Condolence: I worked with John for ten years in the Operating room. He was always warm, caring, and knowledgable about his patients. He was very very skilled and fun to talk with and work with. He had an infectious enjoyment of music and a vast knowledge of it. I am sorry for you loss. He was a wonderful man. He was very generous to me (and I am sure others)when I was a new. We will miss him.

Condolence: I have just read in the local paper of Dr Isler's death. My husband,(Dr Milton Steele) and I were so privileged to have Dr Isler take care of Milton in 2007.(2 major surgeries and a couple minor ones). Milton enjoyed his humor, his honesty, and his expertise. I lost Milton 7 months ago to colon cancer. Your loss has brought mine fresh to my mind. I wanted first to tell Milton that Dr Isler had died. I was so sorry. They were both loved by their patients and I can hear both of them whistling as they walked the halls of their offices loving what they did for a living. May you find peace in your memories. with love Patty Steele

Condolence: In memory of a wonderful physician and teacher: I am a family doctor who started practice in north Seattle a year after Dr. Isler. I had the great pleasure of assisting him at surgery with some of my patients, and he graciously invited me into his office to be trained in some office procedures. His skill and excellence and wit will be remembered always.

Condolence: Ginny, I just learned of John's passing. My heart is broken for you. I will never forget those 12 years I spent with John at the clinic. I send my condolences to you and your children. I see the love in his eyes with that baby in his arms in the pictures you shared. He was truely a gentle giant. He was so proud of you Ginny, and of his children. Words don't help the hurt, but hope the wonderful fun years you can draw comfort in.

Condolence: What a loss of a very good man and excellent surgeon with a great sense of humor. I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Isler's death. I am sure he will be greatly missed.

Condolence: Ginny, I was so shocked to learn of John's passing today. I will never forget all the fond memories of when we were interns and residents together at Swedish ... all the poker games during which we perhaps imbibed a little too much at times, but oh what fun! And then as colleagues at Northwest Hospital as we worked together to provide the best of care for his patients. Aside from his great sense of humor and infectious smile, what I loved most about John was that he was always John and nobody else. A straight shooter. I want you to know that the last time I saw John after his retirement he seemed so relaxed and truly happy. We will indeed all sorely miss him but know that he touched so many lives in his own special, wonderful way. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Condolence: Ginny, Christie, and Colin, I am heartbroken for you and this loss. Please accept my loving condolences from afar as you grieve. John was a wonderful man; I will never forget how your family took me in when I needed a place to stay my senior year in high school. John served to me as the model of a man and a father and I will never forget his example. All my love. Sara Kemp

Condolence: Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your husband and father. I was a patient of Dr. Isler until he retired. I admired him as a skilled physician and as a man who always had comforting words and was never shy about sharing his wonderful sense of humor. We have all lost a special human being.

Condolence: Dear Ginny and Family,

Life almost always seems to go too quickly, and while we know that our earthly life will have an end, it is not easy to make plans for that reality. I wish for you peace and strength.

Condolence: What a great guy. I'll never forget how he took care of my patient, Esther, and the celebratory dinner we all had when she was discharged. My sympathies.