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Bill ISMAY Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Bill ISMAY
Bob Mc Cormick
July 7, 2016
Bill and I met in 1957 as teammates on the football team. Bill was my closest friend and mentor for 4 years. I enjoyed Bill in the dorm, football and socially. I can't say enough about this Man. I would like to print all the stories that along with Bill's and my escapades but some really shouldn't be in print. He was a great Man gone to soon. LOVE YOU BILL.
May 3, 2016
Izzy was a great mentor and friend to me at Sahuaro H.S. We remained good friends for the next 35 years. He was an even better husband, father and human being.
I will miss the four mile loops; that myself, Izzy, Billy Lopez and Harry Johnson ran everyday after school.
Although he will no longer with us in a physical sense he will be with us ALWAYS in spirit. Our deepest sympathies to his family.
Respectfully, Bob and Gail Vielledent
Sue Clark
May 1, 2016
Mr. Ismay was one of my teachers at Palo Verde High School. He was one of my favorites. His commitment and joy in everyday life was contagious to his students. We looked forward to his class. May he RIP. Prayers for his family at their time of loss ... He will be missed but never forgotten.
Peggie Leigh
April 30, 2016
Praying for Bill's family and loved ones to be wrapped in God's peace during this time.
Former student of Palo Verde High School.
April 30, 2016
Bill Ismay (aka Uncle Bill) was a part of our family for many years. Going from wrestling coach at Palo Verde (Pete and Mike) to being Dean of Boys at Sahuaro (Mike, Karen, Steve, Sandy and Matt). We all have great memories of wrestling meets and tournaments and working for him in his Sahuaro office. One favorite memory is when Mr. Ismay helped the Junior Class ('71) kidnap Mike Mulvena and give him to the Senior Class ('70) as a gift. He was always there when you needed an ear or a shoulder and he had enormous respect from students and parents. We always enjoyed visiting with him whether it was running into him at a grocery store, restaurant, class reunion, or a function at Sahuaro. Mr. Ismay is greatly missed but always in our hearts.
Mike, Sandy, and Matt Jorgensen and Karen (Jorgensen) Kornman and Steve Kornman
Mike Memmer
April 28, 2016
To the family of Bill Ismay I am so sorry
for your loss. I knew Bill & Stana for
the 15 years I worked at Dorado Golf Course. We became great friends and they
spent many hours at the golf shop visiting.
They both were great people I will never
forget. Rest in Peace.
April 27, 2016
Our sincerest regrets, Bill was a wonderful colleague.
Richard and Linda Gastellum
Susan Strong~Bartel
April 27, 2016
My deepest condolences to Mr. Ismay's family & friends.
Goodnight Mr. Ismay, we'll all see you again, "in the morning"...You blessed my life numerous times while I attended Sahuaro High School & your giving spirit & example continues to follow me throughout my adult life. Thank you, Sir.
Jack Eversole
April 26, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Ismay's family. Mr. Ismay was a individual whom I looked up to and respected while I was a student at Sahuaro High School. He will be truly missed by all.
Diane Mayer
April 26, 2016
It was with great sadness that I read Mr. Ismay's obituary. I remember him from my years at Sahuaro as a principal who cared about his students and enjoyed his life; from patrolling Vicksburg St. to jogging through the neighborhood. Rest in peace Mr. Ismay, knowing you have made a difference in many many lives.
Theresa Kereny
April 26, 2016
Mr. Ismay was the best thing that ever happened to PV. He not only cared for us students he cherishes his facility. He also showed my mom Jane Kereny respect, as she was a hall monitor. He always walked the halls as our principle...RIP Mr. Ismay we will miss you
Bruce Murchison
April 25, 2016
As a student at Palo Verde High School in the 80's, I remember Mr. Ismay as both a kind man and a fair Principal. He will be missed.
Mike Mulvena
April 25, 2016
My freshman year at PV, Bill was Dean of Boys, and I got busted for major crime: shooting rubber bands in English class. He scared the crap out of me, and I NEVER got in trouble again. He moved over to Sahuaro with our class, and was always there for you. Solid Man, solid advice. After graduating, I sponsored Green Sticks for a few years. Enjoyed "fellowship". Always remember his smile, his very firm handshake, and his encouraging words. One of the Better Men that blessed my life. God bless, you, Bill.
April 25, 2016
Mr Ismay was my student councilor at Sahuaro High school 1976 - 1977. He was a great man. He set me straight. RIP
B. Smith
April 25, 2016
A GREAT coach and even better MAN! They don't make them like that anymore. I would run into him years after high school and he would remember me! I will always remember him!
Joanne Michaelsen
April 25, 2016
Mr. Ismay was such a great teacher, leader and role model for me at Sahuaro High School. He will be remembered for all of the young lives he influenced.
My love and prayers to all of his family,
Joanne Butcher Michaelsen
SHS '80
Perry Montgomery
April 25, 2016
I also have very fond memories of Bill throughout the years starting as a student at Sahuaro High School and later as a teammate on the Greensticks softball team, including mandatory "fellowship" at the nearest pub after the games. There was also the annual Greensticks Golf Tournaments or alumni tournaments from Sahuaro High School. I would often see Bill jogging the streets of the east side or on the ocean walk on annual vacations to Mission Beach. Bill touched many lives and will be remembered fondly.
Debbie Summers
April 25, 2016
I am sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a wonderful educator. My prayers are with you at this time.
April 25, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill and Karla - your dad (and mom) were dear friends for over 50 years. May they both rest in peace.
Raymonda and Bill Mackay
Alexandria, Virginia
Tony Poe
April 25, 2016
He was a great inspiration to me and many of my classmates. He was always there to keep us on the right path. My condolences to the Ismay family.
Will Rapp
April 25, 2016
With my brother, Wayne, we were football teammates with Bill at UA. As a navy veteran, he was one of those mature guys who came in and provided instant leadership I respected and admired him as a friend and comrade in the trenches.
God bless you Bill. Rest in peace.
April 25, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Ismay's passing. He was principal while I was a student at Palo Verde, and he was always very supportive of the students. The world has lost a good man.
Healing thoughts and vibes to your family.
Denise Stogsdill Moynihan
Pat and John Mistler
April 25, 2016
We send our condolences to the Ismay family. He was a mentor and friend to our sons, John, Michael and Mark Mistler for which we are grateful. He was always interested in knowing how the young people he had known were progressing in life and wishing them well. Rest in peace Bill in the arms of the Lord.
April 25, 2016
"It has been an honor knowing this Mountain of a Man. You will truly be missed my friend"
-Bob Meyer (Bopper), Scottsdale,AZ
Jason Bedgood
April 25, 2016
Mr. Ismay have a large influence on me for the short time I knew him in high school.
I was at Palo Verde his last two years, and at that time I needed a father figure in my life. I would get in to trouble a lot because of my home life. He recognized this and took the time to help me deal with my issues and become a better person and student.
I will miss him and wish his family my deepest condolences.
Terry Nixon-Mickelson
April 25, 2016
To a great prncipal at Sahuaro who cared about the kids. Thoughts and prayers
Bob Reed
April 24, 2016
I've known Bill from the time he was a wrestler at the U , until maybe, a few years ago when he stopped coming in Desert Sports after Stanna died. Godspeed, Bill!
AL VALENZUELA
April 24, 2016
Bill Ismay was the Dean of Boys when I 1st met him @ sahuaro High School in 1969. We soon came to be on a 1st name basis and he would use me to get students to come to his office when he thought they wouldn't come by themselves. I can still see him & Bill Lopez jogging down Broadway/Speedway. Had & still have lots of respect for that man.
I learned real quick not to call "Hoss" he didn't seem to like that name for some reason
Al Valenzuela
Wayne Rapp
April 24, 2016
Bill and I were football teammates at the University of Arizona. He was a great competitor and a wonderful guy. It was a pleasure to be on the field with him. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Lynn Richards
April 24, 2016
My condolences to the family. He really did live his life in service. Thank you for sharing him with so many students!
Kim Leading
April 24, 2016
My prayers are with the family. God be with you.
April 24, 2016
We are so sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather. What a wonderful and caring man. A personality larger than life and a man who lived a wonderful life. We will remember Bill and Stana with great fondness. Steve and Carol
ROXANNE GIRARD-GUTMAN
April 24, 2016
Rest in Paradise, Mr. Ismay. Fortunately, I did not spend a lot of time in the principal's office, but I do remember you as a fair and beloved leader.
May God wrap his arms around your family and provide strength and comfort.
~ Roxanne Girard-Gutman
Sahuaro HS Class of 1980
Tom Kelly
April 24, 2016
Bill was my High School football and wrestling coach.
at Palo Verde High School.
He made a lasting impression on me and gave me the encouragement to forge ahead in life.
After I graduated from college and law school, I joined the Navy as a JAG Officer. Bill would tease me about being a make believe sailor.
I would see Bill occasionally in Tucson and was always inspired in his presence.
I last time I saw him was while attending the PV class of 1964 reunion.
We went to lunch one day and I visited with him in his home the next day. Bill still had his great sense of humor and warmth for his fellow man.
Bill's enthusiasm for life and his "can do" attitude helped me thru difficult times during the more than 50 years since we first met.
Bill's death is a great loss but I am sure he is looking down on us with a twinkle in his eye in the knowledge that he is now making heaven a better place.
Regrettably, I cannot attend his funeral as I will be out of the country. However, I will be there in spirit with the hundreds of others who will be remembering "coach" Ismay.
Kharmyn Cousins
April 24, 2016
Condolences to the family. Rest in peace Bill.
Joan Lahm
April 24, 2016
Bill was a wonderful friend and neighbor. He was kind and respectful towards everyone. He treated my kids as his own , and helped develop in them his love of baseball. What a great father and husband. He will be missed! Joan Lahm and family
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