Book of Memories for Thomas George Isaly

Condolence From Matthew Isaly

Sun, 16 Aug 2015 10:48:49 EDT

I didn’t have any brothers or sisters, so it was left to my Mom and Dad to entertain me as I was growing up. As soon as I was old enough to throw a ball, my Dad and I became best friends. Every day was a competition with him, and I loved it. We played countless hours of basketball in the driveway. Dad put a chin-up bar in our living room (to my Mom’s chagrin) where we’d have pull-up contests. Our garage was full of weights. There are so many of my friends that would come over and workout --- and just hang out, and they all loved my Dad. Mr. Isaly (as my friends called him) always told the best stories, never judged, only gave advice when asked (and it was always right), and was very much respected. He also walked-the-walk. Whether it was throwing a baseball, shooting baskets (I remember him dunking), playing golf, lifting weights, etc. --- he was a better athlete than all of us. As incredibly athletic as he was, his true gift was his intellect. Those who knew him, know how clearly he saw things. Whether it was editing a paper of mine, helping me with calculus, explaining economics or explaining life in general --- I was always mesmerized how easy it all came to him. When I went off to college, I was very homesick and wanted to come home. My Dad wouldn’t let me; although I am sure it was a struggle even for him not to give-in. To help me, he wrote me a letter every day my freshman year. He would let me know how his workouts were going, golf outings with his buddies, and he even made up a few stories that he kept going that were hysterical. On Fridays, he would put in a $20 bill so I could get a pizza --- and on game days during basketball season he would put in a piece of gum, because he knew I liked to chew gum when I played. I remember after lunch going to my P.O. Box so very much looking forward to getting that letter every day. Even for the remainder of my college days, I would get two or three letters a week. As it turns out, I met Kim (my wife) my freshman year --- so yet again, my Dad knew best. As I look back on that --- he didn’t have to say “I love you”, he continually showed me. At the end of each letter, he would always say, “Keep your powder dry.” I feel that my Dad is reading this as I write it, so back at you Dad --- keep your powder dry as you move to the next wonderful thing. Love, Your Boy, Matthew.

Story shared: My Dad

Sun, 16 Aug 2015 10:19:45 EDT

Story shared: The Fearsome Foursome

Sat, 15 Aug 2015 19:55:17 EDT

Elgin Rannefeld, Tom, Jim Hall, Lonnie Leger.....................golfing buddies!

Condolence From Lonnie Leger

Sat, 15 Aug 2015 19:18:19 EDT

MY GOLFING BUDDY TOM --- Just a little while ago... I had the real pleasure of meeting... A true golfing buddy... We would be forever competing. His competitiveness was raw... He would never lose composure... And the competition that never ended... 25 years and in a blink it was over. But times on the course brings memories... Ahh but there is one I will treasure forever... For we found the kink in his armor... To break his winning streak we would no longer endeavor. For it was but a 3-foot uphill putt... And we knew for sure it was a dropper... But Tom missed it and he flung his putter... So violently with sounds like the rotors of a chopper. And there it landed in the top of an oak... As he started the march for it to retrieve... We watched with smiles as it became apparent... It’s a lost putter that he will forever grieve. We miss you dearly my friend... We will forever cherish our memories of the past... For only your three golfing buddies know... Why we fly 18 flags at half mast!

Photo shared: Golfers.jpg

Sat, 15 Aug 2015 19:15:19 EDT

Photo shared: WeddingDay.PNG

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 17:41:17 EDT

Wedding Day. One of my favorite pictures.

Condolence From Karen Freeman

Sat, 08 Aug 2015 15:51:36 EDT

When we first moved to the neighborhood over 20 years ago, I thought Mr. Isaly to be polite, but reserved. It wasn't until later that I realized that in such, lay his charm. He was the benefactor of many an ice cream purchase for my sons and I have a sneaky suspicion that he, too, was the source of a special Scrabble game that Santa left one Christmas morning on our doorstep after having "missed it in my [his] sleigh last night." Forever grateful for this polite, reserved and kind man and for the quiet generosity he displayed. Praying for peace that exceeds all understanding for Mr. Isaly's family.

Condolence From Tim Sellers

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 22:12:54 EDT

I noticed that Chuck & Patty still refer to you as Tommy so I will also. During our junior & senior year at Whetstone we referred to each other as Timmy & Tommy. We kind of lost track of each other a year or two out of high school as I chose to enter the U S Army in June, 1965. Had I not done that I would not be writing to you from my home location now of Georgetown, TX., because I never would have met my devoted wife & best friend Vi. I met Vi while stationed in Indianapolis, IN & she changed my life for the better. I missed seeing you at our class reunions & knowing we would be moving to the Austin area in early November last year I made it a goal to be able to see you. Don Olson lives about two miles from me in Sun City & while he was doing consulting in Sugarland (spent 30+ years there) I was going to drive down so the two of us could come see you. Your low immunity issues kept us from reuniting on three different times after not seeing each other for 52 years. As you did, I sincerely regret missing that highly anticipated reunion. BUT, we now know that we will see each other in heaven & will spend eternity together. No more suffering Tommy. Jesus Christ has given you back your perfect body. Enjoy my friend. Love, Timmy My extreme sympathy to you Jean, your son, his wife & two,daughters. And to you Chuck & Patty. Your online condolences were very, very touching. Sympathy but also the praise that Tom is no longer suffering.

Condolence From Keith

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 15:26:24 EDT

Hi Jean and Matt. I admired Tom for his honesty, his loyalty, his persistence, his dependability and for his intellect. I will miss him. I hope you are at peace with his passing... he put up one heck of a fight but I think he was ready to go. All of us are blessed with great memories of Tom. I will remember the fun times we had when you came to visit us in Redondo Beach right after Patty and I were married and the many great visits thereafter. My love to all. Keith

Condolence From Phil Wright

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 07:55:55 EDT

Dear Jeannie, Chuck & Patty, You all have my deepest sympathy for Tom's passing. Having known all of you through school & church & most of my life, I feel like I have also lost someone close. May you always cherish his memories and rest in the thought that he is at peace. God Bless.

Condolence From Nathanael Freeman

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 00:00:33 EDT

I am sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Isaly. He would talk to me about golf and my dogs when I would take one for a walk. I am praying for you Mrs. Isaly and your family. I hope the light of God brings you peace and that He holds you in the Palm of His Hands.

Condolence From Quinton Berry

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 23:45:46 EDT

The Isalys have been a part of my growing up for the last 20 years. Mrs. Isaly was my 2nd grade teacher; she taught me to love school. I remember Mr. Isaly most often as whacking a golf whiffle ball across the street and sometimes, when they were "lost" he would call my brother or I over to "find' them for him. He always handed us a dollar for our "work." It wasn't until I was older that I realized that the timing of his losing those whiffles coincided with the time that the ice cream man would come gliding down the street. We would run to the truck and proudly display our wages for a purchase. Mr. Isaly gave me my first set of golf clubs, his "old castoffs" he said, but they were worth everything to me. And, he gave me my first set of free weights. I still use both. When I began studying Criminal Justice, he was the first to encourage me. He often sat just outside of his garage in the mornings, and he'd wave to me as I left for work. I'll miss seeing him there, and I'll always remember him. Praying for peace for you, Mrs. Isaly, and your family.

Condolence From Penny Smith

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 21:17:11 EDT

I am saddened to hear of Tom's passing. He was the best boss I ever had and taught me a lot about integrity and character. He will be greatly missed by the accounting department at Cooper T. Smith. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless Penny Smith

Condolence From Craig Reid

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 18:30:20 EDT

Jean, Chuck, & family, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to all of you for the loss of Tom. While I didn't know him well, personally, I did know some of you and I feel your loss. You will all be in my prayers as you come together the remember Tom.

Condolence From Ruth Ann Renneker Mitchell

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 18:17:46 EDT

Dear Jean, So very sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Condolence From Cheri Brooks Benintendi

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 17:59:49 EDT

Jeannie, I was very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. You will be missed this weekend and my thoughts as well as many others will be with you.

Condolence From Chuck Isaly

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 17:36:45 EDT

Dear Family and Friends of Tommy: This is my modest tribute to my big brother. I emphasize modest because I don't feel nearly worthy enough to honor him as he deserves. Although actually less than a full year older than I he was truly my big brother in much more than age. Particularly during my most formative years, from childhood, to my early twenties Tommy was a protector to me, an adviser, a guiding light, and an inspiration. Oh yes, he was blessed by God with exceptional gifts but many are and only a few deliver. The difference with Tom is that he wisely and effectively employed his gifts and used them for the benefit of others as well as his family. Never did I hear anyone speak a bad word about my brother. In all my early years I got to enjoy basking in the reflected glory of Tom. He was such a shining light in all that he did that as I tried to emulate him in school and athletics, etc. I was always given a break because people thought I was another Tom. Of course I never was but I got to sail in his slipstream nonetheless. Now heaven and all the angles therein are the beneficiaries of Tommy's presence. I pray to God that one day I will get to reside there with you my brother. Forever trying to be like you Tommy and still trying to follow in those big footsteps. Love, Your Little Brother, Chuck

Condolence From Patty Isaly Withycombe

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 16:18:51 EDT

Tom I am sorry I didn't get in that last goodbye. I know you heard my prayers. You will be so missed by those who knew and loved you I am happy though that your suffering is over and you are in Gods loving hands. The tears I shed now are for me and all those who will deeply feel your loss. You are at peace dear sweet brother. Your loving Sissy

Photo shared: Isaly Picture cropped.jpg

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 02:46:32 EDT