Obituary of Gordon Wesley Isaac

September 2, 1960 – November 18, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we, Gord's family, announce his unexpected death on November 18, 2025, at the age of 65.  Gord was born on September 2, 1960, in Niagara Falls, the first child born to Al and Margaret Isaac.  Gord spent his childhood and teen years on farms in Niagara and Vineland.  He attended Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in Kitchener.

Mourning his loss are his two brothers, John (Cathy) and Bryan (Laura) and his sister, Carol (Bob). He had 3 nieces, Claudia (Jesse) and Naomi (Shamoor) and Alison, and his nephew, Simon (Jacqueline).  His best friend, Theresa Tschirhart has been his closest companion for twelve years.

Gord did not have an easy life as he struggled with mental illness for all his adult life.  However, he never allowed it to diminish his capacity to live a vibrant life marked by his sense of humour and love for connecting with people.   We admired Gord for his determination to stay well and would like to thank his psychiatrist, Emanuel Tadross for the many years of support and treatment.  He spent the last twelve years of his life working at Zehrs, where he was regarded as a beloved colleague.

Gord’s strong work ethic developed growing up on a farm alongside his siblings.  In school, he was socially outgoing, serving as both student council president and valedictorian. He excelled athletically as the captain of the basketball team, playing point guard and earning several MVP awards, all while maintaining outstanding academic achievement.  Gord loved a wide range of music from classic rock and jazz to folk and country.  He was old school, playing his music from vinyl and CDs with some of his oldest collection still on Cassette Tape.  He expressed hearing Neil Young and Gordon Lightfoot live in concert was one of the highlights of his life.  His other passions were writing and astrology.  His writing included song lyrics, poetry and his struggle to understand his mental illness.  He cared deeply about the environment and enjoyed finding beauty in nature.  He would often reminisce about his trips to Lion’s Head.

Gord was kind and generous to others, especially to people who lived with challenges.  His easy presence made him instantly approachable to everyone he met, and he would always listen with an open mind.  He leaves us with broken hearts but lives on in our memories and through his writings on the environment and lots of poetry.  He will be missed.

Celebration of life will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.   

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to Shalom Counseling or the House of Friendship may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.