Barry Isola

Dec. 13, 1953 – Sept. 17, 2026

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Barry Edward Isola, 72, passed away in his home Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026.

Barry was born Dec. 13, 1953, in Walnut Creek, Calif., to Frank and Dolores Isola. He grew up in the California Bay Area and graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1972. Barry was a member of the track team during his high school years, and in 2026, he was honored with induction into the Pleasant Hill High School Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the track team.

In his early adult life, Barry drove a tour bus in the Lake Tahoe area. That experience eventually led him to establish and own Tahoe Reno Experience, a business specializing in corporate events and conventions. He spent many years building the business and helping visitors experience all that the Tahoe-Reno area had to offer.

Following his retirement in 2019, Barry moved to Idaho, where he quickly embraced a very different way of life. He became an avid camper, enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and made many good friends along the way. Barry also gave his time to others by volunteering at the Veterans Hospital. He later worked as a lead driver for Pathologists’ Regional Laboratory in Lewiston.

Barry had a magnetic personality and a wonderful sense of humor. He had a way of drawing people to him and making friends wherever he went. He was extraordinarily generous and was always willing to help others. His kindness and generosity touched the lives of many people, and he gave freely without expecting anything in return.

Perhaps most fittingly, Barry never lost his sense of humor. Even as he approached the end of his life, he continued laughing, joking and bringing smiles to the people around him. That laughter, along with his generosity and larger-than-life personality, will be among the things those who loved him will remember most.

Barry is survived by his siblings, Donna, of Lewiston, and Brook, Darrell, Lissa, Matt and Allison, all of the California Bay Area; his nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Case Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Dolores Isola, and his nephew, Colten Smith.

Barry lived his life generously, made friends easily and found plenty to laugh about along the way. He will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends and all those fortunate enough to have known him.

In keeping with Barry’s love of the outdoors and the place that became so special to him, his family plans to celebrate his life with a small gathering at the North Fork of the Clearwater River at a future date.