Donald E. Isaac – One of the first SSU Professors

Donald E. Isaac  died June 13, 2008 in Petaluma. He was 81.
Isaac was among the first professors at Sonoma State University. He
began teaching biology at Sonoma State in 1963, its third year in
operation, and remained there for the next 30 years.
A native of Corning, he graduated from what is now Chico State
University and received his doctorate from UC Berkeley.
He became an expert in the study of mice and was an expert
birdwatcher as well.
According to his wife and family he enjoyed camping and
backpacking. He regularly visited Death Valley and Yosemite
National Park, as well as other parks around the West.
He lived in Sonoma County about 48 years.
He was married three times. His first two marriages each
produced two daughters.
Along with his wife, survivors include his daughters, Aurora
Isaac of Washington, Melanie Isaac of Pinole, Kathleen Isaac of
Santa Rosa and Arwen Isaac Dave of Sunnyvale; a stepson, Richard
Burton of Sacramento; a stepdaughter, Denise Burton of Novato; a
brother, Kenneth Isaac of Hemet; a sister, Florence Galbraith of
Grass Valley; and one grandchild.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Adobe Creek
Funeral Home in Petaluma. A date for a memorial service has not yet
been set.