Special offer

Cocoa Beach Tiki Mon Legend is now in Tiki Heaven

By
Real Estate Agent with Oikos Realty, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach Florida

 A Cocoa Beach Legend went to Tiki Heaven on Tuesday, 9/5/2012 of an apparent heart attack. Wayne Coombs opened Mai Tiki Studio and Gallery in 1973 and I couldn't begin to count all the homes and businesses his art is an integral part of. I spoke with him several times at art shows and in his studio where I took the photo below. The first thing you noticed were his big hands, wide smile and booming voice. I don't know of anyone who added as much color and originality to the Space Coast. The big man will be missed!

 From his website: “Wayne Coombs began hand carving palm trees and driftwood in Cocoa Beach Florida over 35 years ago. Over the years Wayne has progressed to paintings, hardwood, stone, lava, rock, interior as well as exterior design from his studio in Cocoa Beach.”

 Mai Tiki and Wayne

Photos from his website.

 

 Link to the Florida Today Newspaper Article.

 

 

Cape Dolphins

Life is just better in Cape Canaveral / Cocoa Beach!

 

  Brevard County Florida MLS Listings Brevard County Investment Properties

 

 Brevard County Florida Commercial Real Estate Brevard County Florida Area Links Brevard County Florida Foreclosures

 Homes for Sale

 Have some Fun in the Sun!

 

  Tou Tube  Facebook

 

 Contact me to learn how you can start enjoying the good life here in Brevard County on the Space Coast. Talk to the BEACH EXPERT!

 These photos are copyright (c), all rights reserved and may not be used or reproduced without permission from John Mayer. Permission can granted with a link back to my website and / or blog, providing the site is appropriate for everyone. Photographs are a great way to share the world. Thank you for viewing.

Comments (12)

Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

John- so sorry to hear this.   He looks like he was a generaous free spirit.  I love those carvings. 

Sep 05, 2012 01:22 AM
John Mayer
Oikos Realty, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach Florida - Cocoa Beach, FL
Your Beach Area Expert

Thanks Kathy - He was well liked everywhere he went.

Sep 05, 2012 01:24 AM
Diane Daley
Caron's Gateway Real Estate - Northumberland, NH

Sorry to hear of the heart attack,  the carvings are amazing, sorry for the loss...

Sep 05, 2012 01:54 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

John - That's a wonderful tribute to one of your local artisans.  I'm sorry to hear of his passing! 

Sep 05, 2012 03:34 AM
John Mayer
Oikos Realty, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach Florida - Cocoa Beach, FL
Your Beach Area Expert

Caron's - He was an amazing artist and icon in the area.

Sep 05, 2012 03:53 AM
John Mayer
Oikos Realty, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach Florida - Cocoa Beach, FL
Your Beach Area Expert

Thanks Myrl - He sure had a lot of friends around here!

Sep 05, 2012 03:54 AM
Tony & Darcy Cannon
Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT
The C Team

John, I too am sorry to hear this, those were some great Tiki carvings that he did!

Sep 05, 2012 04:16 AM
John Mayer
Oikos Realty, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach Florida - Cocoa Beach, FL
Your Beach Area Expert

Hi Tony - Yes, he was very talented. Im sure his designs will still be made by the artisans in his shop under the direction of his wife.

Sep 05, 2012 05:36 AM
Sussie Sutton
David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX
David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

Sorry to hear of his passing....and this is the first time I have seen any of his work! I would love to have one of his tiki cravings on my patio!

Sep 05, 2012 10:23 AM
John Mayer
Oikos Realty, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach Florida - Cocoa Beach, FL
Your Beach Area Expert

Hi Sussie - You can still buy one. His wife runs the store now. His work is pretty neat!

Sep 05, 2012 10:54 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

John  Very nice tribute to your friend.  I'm sure he's smiling down from Tiki Heaven

Sep 06, 2012 11:04 PM
John Mayer
Oikos Realty, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach Florida - Cocoa Beach, FL
Your Beach Area Expert

Thanks Karen - He was a local legend and quite a character.

Sep 10, 2012 01:43 PM