Reggald "Reg" Emory Isley Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Reggald "Reg" Emory Isley

June 28, 1943 - February 02, 2022

Obituary For Reggald "Reg" Emory Isley

Reg Isley, life long resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at Prairie Lake Seniors Community in Grande Prairie, at the age of 78 years.

Reg was born on June 28, 1943, in Beaverlodge, AB. At a young age, Reg loved to build things and wanted to be an Aeronautical Engineer. Due to his lack of education and resources, he went to SAIT in Calgary, AB, to become a welder. Reg got his final certificate for welding at NAIT in Edmonton, AB. In 1963, he married his love, Emily. During their 58 years together, they raised three beautiful children: Dean, Trina and Angie.

Reg had a very innovative mind, he was always designing and building many pieces of equipment for the forestry industry through the establishment of the Risley Companies with Risley Hydraulics still in operation today. At the same time, he loved to fly and built his first airplane, a Stits-Flutter-Bug that was flown to many Flyins around the Peace River area, Reg went on to restore vintage aircraft and also got his helicopter licence to fly his Bell-47.

Reg maintained a vibrant presence in our local community, supporting the local hospital and GPRC and numerous other charities and organizations.

Reg enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends and it usually involved getting on the John Deere Gator and riding around the farm looking at the birds and wildlife.

Reg will be sadly missed by his wife Emily Isley; children Dean (Marcia) Isley, Trina (Sheldon) Isley-Sorensen, and Angie (Terry) Burt. Grandchildren: Tyla and Serena (Dean and Laura Cragdallie’s daughters), Alex (Dean and Marcia's son), Marcia's daughter Leticia and her daughter Blake, Brookelyn and Damon (Trina Sheldon's children); Samuel and Seth (Angie and Terry's sons); sisters: Lona (Gord) Martens and family, Nancy (Bill) Turk and family, Yvonne (Kevin) Balmer and family, Willy (Betty) Jabs and family, Jo (Lyle) Rusert and family, Ruth (Norman) Isley and family, Aunt Joan (Day) Isley and family; in-law Dorothy Jabs and family; long time friend Clare (Gloria) Hawthorne and family; along with many business associates and others who had the pleasure of spending time with Reg over the years.

Reg was predeceased by his parents Henry and Irene; brother Norman; Uncle Day; Parent in-laws Alex and Julianna Jabs; in-laws: Lyle, Ben (Marna) Jabs, Henry Jabs, and Bill (Lil) Davis.

Reg’s faith in his Lord was always strong. He served as an elder at Faith Lutheran for many years. Reg always had a friendly smile and hug for each member or visitor who came through our doors. On the day I called, You answered me, my strength of soul you increased. Psalm 138:3

A Memorial Service with close family and friends will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 2:00pm, at Faith Lutheran Church in Grande Prairie.

A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Reg’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website. A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2022.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Building Fund (9610 108 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 1N30), or to Lutheran Hour Ministries (270 Lawrence Ave., Kitchener, ON, N2M 1Y4), or to The Alzheimers Society of Alberta and NWT (102, 9823 116 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 4B4), or to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation (10409 98 St., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 2E8).

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Condolences

December 09, 2024

Sharon Annis

Sending positive thoughts and prayers with added blessings for courage and strength to carry on in the coming days,Emily and family. Kindest regards,Sharon and Richard Annis , Kindest
March 05, 2022

Deb and Bill Judt, Saskatoon

Emily! Trina, Angie and Dean; I remember all that he and you did for Bill and I when we moved over to Isley's. You loved us and cared for us, supported us with encouragement and I know prayers. He was a brilliant man. He is now; "You will be freed to the joy of life where there are no more fears, no more tears, no more hate, no more bloodshed, because you will be with the One who has already shed his blood for you, where love is supreme, grace abounds, and the consummate joy is of the soul. The smile of God awaits you AND SAYS: 'Well done REG.' 'Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for them that love him,' 1 Corinthians 2:9 promises. Your eyes will now see and your hands will now touch that which is the only Real estate." Deb and Bill Judt Saskatoon
March 01, 2022

Bob Easton

My deepest condolences to Emily and family. In the 25 years I worked with Reg to help him register his many, many apprentices for apprenticeship, and technical training, he was always one of my favourite employers to deal with! He and all his managers were so cooperative! I always enjoyed Reg speaking to the High School students on Career Days! He was an inspiration to many! His passing is a great loss to the community and the world!
February 23, 2022

Grant & Melissa Harder

Our deepest sympathies to the Isley family, Reg was such a kind & wonderful person. From: Grant & Melissa Harder
February 11, 2022

Laura Hawthorne

I don't really have the words to sum up the impact Uncle had on my life while growing up, and how that love and the (usually hilarious) memories have endured all these years. My heart is with all of you: Auntie Em, Trina, Dean, and Angie, and your families. Love you all. And will miss him always.
February 11, 2022

Henry and Judy Schuurman

Emily and family, we are so sorry to hear of Reg's passing. He was not only a brilliant inventor, but a pleasure to be around. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to offer. Henry truly enjoyed working on the "Pelican" with him. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy. Henry and Judy Schuurman
February 10, 2022

Marvin & Margie Dean and Family

Dear Emily, Dean, Trina and Angie and your families, a very warm longing of Sympathy and Compassion goes your way. Glad for memories of a very Vibrant Man that has had an affect on so many of our lives !!
February 10, 2022

Lynne Bellwood

My condolences to Emily and family. I am thinking of you Emily from Lynne Bellwood.
February 10, 2022

Gilles Dube

To Emily and family. My deepest condolences. He was a wonderful man. I learnt so much from him.he taught me there is no such word as can't . I truly love Reg!
February 10, 2022

Bill and Marilyn Thiessen

Emily and Family. Condolences to you and your family. Very sorry to hear that Reg has passed away. Have many happy memories from times spent with Reg. Bill and Marilyn Thiessen
February 09, 2022

Glenn Keddie

Reg always had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world. His smile and enthusiasm was contagious. A great legacy to be so proud of. Judy and I send our condolences to Emily and all the families
February 09, 2022

Jennifer/Leyman Distributors Ltd.

Dear Emily and family, we are so sorry for your loss and we are thinking of you all. Sending our thoughts and prayers. Merv & Kaye, Lamont & Jean and the Staff at Leyman Distributors Ltd.
February 09, 2022

Omar

During happy times or sad times we met. They were remarkable. God in His on time called you my dear friend, but you left great memories of your happy passage in our lives. Rest in peace. Love from Omar, Marilene Oliveira and family. "Em momentos de alegria ou tristeza nos encontramos. Foram marcantes. Deus no tempo Dele o chamou, caro amigo, mas ficaram boas lembranças de sua feliz passagem em nossa vida. Descanse em Paz!
February 09, 2022

Linda Benedict

We are no longer in Grande Prairie but remember Reg very well. Our condolences , Emily and family on Reg's passing. He was a man amongst men. Pat and linda Benedict
February 09, 2022

Fred & Wendy Griffiths

Very saddened to hear of Reg's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you Emily, and all the family. I have some great memories of our young days together in Grande Prairie in the early '60s, and recent visit with us in Costa Rica.
February 09, 2022

Brian Carr

Our sincere sympathies Emily and family. Reg will always be remembered as a vibrant force in the community and holds a special place in our family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. The Carr family.
February 09, 2022

Rolly A. Chabot

Praying you you and the family Emily. Reg was a wonderful man with so many accomplishments, full of tricks and always he had a smile. Always had time to listen and share his wisdom.
February 08, 2022

Lin Barton

My condolences to you for your loss. Jack loved Reg and respected all of his accomplishments!! I remember his contagious laugh and smile. Lin Barton
February 08, 2022

Ray Hunt

A great guy. A brilliant designer with incredible vision. Glad to consider him a friend. From one welder to another, well done. You will be missed.
February 08, 2022

Colleen cooke

Emily and family am so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort and peace for you all from Colleen Cooke
February 08, 2022

Herb Schwartz

My sympathies to the Isley family. I had the pleasure of travelling to Guatemala with him and Pastor Ventura and a group of his brothers and sisters in Christ. He left a lasting impression.
February 08, 2022

Trudy Peterson

Thoughts are with you Emily, you have been through a lot. He is now at peace, may God be with all of you. Deepest Sympathy, Bud & Trudy Peterson
February 08, 2022

Dianne and Tom Quinn

So sorry to hear of Reg's. passing. I went to school with Reg at Elmworth and rode the same " Old school bus" After all these years he was same friendly guy which is a rarity. Condolences to Emily and all of his family. May God Bless!!
February 08, 2022

Jack O’Toole

Emily and family so sorry to hear of the passing of Reg. So many great memories. You are in our hearts and prayers Jack and Rita O'Toole
February 08, 2022

Debbie Laudan (Chappell)

My deepest condolences to you and your family Emily and Dean . You all made me feel welcomed when I moved to Grande Prairie so me ex could work for you. Debbie Laudan ( Chappell)
February 08, 2022

Carol Huber

Emily and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Reg's passing sending my condolences to the entire family
February 08, 2022

Judi and Bruce Logan

Emily and family. So sorry to hear of Reg's passing Emily. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Judi and Bruce Logan
February 08, 2022

Dale Gaume

To Emily and family ,my deepest condolences to you and your family.spent many good times with Reg both inservice clubs and business. Dale Gaume and Geneanne
February 08, 2022

Donna Kessler

My heart is with you!
February 08, 2022

Mark Rodacker

Took me flying in the 80's. Even let me fly the WW2 trainer for a bit. He used to come into the shop and tell us all about his latest projects. Always excited like a school child about them. What a wonderful man!
February 08, 2022

Maureen

Thinking of all of you during this time. Maureen and Robert Lange

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