Vale Nick Coombe – art director and bon vivant
June 18 2013, 7:02 am | | 29 Comments
The industry on both sides of the Tasman will be saddened to hear of the passing of Nick Coombe, art director and bon vivant, who passed away in New Zealand yesterday after a battle with cancer.
Coombe was bought up in Auckland New Zealand. His first agency job in Australia was in Melbourne in the mid 1970’s with Berry Currie advertising, and then went on to work through the 80’s and early 90’s with McCann (twice) ending as CD, Leonardi & Curtis, DDB, Connahan & May, Forbers McPhee Hansen, Mojo and Leo Burnett.
He moved back to NZ in 2008, first in Auckland, then Gisborne where he was working at the local newspaper, loving his job and Life.
He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.
29 Comments
What a talent lost. Great guy, great mentor.
Nick was an incredible talent who i respected very much. Both Kate and I send our condolences to his family. Farewell friend.
Nick was naughty, cheeky, loving, smart, talented and fun. He was never hurtful, or unable to laugh at himself – which he did often. And he was talented – very talented.
I had the pleasure of working with him for many years and treasure our time as colleagues and friends. News of his illness came as a shock. I’m just grateful I had the opportunity to tell him I loved him before he passed. We have lost a friend and a good man. We shan’t forget him. To Kerry, Minnie and all Nick’s extended family and friends, I extend my sincere condolences.
I met Nick when he was brought in by Paul Jones to work on the pitch for the Northern Territory tourism account. He was scary, irascible, super supportive, funny, a champion of great work, elegant art direction, and great crafting. For those two weeks and the time after that when he stayed on, my days were full of inspiration and possibility. The fact that he could rip your head off or slice your throat with a few chosen words only added frisson to the creative floor. Truly one of the unforgettable people I’ve met in the business. My condolences to Nick’s family.
RIP Nick. We had some interesting times.
Very sad. Great bloke. had many laughs with him old Lintas days. Vale Nick.
Sad news indeed. Thanks for the memories Nick. RIP mate.
Wow, he was still so young. I remember working alongside him at DDB back in the early 90s. he was a wild man, and a great creative. What a loss. My thoughts are with his family.
I will remember Nick as talented, genuine and generous.
And not taking shit from anyone.
Cheerios mate.
One of the true characters that I have worked with in our business.
On his day he was brilliant.
On others he was intimidating and could cause a decent sized problem, but nothing a good presentation and a few beers afterwards couldn’t fix.
All up he was a good fella and a classic character. I’ll remember him.
RIP Nick.
The world’s a lot less interesting now Nick’s not in it, that’s for sure.
Condolences to his loved ones.
Bon voyage, bon vivant – we’ll all miss you.
A truely unforgettable passionate man. That includes his work as well.
Vale Nick.
Sad, sad news. So many memories and all of them with that huge cheeky grin.
This is very sad and very sobering.
Nick brought fire and fun to Masius when I worked with him there in the late 70s, and much enjoyment to the occasions we met up subsequently in various parts of the world.
A lovely man and wonderfully unpredictable.
To those close to him in more recent times, I’m truly sorry for your loss.
WTF! – My deepest condolences to Mary and Mini.
You’re a legend Nick, a great bloke and a real talent.
See you on the other side mate.
Farewell Nick – we were lucky to have had you.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Worked with Nick on an extended freelance engagement. As a suit he scared the shit out of me – but in a nice way! Smooth sailing old friend.
One of the best I ever worked with, this is unbelievable, I bet he Still Called Australia home.
Very sad.
Nick I hope you enjoyed every moment of your short time here,I’m sure you did.You were a good bloke and a rare talent.You will be missed.My thoughts are with your family.
Very sad- Nick appreciated good work and did more than his share.
R.I.P Nick.
A fine talent and great character.
Nick was a legend… Life dealt him some savage hands but he always rose above it all. Travel well my friend.
Mark
I had the pleasure of working with Nick at Leo Burnett Brisbane. However we were mates long before then. We had some great lunches and shared many laughs. He was a vary talented Art Director with a great eye. He will be sadly missed.
Nicks funeral details sent to me by the family .
The funeral is at the Wainui surf club in Gisborne at 2pm Saturday the 22nd of June.
All sane people welcome.
Where was I when Princess Diana demised?
On board Nick’s ketch in Moreton Bay, becalmed with no power.
Life was always an adventure when you were around.
Had no idea you were sick, the emails said nothing but He, He, He, to my invitations to Melbourne.
Thanks for the memories. Hope you and Fintan go large in Heaven.
Love you.
Thanks for letting us share your work and social life Nick. It was a slice. I can see you now on the beautiful timer ketch you so richly deserved.
Oh, I just read this. That’s very sad. Such a straight up guy. Always told you what he thought and most times he was right.
To Nick’s family – those I’ve met long ago and those I haven’t – I’ll be thinking of you on his birthday!
Our friendship was in the 70s but Nick is not a forgettable person. Today I thought to Google him, only to find he’s moved on. I’m stunned, but happy to hear he was so well loved.
It was a hair raising adventure to know Nick one of his canoes still sits in the workshop much fun and I often gaze at it. So many people in the ad industry. I escaped from Masius Wynne Williams & D’arcy Mc Manus. His name came up in conversation recently and a fair bit of laughter.
The constant companion found all the old images of him what a treat!