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Isidor Cordova Obituary
Izzy's bartending career started at Pal Joey in Anchorage, then in Kodiak at the Kodiak Inn and other fishermen's bars. He moved to Anchorage working for the Reilly's again at the Cheechako (for 33 years). He came out of retirement to work at the Raven Bar. Izzy loved making cocktails and proudly invented the "Best Brandy Alexander," not telling anyone his secret. He took pride in sponsoring coed, men's and women's baseball, rugby, hockey, basketball and softball teams. Izzy loved everyone! He was a touchstone to many people and made lifelong, lasting friendships. Many couples had Izzy officiate their nuptials; and, he was godfather to a multitude of children. Izzy prized his collections: beer steins, paintings, Alaska Native art, decanters, rocks, bolas, etc. He was a great cook: you couldn't visit without him offering up simple fare or a five-course meal. Izzy loved animals; at one time he had two cats named Joan Crawford and Harry Truman. He also loved his bulldogs: Barney, Hector and Eleanor.
He was predeceased by his mother, Maria Dora McCrae; and adopted son, Rodney James Sagnolini. Siblings of Izzy include: Alice Cordova, Orlando Cordova, Carmen Montero and David Reeves. Survivors include daughter, Kathy Kight (Scott); grandchildren, Bradley Kight (Amanda), Cassandra Wentworth and Ashley Wood (Joey); five great-grandchildren; and cherished confidant, Mimi Silveira, husband Rick and godson Robert Silveira of Cordova, Alaska.
All are welcome to a Life Celebration Potlatch for Izzy taking place on the full moon, Thursday, June 28, 2018, at 5 p.m., at the American Legion Jack Henry Post 1, 840 West Fireweed Lane.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Isidor Cordova
Sponsored by Rick and Mimi Silveira.
Elizabeth Stallings
July 8, 2024
This message comes a long time after Izzys passing. I didn't realize he had passed away until today. I met Izzy in 1992 when I came to Alaska to work at Chilkoot Charlies. He was such a good friend and neighbor. Soon after we met we realized we lived 3 blocks away from each other. I worked with him at the Chee for about a year. We spent so much time together over the years having dinners, BBQs, Slumber partys at his house with tons of trash mags and junk food. We saw each other through so much. I helped him when his son came home to die and he helped me when my marriage was failing. I left Anchorage in 2001 and after about a year life got in the way and we lost touch. I guess life got in the way. He was a wonderful man and an even better human being. I learned so much about life from him.
MIMI
June 21, 2022
Janet, Oh you know it! Isi and Jerry are toasting us! Isi adored you both and always spoke of missing you both. I am sorry for your Loss. Mimi
Janet Sexton
June 20, 2022
My beloved Jerry may be with you, toasting the memories we all had together on earth. I lost him in October, 2019 and, as with you, I miss him every day.
Janet and Jerry Sexton
June 20, 2019
Has it been over a year already, dear friend? We miss you every day. That special place in our hearts, just for you, remains as strong as ever. We hope you're at peace.
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Janet & Jerry Sexton
November 21, 2018
Isidor was and is our very dear friend forever. We think of him often, enjoy the many Alaskan gifts he gave us, scattered throughout our home in Az, and see his picture with us at the Cheechako every single day. We miss you very much, Izzy! Our hearts are scarred, but we are always friends forever.
Ray Helveston
September 28, 2018
To the most wonderful man in the world I miss him dearly and will always remember him with the most tender, wholesome heart no matter how terrible I treated him in my addiction, he always remained with a heart of forgiveness.
Janna Stewart
July 2, 2018
Izzy was a wonderful person. The world was richer with him in it.
June 30, 2018
Rest in peace dear Izzy.
Will miss your smiling face and warm heart.
Kathryn Whitacre
June 29, 2018
I first met Isidor in the 90's when I'd come to Anchorage to visit my sister, who also was a bartender. She worked part-time at the Office. She had met Isidor and wanted me to meet him, too. So we'd go to the Chee and visit with him. Over time we'd visit him at his apartment and then the Raven. We shared many laughs over the years. Isidor always made me feel better than I did before I saw him. Rest In Peace, Dear Friend.
Martha McKinley
June 29, 2018
I met "Izzy" through my cousin while visiting in Anchorage. He made me feel so welcome, we had great laughs, some wonderful discussions, and some great drinks! I always looked forward to my trips to Alaska hoping to see him and share another great conversation.
I am so sorry for the loss of such an iconic man whose personality spilled over to everyone he met.
Prayerfully thinking of his family. May he rest in peace.
vicki williams
June 28, 2018
Rest in peace Izzy. You will be and are missed by many. I have my fond memories of you to carry me through. Save a brandy alexander in heaven for me when I get there. Hopefully you and Barrett can finally have your French onion soup cookoff. You were a great friend. I miss you and your constant kindness.
Alberto
June 27, 2018
Rest In Peace Izzy. ❤
R B
June 26, 2018
Deeply saddened for the family. May God's everlasting comfort and hope, comfort the family's hearts during this difficult time.
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
June 26, 2018
IZZY, Rest in peace. Over the many years of our friendship, you were always there for those who needed you most. Always the champion of those who needed your support the most. A true friend who will be sorely missed.
Pete Heddell
June 26, 2018
John Hoscheid
June 26, 2018
My dear dear friend , rest in peace! So many great times at the Reilys!
Old Times/Great Times
Mimi Silveira
June 26, 2018
My lifelong best friend and soul mate. Nothing will ever be the same without you in our lives. Love Eternal Isi! Mimi, Rick, Jack, Eric and Robert
bill
June 26, 2018
always very gracious
Gloria Brace
June 26, 2018
God gave us memories for roses in winter. Izzy gave us many, many roses. We all have Izzy stories, but Izzy's first wedding was ours. He took it so seriously...that's why we asked him to officiate. Saddened by the loss of a friend...with that being said, hoping you see Jim up there. Be sure and tell him how much I love and miss him :) Rest in Peace dear friend. You were dearly loved by many and will be missed.
Mimi, Godson Curtis and Isidor
Mimi Silveira
June 26, 2018
I know you are always with us because you taught us to laugh at ourselves, compassion, empathy, and love. I only pray I am worthy enough of you to carry on in "Isi style" Love to the best friend we were fortunate to know forever. Mimi, Rick, Jack, Angel Curtie, Eric, and Robert Silveira
Mimi Silveira
June 26, 2018
You were and will always be my guiding light dear Isi. Love endears in my heart forever. Mimi
June 26, 2018
Izzy, I still treasure your wedding gift. My condolences to your family and you will never understand the depth of the legacy of love you gave to all. Cathy
My lifelong best friend and soul mate. Nothing will ever be the same without you in our lives. Love Eternal Isi! Mimi, Rick, Jack, Eric and Robert
Mimi Silveira
June 26, 2018
June 26, 2018
GRIEF,
I've learned, is really just Love. It's all the love you want to give, but cannot.
All the unsent love you want to give, gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and the hollow feeling in your heart.
GRIEF IS JUST LOVE THAT HAS NO PLACE TO GO.
Suzanne
M C
June 23, 2018
I am truly and deeply sorry for you loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Isidor. May the God of all comfort grant you peace and strength during this difficult time (psalm 29:11)
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