Dennis M. "Izzy" Isbell

Dennis Isbell Obituary

ISBELL, Dennis M. ''Izzy''
Dennis M. "Izzy" Isbell, a well-known member of the Sacramento-area motorcycle and recovery community, died of cancer at his home in Davis on Dec. 2, surrounded by family and friends. He was 62. Born May 24, 1945 in San Francisco, Izzy lived in Alaska for 49 years before moving to Davis in 2001. He served in the military between 1967 and 1969, operated heavy equipment on the Alaska pipeline and worked as a civil servant at the Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks. An avid Harley rider, Izzy loved California's year-round riding season. A role model for scores of young men in recovery, Izzy celebrated 21 years clean on April 8, 2007. He wished to thank everyone who was part of his recovery journey. He is survived by his wife, Maggie; mother, Deede; children, Melissa, Jeremiah and Wendy; grandchildren, Riley and Taden; and brothers, Steve, John, Ayden, Bob, Dan, Greg, Barry, Tim and Lee.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Dec. 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Isbell

5 Entries

Ann Lefavor

December 3, 2008

A powerful year has passed, with my big brother somehow both present and gone. My grandmother taught me that once there is love, it is always there. I hope others can feel the strength and love as much as I do. God has graced my world with the protection and love of a big brother, the spirit and strength of whose life still powers others with thunder as tangible as that of a Harley pounding by. A heart always beating.

Melissa Isbell Narans

January 12, 2008

Izzy was my father and taught me so much about life and how to live. We had a strange path through are relationship,but we were blessed with healing and closeness. His life was a miracle and his strength in life gives me strength for today. What he left and I cherish most is that recovery can be handed down through the generations.I also know that I can be healed in such enormous ways as proven by are relationship. I have the faith that I can get through these dark days .My father is still lighting the way for me and countless others for that I am forever grateful.Thank you for being an example of how it works. I love you Dad.

Bradley, Tristan, Kirian and Hoff

December 14, 2007

Maggie:

Our family is truely saddened by the news of your loss of "Izzy". Words alone can not express how loved "Izzy" was in the Fairbanks area and when you both moved to Ca, a void was created that will never be filled. We will always cheerish coming down to Salcha and visiting and hearing the stories of the numerous animal mishaps especially about Schnapps. I always enjoyed looking at the motorcycles and just hanging out at the house. You are both true friends and we all wish there were more people in this world like "Izzy" and you.

Maggie, Tristan and I hope to hear from you and would like your current email.

Take care and God Bless

Rachel

December 10, 2007

Izzy will always be a hero to more folks than he could've imagined, including me! The rough exterior was only one side of him, the heart that lie underneath was full of caring for others who struggled along the path of recovery. He and Maggie helped many of us find our way to a much better life that was waiting for us all along.
I am so grateful to have had Izzy and Maggie in my life to show me the way, they are my daughters god parents too.What great role models!I know that when I get to the other side, Izzy will be there riding his Harley and welcoming the newcomers. My heart goes out to all of you that loved him too.
Don't pick up, no matter what!

Izzy & Maggie in Walnut Orchard

Ann Lefavor

December 9, 2007

Izzy, my big brother, a spiritual guide and inspiration to many people, helped to save lives and make life worth living through his example and his well chosen words. He served, readily, when asked, and he had a special gift for reaching out to young people who needed extra light to help them see that goodness and joy in life could be regained once they had lost track of it. We still like to quote Iz, in the way that he reminded us, often, about our understanding of life: "More will be revealed!"
We'll continue to learn from his life, how to forgive, how to love, how to BE THERE for each other in tough times. Izzy always stood courageously for what he knew to be right, an icon. He offered protection to those who needed it, understanding to all of us who need it at some point in our lives.
He cherished Maggie, his red-haired girl, adoring her as she deserved. They've been a powerful couple, a light and an example through their joyous years. He relied on her, as she did on him, rescuing as many humans as they did animals--together--through the years.
May we remember Izzy by following his example of speaking simple truths, calling upon courage like his to do so. People need truth to help light the way to healing. Izzy could always be counted on to speak it. I hope to carry his tradition into the future, and I invite you all to join me. I extend to you all: Love, like Izzy's, for my fellows, for nature, with sweet kindness and gentleness like his for every living creature in need, Ann Lefavor

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