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BORN
1953
DIED
2018
Jeffery Isaak Obituary
Dec. 7, 1953 - Dec. 1, 2018
Jeff Isaak, one of the most kind-hearted and gentle persons one could ever meet, passed away at his Santa Cruz home on Dec. 1st. Jeff was a Stockton native and Stagg High School graduate who received an associate's degree from San Joaquin Delta College and bachelor's degree from Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. He especially valued the year he spent exploring art in Europe after junior college, traveling via Eurail pass, staying at hotels and extending his stay by selling drawings of the unique buildings of his favorite architect, Antoni Gaudi, in his favorite country, Spain. Jeff was unique in his own right. His brothers like to say that, in his early adulthood, Jeff lived like a modern pirate in the Canadian woods outside Vancouver, British Columbia, and on the cutting edge of the punk movement in downtown Los Angeles in the 1970s. As a fine artist, he focused on oil paintings lit with found neon, as well as art installation, jewelry making and woodworking.
Since 2000, he and his wife, Patricia (Vallerga) Isaak, chose to live more quietly, exploring the Central Coast and sharing frequent walks along Monterey Bay watching for whales, dolphins and otters. In recent years, Jeff was especially successful working with emotionally disturbed young teens, serving as an instructional aid for special education students in Santa Cruz. He showed the boys how to be gentlemen and used a deck of cards as a tool to teach cooperation. In addition to his wife of 20 years, Jeff is survived by his mother, Dorothy (Vignolo) Isaak and brothers Nick Isaak and Chris Isaak. He was predeceased by his father, Joe Isaak.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20th, at the Stockton Hilton.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jeffery Isaak
Julie McKinley McSweeney
December 11, 2019
Mrs Isaak, Nick and Chris,
Reflecting on 25 years in America, I decided to be bold and to talk to anyone who was a part of that 1st year. My husband purchasing tickets only yesterday for this evening's concert, perhaps it was meant to be. Being bold brought me to this knowledge.
The 1st New Year's Eve, in the boarding area for Orange County, the tall figure who would overshadow me during this one of many coincidences in a brown leather jacket. That had to be Jeff, yes?
On behalf of my family and I, we offer our condolences to you all and I will include him in prayers for the deceased. God bless you.
At Mtn Winery seeing Chris perform 2018
Randy Venn
July 16, 2019
Susan and Colin Brown
December 30, 2018
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you.
Margaret Gunn
December 23, 2018
Met briefly, dearly missed. A gentleman with a very kind heart.
My Thoughts are with his Wife and his Family.
I will keep you in my Prayers.
Aaron & Susan Devencenzi
December 17, 2018
Dorothy, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep you and your family in prayer.
Marissa
December 17, 2018
God Bless you forever and always!!!
I will never forget you!!
You were such a kind soul!!
Nancy Suares
December 17, 2018
Dorothy, Nick and Chris,
We are so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. We send our love.
The Marraccini Family
Gary DeNevi
December 17, 2018
Dear Isaak Family,I'm so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing.Jeff was a former student of mine at Webster Middle School in 1965.Jeff was an excellent student with tremendous drive and spirit and was so very eager to learn.His mind was like a sponge and he soaked up as much information that I could possibly teach him.He was just a joy in the classroom and had such a pleasant personality.Having students like Jeff validated my reasons for choosing education as my life's work.Jeff is now in God's kingdom and I'm sure he will be admired by all who come into contact with Jeff in Heaven.Sincerely Gary DeNevi,Polson,Montana
Jennifer S
December 17, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff was a kind soul and he will always remain in the hearts & memories of those whose lives he touched.
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