanovsky profstef@mtu-net.ru We are unable to believe in death of our dear friend and excellent engineer Dirk. This is a real tragedy and a great loss for us and everybody who knew him. Our deepest condolences to his wife Sheril and daughters Skye and Autumn. Sergey and Olga Rick Geddes Rgeddes1@aol.com Your family's loss is shared by us, his friends and coworkers across the DOE Complex, and indeed, by the entire nation. Dirk was nationally known and respected for his technical prowess, vision, and insight regarding this country's future energy strategy. His loss is a tragedy both for you, his family, and his country. We at Savannah River will miss him greatly. Barb Brown barbara.brown@hcahealthcare.com Sheryl, Words can not express how saddened I am for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Barb Colleen Berky colleenberky@cableone.net Dear Sheryl and girls: I was shocked and saddened to hear about Dirk. I had only met him once many years ago but thoroughly enjoyed receiving his Christmas cards with such a thorough update about what was going on in all of your lives. He was so proud of you and your achievements and obviously his family was most important to him. May the Lord's comforting spirit be with you. Sincerely, Colleen Berky Carla Dwight dw1@ida.net I knew Dirk from waste treatment work in the 90s. While we didn't work together recently, I saw him often in EROB--always smiling and so easy-going! So sorry about your loss! I hope you find some comfort in that he was truly enjoying life when the accident happened.... and that he will serve as your guardian angel for eternity! Caroline and Evan Filby efilby@earthlink.net Dear Sheryl and girls, Our deepest sympathies to out to you at this tragic time. While we were not close friends, we overlapped with Dirk for a number of years at the INL, and knew him to be a great engineer and a fine person. Dirk was interested enough to present an excellent paper at the 2007 Idaho Academy of Science conference for which Evan was Technical Program Chairman. He was the kind of human being who leaves a huge hole in the world when he’s gone -- he will be missed. Again … our deepest sympathies. Steve Piet pietsteven@hotmail.com Sheryl, Skye, and Autumn, Please let Robin or I know if we can help you in any way. Dirk was a very good friend and a great work colleague. I've told colleagues around the country, e.g., Tim Trickel a North Carolina State student that Dirk and I co-mentored last summer. Everyone is shocked, saddened, and empty. I've heard such sentiments from people at NC State, Sandia National Labs, Pacific Northwest National Lab, Savannah River National Lab, Brookhaven National Lab, Argonne National Lab. Susan C. Cole susannabandana@yahoo.com Sheryl, this goes back a long ways, but I went on a camping and hiking trip with you and Dirk back in the early 80s. I believe we went up to Kane Lake in the Pioneers one weekend. I can't remember if we were backpacking now, or if we were dayhiking and camping out somewhere around there. You guys didn't have kids yet, and Dirk was talking about going over to Saudi Arabia at that time. Eventually, within the next year or two, you both went. We really enjoyed that hike with you, and it was obvious that Dirk really thought a lot of you with the way you tried your best to keep up with our hiking. He loved living life, and it was fun being around you two. My prayers are with you. Susan C. Joy Hubbell a2j2@cableone.net My memory of Dirk will always be one of child advocate. Along with Sheryl, Dirk was always on the front lines for his two special daughters and their classmates. Even more than that wonderful gift, Dirk spoke eloquently and loudly for the kids in the neighborhood who had no one to advocate for them. He so adamantly supported opportunities for kids to learn and grow. I am so sad that we have lost your father, husband, brother, son, friend, and neighbor... His goal was always to make the world a better place, and indeed, he did one heck of a good job: he will be missed. My heart goes out to all of you in Dirk's family with love. Cathryn Pankau mpankau@cableone.net Sheryl,Skye and Autumn, Mike and I want to let you know that you are in our thoughts. We know that this is a difficult time for you. If there is anything we can do to help ease your pain, we are here as friends and neighbors. We will see you this evening at your home. Sincerely, Cathryn and Mike Margi, Jim, and Shanna Melton montanamelton@bresnan.net Sheryl, Skye, and Autumn Our family sends our love and prayers to all three of you. Our memories of Dirk are centered around the wonderful events he participated in with our daughters. Long before Shanna or Autumn could drive, it was always one of us taking them places. Shanna loved the times spent snowboarding or sleeping over @ your house. Dirk loved his girls and could not wait to share in their numerous accomplishments. He was ever present in relationship with them and in the end, that is all we really get. We hurt for the days, weeks and years ahead and yet we know we will all dance again in Our Father's House. May time, love and memories soothe you all. Michael Kaminski kaminski@anl.gov My sincerest condolences to the Gombert family. When I 1st met Dirk 3 years ago, through our mutual interest in nuclear waste management, I was immediately struck by his clear vision for research in nuclear waste. The next thing was how clearly special he was as a person. Everyone not only respected Dirk but we enjoyed his company. He was a genuinely good guy and he will be deeply missed by us all. Mary and Bill Smart smartmarym@yahoo.com So sad to hear about your loss. No words can express our feeling of sadness at hearing the news of Dirk's tragic accident. Bill and I remember what an active, fun loving couple you two were in Dhahran. We know God in His infinite mercy will give you and your girls the strength to carry on. Sincerely, Mary and Bill Smart Jim Buelt Dirk was a colleague and a friend. We at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory share a great deal of respect for his talents and contributions to the field of radioactive waste management. He will be missed. Mary and Bill Smart smartmarym@yahoo.com So sad to hear about your loss. No words can express our feeling of sadness at hearing the news of Dirk's tragic accident. Bill and I remember what an active, fun loving couple you two were in Dhahran. We know God in His infinite mercy will give you and your girls the strength to carry on. Sincerely, Mary and Bill Smart Ron and Dianne Lee Family leeronm@yahoo.com Sheryl, Skye, and Autumn, Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts during this time of deep sadness and loss of Dirk. We do not have the words to express ourselves but please know we are thinking of you. We will always remember the great times in Dhahran and the short visit in Alabama. Our love to the Gombert family, Ron and Dianne and family Sheryl Morton As difficult as it is to lose a co-worker, I cannot imagine the loss you feel. May you be consoled in knowing that Dirk made a huge impact with his work at INL and will be missed. My condolences to Dirk's family. Rob Paparozzi chromboy@earthlink.net I just heard about Dirk's passing. I'm the Lead Singer with Blood Sweat & Tears Band. I met Dirk at a concert in Idaho Falls last year and this year on the Cruise. I have fond memories of chatting with him at both events about our music. He will truly be missed and my deepest condolences... Rob Paparozzi Mike and Susi MacConnel Dear Sheryl and family, We were saddened by the news of Dirk's passing. He was the first neighbor to befriend us and we will always remember him as kind and helpful. Please let us help you in anyway we can. Your neighbors, Mike and Susi Madelene L. Ager parcelexpressidaho@yahoo.com I am so sorry for your loss. I met Dirk at the INEL when I was a secretary for another manager. Dirk was very kind to me and tried to help me find another job that was paying better. I will always remember his kindness. Madelen L. Ager Brad Ward bradjamesward@yahoo.com Dirk was one of the good ones at the lab...he helped me out with learning and teaching aspect of the projects he directed over me. I enjoyed everything he taught me. I will definitely miss his debates and what I learned from talking with him. He was one of the few I really enjoyed the after work beer with. I will miss him and extend my heart to yall. RIP Dirk.... Steve Rohde steverohde@mac.com I worked with Dirk in Portland at CH2M Hill/IDC in the late 80's. Although we only know each other briefly, he left a lasting impression. He was a colleague, a mentor and a friend. He helped my through some rough times in my career as a Chem E and inspired me to always strive to strive for the best that life has to offer. I hadn't seen or spoken to Dirk in nearly 20 years but for some reason tonight I was compelled to search for him online just to say hello. I am so sad to learn of his passing and send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Steve Rohde Montréal Greg Cotten greg.cotten@1987.usna.com Family and Friends, I was saddened to learn of Dirk's passing from the UofI Alumni magazine. Dirk's signature stands proudly in my Doctoral Thesis and his help and assistance along the way were very much appreciated. I will always remember his humble and humorous spirit with respect to his accomplishments. He often told me that after his long name and associated titles of Ph.D. and P.E. should follow the letters "BFD" which stand for "Big F___ing Deal!" With my sincere condolences, Gregory B. Cotten, Ph.D., P.E. INEL (1994-2000) UofI (97, 00) Coronado, CA