Obituary of Gary M. Isherwood

Holden - Gary M. Isherwood, 59, passed away doing what he loved on a beautiful Sunday morning. He was born in North Adams, Massachusetts, the son of William and Mary Isherwood. He grew up in western Massachusetts with his older brother, Alan. Gary graduated Drury High School and attended St. Bonaventure University in New York, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree as well as an Associate’s degree from Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire. From a young age, Gary found a passion for swimming. First as an athlete, then as a Coach. His coaching career spanned the poolsides of collegiate, USS and high school teams from New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, North Carolina and eventually coaching at John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor, Maine.. Many accomplishments and honors were achieved under Gary’s leadership, including a National Championship with the Wilton Wahoo’s (CT), Maine High School Sportsmanship awards, Academic All Americans and numerous Maine regional and state High School champions. For this he was recognized by the Maine Principals Association as 2014 Coach Of The Year for Class B Girls Swimming. As a Coach, he touched the lives of many youth swimmers, not only teaching the techniques and intricacies of the sport, but also guiding and shaping the youth to live full and purposeful lives outside the pool. Gary had a strong work ethic, being employed by Sandollar Spa & Pool and Securitas at St. Joseph’s Emergency Room for over 20 years. Gary worked as the Aquatics Director of the Bangor YWCA from 1991-2000 where he founded and directed the Beach-To-Beach Swim for Breast Cancer in honor of his late mother, raising funds for Caring Connections of EMMC and the Bangor Y. Gary will be sorely missed by his friends and co-workers. Although he was quiet and humble man, he always had a good story and advice for his friends and family. Gary took the most pride in his family and loved them all dearly. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Deanne Isherwood of Holden, Brother, Alan Isherwood of Williamstown, Massachusetts. Three children, Tyler and his wife Zelli of Ellsworth, Corey of Oceanside, CA, Meridith of Oceanside, CA and granddaughter Zoe Rose as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Isherwood. Gary’s family invites you to a memorial service 10 AM Saturday, March 25, 2017 at John Bapst Memorial High School, 100 Broadway Bangor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made for a swimming scholarship to Coach Gary Isherwood Scholarship Fund c/o John Bapst Memorial HS, 100 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements trusted to Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Brewer and Bangor. Messages and memories may be share with Gary’s family at kileyandfoley.com.