Bruce P. Isaacson

In honor of Bruce P. Isaacson

After living a life of passion, adventure, and dedication, Bruce passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife Kristine Draheim-Isaacson on June 26, 2022, at the age of 67.

Born in Boston on February 5, 1955 to his loving parents, the late Lynne and Burt Isaacson, Bruce spent his childhood on the coast of Southern California. He returned to Boston for high school and discovered his passion for music, travel, and a desire to help those who need it most. With a strong drive and clear vision for his career ahead, he went on to study Agricultural Economics at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he graduated with honors and met his future wife, Kristine.

Together, Bruce and Kristine embarked on a journey to the South Pacific. They hitched rides on shipping vessels until they landed in the Solomon Islands and set up a project on a coconut plantation. Bruce went on to work for the Peace Corps in Tunisia before returning to Boston where he and Kristine married and welcomed their daughter Bianca. He completed his graduate studies with honors at the University of Florida in Gainesville and, soon after the arrival of their daughter Joslin, Bruce accepted his first official overseas position with the Government of Papua New Guinea. For the next 35 years he traveled with his family around the world, contributing to food security and sustainable livelihoods in the South Pacific, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America.

Bruce was highly regarded as an expert and a leader in his field and held many notable positions. At the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) he served as Representative for Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan; Chief, Regional Emergency Office for Southern Africa; Chief Technical Advisor for projects in Namibia, Tanzania, Tonga, and Southeast Asia; Senior Technical Officer at FAO headquarters in Rome; and Technical Consultant in multiple countries around the world. Outside of FAO, he had several associations with the USAID-funded FEWS NET, a global project active in 54 countries, and ultimately served as its Chief of Party in Washington DC. Bruce, Kristine, and friend/colleague Nicholas Haan also founded their own company to further engage in global efforts to improve food security.

Bruce was a leader, a mentor, and an inspiration to many. He approached tasks with confidence and determination and was always willing to take on something new. His positive and practical perspective on life made him a pleasure to be around and a highly valued advisor to those who knew him. He would ruminate on whatever he was presented with and give his honest opinion; he seemed to intuitively know the correct course of action and was able to convey it in the most eloquent way. His precision thinking, drive towards excellence, and commitment to a fair and just world will continue to ripple and positively benefit humanity for years to come.

Among his many skills, Bruce was a captivating speaker and writer, as well as a talented carpenter, chef, and musician. He loved playing cards, with a particular penchant for pinochle, euchre, and cribbage. He also enjoyed playing tennis and was an avid follower of the sport.

Bruce's bond with his family was the foundation of his life. He always put their needs first and filled their lives with love, laughter, support, safety, and incredible opportunities. He taught his daughters to follow their dreams, work hard, and to stand up for what is right - some of the many lessons they will now pass on to his grandchildren and others.

Bruce is dearly loved and will always be remembered with great respect and admiration by his wife Kristine; daughter Bianca and son-in-law Christian; daughter Joslin, son-in-law Sterling, and granddaughters Jaeda and Malia; sister Gail; mother-in-law Betty; brothers-in-law Terry, Christian, Dave, and Jim; sister-in-law Cindy; Uncle Ira and Aunts Phyllis and Linda; and his many cousins.

All those who knew Bruce will miss him greatly, but his inspiring life and legacy of love, hard work, and devotion will forever live on in our hearts and memories.

A virtual memorial to honor and celebrate Bruce's life will be planned and shared with his family, friends, and colleagues.