Christopher David Isley

The family and friends of Christopher David Isley are saddened to announce his passing on July 3, 2026, at the age of 66. He was at home in Tucson, Arizona, when he left his earthly body and moved onto his next adventure.

Christopher, more often called Chris, was born on July 23, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents Walter and Marcia Isley. In his childhood, Chris and his family lived in several different states, and they loved to travel, so his adventurous nature and eye for beauty started from an early age.

Christopher attended the Kansas City Art Institute and Penn Valley CC, receiving an associates degree. Chris was a business owner, owning Dr. Vinyl of Tucson, and he was the best in the business, according to many. He moved to Tucson from Kansas to open his franchise. He chose Tucson because he fell in love with Mt. Lemmon. He loved riding his motorcycle up the mountain and taking in the beautiful views. 

Chris loved skiing, scuba diving, golfing, and art. He got rid of the motorcycle after he had his two children, trying to ensure he'd be around to help raise them, and they are so glad that he was. Chris was a funny, fun, encouraging, and proud father. He was the kind of parent who took you horseback riding, scuba diving, and skiing for the first time, showing you the fun, daring, and breathtaking things in the world. Chris was an artist who could create stunning art in most any medium. Pumpkin carver extraordinaire, he won so many pumpkin carving contests it's hard to put a number to his winnings. It may sound silly, but his carvings were anything but, they were intricate, multidimensional, and impressive.

The later years of Chris's life, he lived between Kansas and Arizona. Some times were spent living at one of his most favorite places, Flake Lake, his family lake in Bonner Springs, Kansas, which he was planning on building a cabin on his 1/3 of the land that was supposed to be his after his parents had passed. At some points, he visited and stayed with some of his many friends in Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. Some times were spent camping, he always had a knack for finding the coolest, most majestic spots to camp. The rest of the time was spent living in Tucson to be close to his oldest daughter.

Chris is survived by his daughters, Genesis Isley and Kelly Isley; his grandchildren, Arlo and Windsarose; and his brother, Dominic Isley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Marcia Isley, and his little sister, Julie Isley. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Mt. Lemmon, another will be held in Kansas, the dates and times are TBD.