Isaac Bordignon
19 February, 1990 – 23 May 2022

Hi Judy,

John White told me your son Isaac passed on last May 23rd.

I don’t know of any way to express my feelings on your loss or if our expression of sincerest condolence is enough to lessen your pain but let me try thru a short story about my mother. (As you may still remember I came from the Philippines.)

Thru the years, I saw my mother cried only twice; when I told her and father that my immigration paper was approved and that I may live in Canada permanently. The second was when my eldest brother, her favourite, died; she was 90 at that time.

After 61 years of marriage, my father passed away when my mother was barely 81 years old. She didn’t cry but she stayed by my father’s side, without saying anything, until he was buried. From that time on, she stopped ‘living’ and started smoking almost incessantly.

Probably to cope with her loneliness as she lived with just our maid, she started showing some signs of dementia. By the time my eldest brother died, she could no longer recognize anyone, including my sister who took care of her in her last few years.

However, when she finally saw my eldest brother thru the glass of his coffin, all of a sudden, she started calling his name repeatedly and shouting, “No! No! No!”

Mothers are not supposed to bury any of her children; it is unnatural and goes against the cycle of life; our children bury us, not the other way around.

At any rate, Isaac is now with his Creator. May his soul rest in peace!

Gerry Villareal

My condolences to the family of Isaac Bordignon.
Isaac, my classmate at the TICP, leaves a hole in my soul and in our class.
I will miss him.
He is much loved.

Our deepest condolences to your families. We remember Isaac from Palgrave Public School. Our daughters attended school there at the time Isaac and Rachel were there. It is so sad to here of his passing.

We never had the privilege of meeting Isaac but I have known the Bordignon family for over 40 years. It is always so very sad when we lose someone so young. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. R. I. P. Isacc ❤❤

It was clear from those early days at the YMCA daycare with Yannis, you were a very special person – RIP Issac Newton!

Ivo, My sincere condolences and sympathy on your loss. Forever in your heart. Regards, John

Dear Judy and Rachel,

My heart seriously aches for you both. I consider myself very lucky to have met him on several occasions and to have held so many great conversations with him over the last 12 years at our dental office. You raised an amazing young man Judy and just reading his achievements makes me feel even more lucky to have been able to know him. Although his time here with you both was short, I am sure his memories with you will live in your hearts forever.

My deepest condolences <3 Always here if you need me xoxox

My deepest condolences to your family. Isaac was the closest friend I made at the TICP. We met in person several times, shared many laughs and great philosophical and existential discussions. He was a brilliant guy. The last time we met at Dufferin Park just a couple weeks ago, he helped me with a task I needed to train for work. A kind heart. I will miss him very much. wishing your family courage and lots of love at this time of sorrow.

Dear Judy, Rachel. Aaron and Ivo
We were saddened to hear of Isaac’s passing. Know we are thinking of you all as you celebrate Isaac’s life. What a life he lived. His accomplishments were many and impeccable. Wishing you all love and peace.

I just heard the terrible news of Isaac’s passing and am truly stunned. Although I didn’t have the good fortune of meeting him in person, I was (at least for a while) his virtual classmate at the TICP. His presence in the class was like a breath of fresh air and I will never forget him waiving his stuffed toy — Sigmund Freud–in front of the camera. Isaac was funny, compassionate, and brought valuable knowledge of addictions to our conversations. It is a terrible shame that he did not get the support he needed from the medical system. This is heart breaking; especially since he would have given everything he could to others in need. When I remember Isaac I will think of a wonderfully energetic, animated, and eccentric man who we lost too soon. He would have made a great psychotherapist. I send my condolences to his friends and family during this time of loss.

Ivo, I am so sorry to hear of your heartbreaking loss.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
May the wonderful positive memories you all have of Isaac help you through this very difficult time.

My deepest condolences. I had the pleasure of getting to know Isaac at the University of Guelph. I remember he was always so full of life and brilliant ideas and was a great conversationalist. I’m so sorry for your loss.

My best memories of Issac were during our family reunion. Issac was a man of courage and compassion. Issac Rest In Peace with our love. Ivo and Judy and family you both have been nurturing, supportive and outstanding parents to all your children. May you find the grace to carry on with a sense of purpose now in your daily lives.
Issac is not forgotten.
A poem for Issac
I’ll see you in the spring when life begins anew
I’ll see you in the summer when flowers are in bloom
I’ll see you in the autumn when coloured leaves dance around
I’ll see you in the winter when snowflakes kiss the ground
In other words Issac you will have a place of love forever in my heart ♥️

All my love,
Antonietta Venturin

Judy and Ivo,

My deepest condolences. I pray God gives you comfort and rest at this terrible time.

Tim

I was truly saddened to hear of Isaac’s passing. It had been since undergrad at Guelph since I’d seen or spoken to Isaac, but had gotten updates through friends.

We belonged to a special group of friends who would meet often and discuss current events and a wide array of other topics. Isaac, another and I belonged to a special group within the group who had all suffered catastrophic injuries that changed us forever. Isaac was one of the few people I’ve encountered in nearly 10 years since my injury who understood the trials and tribulations of recovering from such an event.

He was a genuine, kind, and caring friend, and it pained me to hear of his ongoing struggle, especially after seeing him at his best and brightest. I am better for having known and spent time talking with Isaac.

I hope his family can find some solace in knowing he was able to help me through some very dark times.

Ciao Isaac.
Non ho mai avuto il piacere e la fortuna di conoscerti e già te ne vai.
Conoscevo bene tua nonna Agnese (mia zia e sorella di mia mamma Matilde) e Tuo nonno Rino.
Apprendere della Tua partenza mi ha lasciato un profondo vuoto dentro al cuore.
Sono vicino a tua mamma e tuo papà e a tutti i tuoi familiari.
Non ci sono parole in questi momenti in grado di portare conforto quando si perde una persona cara e tanto meno quando è così giovane; anche se l’età non conta perché i sentimenti non hanno età.
Ciascuno di noi costituisce un punto di riferimento per le persone vicine, i fratelli, i figli, i famigliari e gli amici… e quando si manca quel punto di riferimento sembra non esserci più.
Ma dobbiamo pensare che anche se fisicamente non c’è, quella persona vive con noi, dentro di noi e in tutto ciò che ci ha trasmesso, valori, sentimenti, ricordi, affetto ed anche gioia nei momenti vissuti insieme…
Una persona che ci ha voluto bene e a cui abbiamo voluto bene fa parte di noi e non morirà mai.
Vi sono tanto vicino e vi abbraccio fortissimo.
Luigi Fantin

Judy, I have no words to convey how devastating this must be for you and your family. It is said burying a child is the most excruciating pain a parent a parent can experience. I send you the tightest hug and know that you are in my prayers. GOD BLESS YOU

Mi unisco a mio fratello Luigi per farvi le mie più sincere condoglianze.
Un forte abbraccio a tutta la famiglia.

Dear Judy,

You have been in my thoughts since I found out about your son’s passing. I am so heart broken for you and your family. I hope as time goes on all of the good memories will surface and start helping you thru each day.

My deepest condolences,
Sally

My deepest sympathies to all of Isaac’s family and friends. I had the great privilege of being one of his clients at the TICP and he has helped me navigate through the most difficult time in my life. He was always a kind and reassuring presence and I will sorely miss working with him.

Thank you, Isaac, for all that you’ve done for me.

Lucas

Dearest Judy, Ivo, Rachel, Aaron. We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Issac’s passing. We have so many fond memories of Issac (and Rachel) from Pumpkin Patch and Palgrave Public. He was a joyous soul, that brought laughter to many people. We will never forget his strong baritone voice at so many school concerts. You must have been so proud of the wonderful young man he became and that he found his calling with his career in pyschotherapy. One of my closest friends also lost her young adult son a year ago from addiction after an accident. As a society we all must do more to stop these tragedies. We send you all love, hugs and the knowledge that Issac will never be forgotten.

My dearest Judy, I’m so, so sorry I can’t be there for you as you set your son free from this world to fly high with the angels to meet God. I know it’s extremely hard to let him go but he is no longer suffering in this life. He was such a beautiful and brilliant person who had so much to give. Even through his struggles, he still managed to help a lot of people and make a lot of people smile. You have so much to be proud of! Even though he moved on at a very young age, he gave all he could to so many. He will now be watching over you instead of you watching over him and I know I don’t need to tell you that he is happier now, free from all his struggles. Just know that I’m there with you in spirit, holding you tight as your heart is hurting. Don’t say good bye, because it’s never good bye, I realize that since my mom passed a few months back. I feel both my parents around me every day! I found a saying… “how can the dead be truly dead when they still live in the souls of those who are left behind. Don’t waste your tears on sadness, fill each tear that rolls down your cheek full of happy memories”.

Isaac is at peace Judy and I pray that soon you will find a little peace and comfort knowing that he no longer struggles.
Love you! Suren and I are praying for much strength for you!!

Judy

Saddened by your loss and praying for you during this time.

My deepest condolences.

Dave

To Judy and Ivo, our hearts go out to you at this sad time. We didn’t know Isaac but he sounds a wonderful young man who has gone far too soon. You will be in our thoughts constantly. Ruth & John Carpenter

Dear Ivo, Judy , Rachel. And Aaron
We also express our deepest condolences. There are no words that can express how truly sad we feel. I (Sylvia) remember Isaac from Sunday school and the dental office. He was such a sweet boy who became a sweet man. He will be missed. You are in our hearts.

My deepest condolences to Isaac’s family. Isaac and I met at the University of Guelph and stayed close over the years. Isaac and I would spend many hours discussing philosophy and psychology. Isaac and I bounded over chronic pain and our love for knowledge. Isaac was a shining example of someone who was dedicated to curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.

Dear Judy and your family, my deepest condolences on your great loss. I read the many wonderful words and memories shared here about Isaac. He truly was a special person. There are no words that can take away your pain but the love and special memories will be there along side. May God surround you all with His love and give you peace and strength.

Judy:

I am so very sorry to hear about Isaac’s sudden passing. He sounds like a truly talented wonderful young man. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Deepest condolences.
Lorna Curnoe

My deepest condolences to the family.

I met Isaac at Goetz and we had a couple of classes together. He was a great guy – full of life, laughter and wisdom. One of my memories of him was when he dressed up as a nun for Halloween – we couldn’t stop laughing & that is what he gave, positive energy all the time. It was never a dull moment with him and I will cherish those memories.

Truly sadden to hear this loss, praying that your family have peace and strength during this difficult time.

Sending my sincere condolences to all of Isaac’s family and loved ones.

Isaac and I were close pals from Kindergarten to Grade 8, but had minimal contact after we went to different highschools. I was so grateful when I ran into him a few years ago on a streetcar in Toronto and we had a brief catchup. He was just as infectiously joyous as I remembered, and we discussed our coinciding returns to school and future careers. It is devastating to know that he will not be able to exercise the talents he was nurturing and skills he was developing.

One of my favourite memories of Isaac was from our final music presentation in grade 8. We were allowed to perform anything we wanted, so long as it was musical. Isaac chose to perform a rap – I can’t remember which but there were many-a-curse words. Our teacher prefaced his performance by asking the class for permission to hear swearing, to which we enthusiastically agreed. He absolutely crushed it. Such a word smith, with an incredible ear/talent/taste for music. As I recall, he was graded on that presentation quite highly.

Isaac, you are remembered with love. Thank you for being my friend.

To Isaac’s family and friends, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am heartbroken to learn of his passing.

I am a professor of psychology at the University of Guelph, and I have very fond memories of my interactions with Isaac while he studied here. He took a couple of my courses, and he would seek me out after class, or come to my office to chat. As a professor, I accept that most of my students are there more for the degree credentials than for knowledge seeking. All too rarely do students like Isaac come along that have a genuine passion for understanding themselves and their fellow humans. He would have made a kick-ass psychotherapist.

I’ve been teaching for 22 years and Isaac is, by far, one of the most memorable students that has walked these halls. His flame will long burn bright in my memory.

To Isaac’s friends and family,

You have my deepest condolences for your loss and for all those who weren’t able to meet him.

I went to Father Goetz with Isaac and even though we were barely acquaintances, I knew that he was brilliant and was also dealing with a lot.

From our brief interactions I grew, I learned and I laughed. Hearing this news brings me to tears as I read his obituary and how similar we were in life.

I feel like I have lost a potential confidant, best friend and brother and I move forward with the regret of not having been closer to him.

This sadness is a reminder of the love you shared with Isaac, but also an opportunity to grow closer together to one another

I know that words will not give us solace, however my hope in this message is to remind us all just how fragile and precious life is and to hold on to those closest to us in our arms, hearts and minds.

Love one another,

Judy and family,
Our entire family is saddened by the loss of dear Isaac.
We know there are no special words that we could say to take away the pain that you all must have inside, but hope all the wonderful memories remain strong with you forever.
Isaac was so special and unique, touching everyone’s hearts that he met.
We had the pleasure of meeting a very young Isaac when all the kids were little and played Palgrave t-ball. He had such a great spirit and competitiveness in him. We still smile with the great memories shared, especially when we think about Isaacs laugh after making up the nickname ‘Earth Worm Jim’.
Isaac, you will be remembered.
Our deepest condolences
Krys, Jim, Aaron and Melissa

Dear Judy,
We are so sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Isaac. It sounds like he had grown into an exceptional man who is loved by many.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Claire and Martin

My deepest condolences to friends and family. I had the pleasure of meeting Isaac at father Michael goers. His brilliance will not be forgotten. my favourite memory was Isaac dressing up as a pregnant nun for halloween at our catholic school. He was brilliant and hilarious. He was a beautiful soul, and although I have not spoken to him in years, this loss saddens me. Rest easy buddy

Dear Judy & family
So saddened to hear of Issacs passing.
Although we’ve never met Issac sounds like a unique young man . Hold on to the love and the memories you’ve shared. Sending peace and strength to you and your family .
My sincere condolences.

Dear Judy, Rachel and your family,
Ray and I heard the devastating news of the loss of your son, Isaac. As a parent, it is our biggest fear to lose one of our children and no matter what age, it is still the worst tragedy for any family to suffer. I can remember Isaac as a young, very pretentious young boy at Pumpkin Patch with our daughter, Jacqueline. It was a wonderful Tribute to read on the Egan website and Isaac obviously suffered many struggles after his terrible car accident, but overcame so much as he grew into such an amazing young man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, as you try to be strong and heal from this terrible loss. Love Ray & Nancy Leerentveld

Judy
Lynne and I were deeply saddened when we heard of the passing of your dear Isaac. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love Rob and Lynne Bilinsky

My deepest sympathies to you Judy and to the entire family and friends of Isaac. I’m so very sorry for everyone concerned. Rest in heavenly peace Isaac ❤

We are heartbroken at the loss of Isaac. We are praying for you at this difficult time, and we know and understand your pain. Isaac was truly an incredible young man. It’s tragic that this world had to lose him at such a young age. I know that he and Steve are probably enjoying some good conversation and hip hop beats up there together.
Love Diane, Chris and Kevin Boyd

If Issac could have become addicted after the pain and suffering of a serious traffic accident, it could happen to anyone.
I have never met Issac, but I was touched by your loving write up of your fun loving, talented , and determined son . No one could have tried harder to break his addictions by group support, working out and running gruelling half marathons.
To break free for years and even help many others is remarkable. I share your grief and our community mourns your loss.

Our deepest condolence to the Bordignon Family, From the AutoBlock team, God Bless.

I only knew Isaac a short time while working together through the TICP but we shared many beautiful conversations about spirituality and recovery. He was so helpful and interested and I will always remember his smiling face excitedly telling me about the book of Job. I hope to carry even a fraction of Isaac’s dedication in service to others in my heart. I’m grateful to have met and spent time with him even if it was short lived and I will always remember him as a brother on the path. My deepest condolences to the Bordignon family, Isaac was an incredible human who will be sorely missed.

My heartfelt condolences to the family & friend’s of dear sweet Isaac.

My heart is heavy with grief as I write this.

I had the honour of meeting Isaac when he was 18 or 19 years old & over the years we shared a meaningful friendship.

I have many fond & heart warming memories of Isaac. The most prominent one, our shared clean date of September 13th. Isaac and I celebrated life & the gifts of recovery together for 6 years.

His musical intellect & appreciation, charm with the ladies, bright eyes, lush eye lashes (which I envied) beautiful curls and boisterous laugh will be how I remember my friend “Izzy Bop”

Rest easy Isaac. May the angels guide you. Although gone, never forgotten.

Judy, Aaron, Rae and Evo

No words can express my deep sadness for you all, the excruciating pain you feel losing a child and a brother is one we can’t explain or put into words. The honour he received this day from friends, family and colleagues spoke volumes of who he really was, I got a glimpse into whom he became in his later years . A true gentleman and a scholar, may he rest gently.

Justin, Brooke and our families send deepest condolences to you all. Love you Moira xx

I am truly sorry for your loss of your cherished son, Issac. My son, Chris Sherfey, considered Issac his closest friend. He spoke about him in such positive ways. I called Issac shortly after I lost my son June 7,2020 to addiction and mental illness.
Chris had just moved into an apartment 1 week prior so that he could live closer to Issac. Issac said Chris gave him a sweater, which he had kept draped over his desk chair. Issac said, “he literally gave me the shirt off his back” and it meant a lot to Issac. I never met him but I heard such wonderful things about him. May he Rest In Peace. Chris shared a photo of Issac and he went up north. It is below. Should you ever wish to talk please reach me through Facebook messenger. Joyce Kapteyn Smalley

I met Isaac in my second semester at Guelph. Truth be told, I can’t remember specifically when I met him but I do know once we started talking we didn’t stop. We shared classes together (I was also in Psychology), met up for coffee and would talk about anything and everything. Sometimes I would have a hard time keeping up with his deep knowledge of psychoanalytic theory, but I would always find myself learning something new or we would challenge one another intellectually. Philosophy, politics, economics, music – nothing was off limits. He shared his love and passion for relatively unknown hip-hop and rap artists, and made recommendations (which I listened to) that broadened the scope of what I considered good music. He was one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. The library was his domain, and he loved to learn. He would spend hours pouring over the textbooks, lecture notes and stopping in with professors after class for clarifications (even sometimes challenging the professors themselves haha).

After Guelph we kept in contact and would text one another updates on our lives which then lead to hour or two hour long phone calls about whatever was on our minds at the time. He would always go out of his way to check in or take a call when he could. I never felt judged by Isaac, he always tried to understand where someone was coming from. He was always up to meet for a coffee and catch up. We shared our deep thoughts and other parts of our lives that very few people feel comfortable sharing. He always took the time and provided his input if asked. And it was always valuable advice. I will forever be grateful for the advice he gave when I needed it the most. Advice that only a friend who knows you well can give. I always encouraged Isaac’s sobriety. To me, he was the benchmark of what was possible for someone who was in treatment and what they could accomplish. Too often people are stigmatized for addiction and treated as lesser-than, and Isaac knew this. I never experienced what he did, but I have a much greater empathy for people who suffer from addiction because of knowing him. But that part of him wasn’t what mattered to me, what mattered to me was him as an individual.

Last summer (2021) I convinced Isaac to something crazy. I signed up to an ultra-marathon and convinced him to join me. Granted it was tracked purely online, but we still held ourselves to commit that we would complete it in entirety. If we had to bike/run/walk/crawl, we were going to finish it. Isaac calculated that it would take roughly ~10km per day per person to finish the race in a little over one month – from Las Vegas to Tijuana. We started the race on July 9th 2021. Isaac and I pushed each other every day. We tracked our dedicated run/biking sessions and recorded all of it. He was full of encouragement and raw determination. We finished on September 13th 2021 after 752km over 431 days. Isaac alone ran 479 km in this time period. He never stopped, and he never tried stopping. He never made any excuses (our team name was literally “No Excuses”) and every day I would get a text from him “dude, log your progress! Let’s go!”. Those are the memories I will cherish of our friendship, and that’s the kind of person Isaac was.

He told me once (in an old text) a saying he recalled from his grandmother:

It takes a level head to win,
A level hand, a level eye,
But sometimes, even when you try
Your level best, things go awry,
You drop the ball, you miss your aim,
You slip a call you queer the game,
Then comes the test, don’t make an excuse,
Don’t crumple, stand up in your shoes,
And remember, in a certain sense,
It takes a level head to lose.

I can truly say Isaac was a dear friend of mine. To say I’m going to miss him is an understatement.

I’m terribly sorry for your loss and anyone else who was impacted by Isaac in their lives.

I have just learned of Isaac’s passing, and I am so very sorry and sad. Isaac and I met at difficult times in each of our lives and we clicked instantly over shared interests like music (he introduced me to Atmosphere, still a favourite to this day), books, and writing. I lost my dad to addiction 6 months before I met Isaac, when I met Isaac for the first time in my life, I felt like somebody understood me and didn’t judge. He would have been that person for many people, I know for sure. I lost touch with Isaac over the past couple of years, but I thought about him often. I have many good memories and will hold on to them dearly.

Isaac, I miss you beyond words. Wishing comfort to your family. You will never know how greatly you impacted my life. Love you always.