Isadore Lefebvre
On Jan. 17, 2009, a gentle giant made his transition from here to heaven. His cause of death is precisely what he lived with and what blessed those fortunate enough to know him: an enlarged heart.
He was born in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
He worked as a district operations manager for Pacific Power in Sunnyside, retiring in 2002.
His immense imprints are ingrained in those lives he impacted.
He never missed an opportunity to make someone feel better during any interaction. His humility was inspiring.
He never missed an opportunity to say “I love you.” He was the glue that held everything together.
The world misses Big Iz. His inviting warmth was a key ingredient to his inclusive and irresistible “Big Iz Hug.” This hug would provide instant comfort to the soul.
His hobbies included sharing a pint or wine among family and friends (the more the merrier); storytelling, telling jokes, asking riddles (ones he had the answers to); widdling walking sticks; traveling with family; movies and casinos; downloading music for family; taking pictures; and playing wii with all his grandkids (particularly Parker); letting his grandchildren sit atop his tummy and singing them a song; watching TV, specifically, sports (with volume at highest db), questioning answers to Jeopardy! (twice if he knew the question to make sure everyone knew that he knew the question).
His children and grandchildren loved everything about him, including: the songs he sang, his forgiveness, learning and playing pai-gow (c’mon lop-lops!), playing cowboys and Indians, his rototilling, loving and caring so much for all of us, taking time, his voice, playing with his beard and his commitment and responsibility to his wife and family.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Lefebvre of Yakima, Wash.; two sons, Glenn Lefebvre of Sandpoint, Idaho, and Izzy Lefebvre of Portland, Ore.; two daughters, Lynnette Lefebvre of St. Maries, Idaho, and Laura Lefebvre-Munson of Yakima; two brothers, Allan “Butch” Lefebvre and Norm Lefebvre, both of Chehalis, Wash.; two sisters, Mary Tosten of Othello, Wash., and Yvonne Seaford of Thorne Bay, AK.; grandchildren, Allison Hemenway, Owen and Perry Lefebvre, Gitta, Izabel, Emmi, Livvy Bartholdt, Farancie, Ruby, and Margot Lefebvre, Logan and Parker Munson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Luger Lefebvre and Mary Josephine Lefebvre; and brother, Tom Lefebvre.
Visitation will be held from 1-6 p.m. on Thursday at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Yakima with recitation of the rosary at 6 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Moxee.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or to the Catholic Family Services.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.valleyhillsfh.com.