Gregory Isaacson, 53
Gregory Isaacson, 53, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, in Orlando, Florida.
He is survived by his mother, Leanna Isaacson; his sister, Lara Isaacson Mclvor; and his nephew, Destin McMahon, of Orlando, Florida; his father, Leon and stepmother, Rosella Isaacson, of Kalispell; stepbrother, Dean Proefrock and family, of Walla Walla, Washington; and stepbrother, Edward Proefrock and family of Hillsboro, Oregon. Greg is also survived by aunts and uncles, Stan and Pam Stohr, of Vancouver, Washington; Jan and Hugh Gipe of Polson; and Marcia Walker of Corvallis.
Greg graduated from Flathead High School, the University of Montana and Stetson Law School.
Greg was a dedicated 27-year veteran teacher in Havre and Orlando schools. The last 15 years were spent teaching Advanced Placement English at Olympia High School in Orlando. He was a National Board Certified teacher and was recognized last year as a High Impact Teacher of the State of Florida.
He studied Shakespeare at the University of London, England. Upon graduating with honors from the University of Montana, he began his teaching career in Havre, where he coached state championship teams in speech and debate. Upon moving to Orlando he taught at Winter Park High School, where he also coached a state champion debate team.
He left teaching to attend law school, graduated from Stetson University College of Law in Tampa, Florida, and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1993. After practicing entertainment law he returned to his chosen career, teaching.
In addition to teaching full time, Greg wrote and directed such plays as “Two Guys on Stage” and “Angels Eyes are Blue,” which were performed at the Enzian Theater in Maitland, Florida. His quick sense of humor was evident in stand-up comic routines he wrote. For over three years, he directed “The Lost and Found Comedy Hour,” a live improvisational comedy show. He went on to create, produce and direct two television mini-series, “Combat Comedy” and “Steal the Scene.” On weekends he also hosted a morning call-in radio comedy show at one of the local radio stations.
His lifelong study of metaphysics served as a background for his published book, “The Soul’s First Kiss.” Several unpublished manuscripts for books for young adults remain.
He played multiple instruments including guitar, violin, acoustic and electric bass, mandolin and keyboard. He was a talented musical composer. He wrote orchestral scores, and most recently created the background music for a medieval video game. At his passing Greg was completing the lyrics and musical score for his most recent work, “Listen to the River: A Modern Opera.”
A private ceremony will be held at a later date.