Chip Isaac

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January 7, 2023 · via iPhone

Our first memory of chip was when we had just moved into the house across the street and we looked out the window and saw a friendly neighbor waving hello to us. Chip immediately made us feel welcome to the neighborhood and he was the first to stop by... more

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January 7, 2023

I met Chip at San Francisco International Volleyball Club in 1994. He immediately impressed me with his wit and charm and later with his cooking skills as he was in charge of the recipes for the dinners served during the Volleyball Club trips. He was... more

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January 7, 2023

Chip, m'dear friend. I cherish that night on Cuttyhunk, when you, Ange, Kathy and I sat for hours under the sparkling Milky Way. You are now out there among those stars...and are no doubt the brightest.

And wherever you are, I'm sure you're giving a... more

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January 7, 2023

After nearly 40 years of friendship, I have countless happy memories of times shared with Chip, from hang-gliding lessons to protest marches; but the most precious times of all were our walks at Crissy Field these past few years. We had newsy talks and... more

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January 6, 2023 · via iPhone

Even though I met Chip through Angela, he always found a way to connect and build a unique relationship with me (and eventually with my husband) on his own. He would send the occasional text about sports or just randomly call to catch up. Chip treated... more

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January 6, 2023

I knew Chip for only a short amount of time (about 2 years) but when he would see me, he would light up and greet me like we have been best friends for years. Such a friendly and loving human being. He was a leader and an inspiring person. He will be... more

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January 6, 2023

So many fond memories over the years – lovely get-away trips to Kenwood and San Francisco from our home in Virginia, hiking up Hood Mountain, paddleboating with Al and my daughters in Golden Gate Park, taking Chip’s epic tour of the Haight.

And in... more

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January 6, 2023

I have so many fond memories of my cousin Chip at Thanksgivings in Mendham with all of the family, and at other occasions. Living in NY I hadn’t gotten the chance to see him much in recent years, but was fortunate to be in San Francisco a few years ago... more

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January 6, 2023 · via iPhone

This is Chip and Angela enjoying a 49er’s game with me and Caroline in February 2020. We all had a wonderful time. He sure did enjoy his sports. One of the last times I saw him was in their lower unit when we watched the Warriors game together. There... more

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January 6, 2023

I have so, so many memories of Chip that it is hard to pick one. He was an amazing friend who always made me (and everyone else) laugh and see the absurdity in things. I met him in an activities group for singles and we were fast friends. A favorite... more

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January 5, 2023

I don't remember meeting Chip (I'm pretty sure he was there the day I was born), but in my earliest memory of him we were walking from his house to Ben & Jerry's to get an ice cream cone. It was a tradition we did every year on my birthday (and many... more

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January 5, 2023

I first met Chip at IBM in the mid 80’s. Chip was a smart and witty systems engineer, and I had the most success when he accompanied me on sales calls. He made work fun, and I was quickly drawn to his humor, optimism and genuineness. What began as a... more

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January 4, 2023

We were so lucky to share a bit of time with Chip and Angela in the Sierra, at their houses in SF and Kenwood, at Cote Ouest, and at our house tasting mezcals. In all these memories, what stands out are Chip's enthusiasm, curiosity, humor, and his... more

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January 3, 2023

We had the immense pleasure of meeting Chip separately as a couple....me through his fabulous wife Angela, and my partner through his Rock n' Roll Archaeology podcast work, where he connected with Chip about The Summer of Love (and his tour!). When we... more

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January 2, 2023

The last time I visited Chip with Qatana - my wife, Chip’s sister, was in July of 2022. At the time he was optimistic about his cancer treatments. On the first day of our visit his physical therapist had just worked with him on strategies for getting... more

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January 2, 2023

I first met Chip when he came home from the hospital as a newborn baby. Having been an only child for four years, I did not take well to the notion of sharing my parents’ love and attention with a younger sister and brother. So, I acted towards both... moreI first met Chip when he came home from the hospital as a newborn baby. Having been an only child for four years, I did not take well to the notion of sharing my parents’ love and attention with a younger sister and brother. So, I acted towards both Chip and my sister, Nancy in ways that I have deeply regretted ever since.

I have enormous gratitude for how Chip never, ever held a grudge. In later years, whenever I expressed regrets for how badly I’d treated him, he graciously dismissed them with a kindness that still warms my heart.

In 1967, when he was only 11, I headed off from home in New Jersey to college in California and for most of our adult lives our relationship was long distance. I wish we’d spent more time together, building the kind of closeness that comes through sharing life events over time. When we did get together at family gatherings, I always appreciated his sense of humor and gentle kindness. It was easy to feel comfortable around Chip.

What became clear to me over those years, even from a distance, was how important his friendships were to Chip and what a good friend he was. I heard all about the Pascagoula Brunch and Polo Club and his New Years’ Hoppin’ John gatherings, the men’s group he belonged to and his long-term relationship with his volleyball buddies (which clearly expanded beyond simply playing volleyball together).

Since Chip and Angela have been together, I have always been enormously grateful for her loving presence in his life.

There were some memorable adventures spent with Chip outdoors, where I got to know his incredible strength and endurance and his joie de vivre. My husband Jim, Chip and I had a great time skiing together, both down-hill and cross country, especially the Thanksgiving we cross-country skied in Sequoia National Park, gliding down through the snowy silence amidst the giant redwoods. There was also the week we hiked the tent camp circle in Yosemite. Forget trying to keep up with Chip!

The difficult time between Chip’s diagnosis and his passing, brought us closer together. As his illness progressed, we spoke often over the phone. It seems that any barriers that may have been keeping us from loving deeply got swept away by the crisis of a life-threatening illness. I’ll be forever grateful that we were able to transcend whatever distance was created by the pain of those early years to connect more deeply with each other and the love that was there all along. less

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January 2, 2023

I thought I would post a few choice photos from a trip to South Africa in the Spring of 2019, when I was with Angela and Chip 24 x 7 for 3 weeks. Angela and I already knew each other, but Chip and I did not. We took a big plunge and spent every day... more

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January 2, 2023

We have so many special memories with Chip and Angela. Most of them include good food (that Chip usually made), experiences (like his walking tours through the painted houses), and his passion for their house and the special Airbnb experiences he created... more

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December 30, 2022

Ruth Frieband The Southern Alps in Queenstown New Zealand
- December 30, 2022

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December 30, 2022

I just returned from a trip to Australia and New Zealand. I brought Chip's favorite hat with me to have something of Chip's along to experience the trip. He and Angela were planning to go to New Zealand in 2020 or thereabouts, but Covid derailed their trip.

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December 30, 2022

Here are some photos featuring Chip's smiling face that came from Mal's photo albums. Let me know if you would like a higher resolution versions of any of these photos.

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December 30, 2022

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December 7, 2022 · via iPhone

I had the pleasure to meet Chip through the Volleyball club that met up in SF. This photo is from one of the many trips the group took.

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December 1, 2022

I first met Chip as a fellow pledge brother at our fraternity at Rutgers. Chip was always energetic and positive no matter what the pledge activity we were assigned. In our first year in the fraternity we shared a room. With his extensive album... more

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November 10, 2022

Although we lived just several doors away from each other, I actually met Chip through City Guides. From that time on it seemed we saw each other everywhere - in Gus' market, on the sidewalk as he gardened or at various community events; as we stopped... more

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October 30, 2022

Janet Heinle Oh my, what a great shot of the 3 of you...that is LIFE!
- December 6, 2022

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October 27, 2022

I and everyone at Sirius who knew Chip was surprised and saddened to hear of his passing. I worked with Chip for many years at Sirius Computers. He in SFO and me in So.Cal. Chip was always a pleasure to work with. He was always positive and... more

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October 16, 2022

To my baby brother Chip (aka Clarence Albert Isaac III, Claude, Clare, Clara Barton— not one of your favorites, usually used to taunt you between the ages of 5 to 15— Chippy, Chipperooney and Bro). You have been my constant ray of joy and laughter... more

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Janet Heinle Family!!!
- December 6, 2022

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October 16, 2022

To my baby brother Chip (aka Clarence Albert Isaac III, Claude, Clare, Clara Barton— not one of your favorites, usually used to taunt you between the ages of 5 to 15— Chippy, Chipperooney and Bro). You have been my constant ray of joy and laughter... more

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October 12, 2022

I didn't have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Chip, but the times I spent with him are memorable and rich. He was such a warm-hearted and caring presence. Being around him gave me perspective, triggered my sense of adventure, and generally... more

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October 7, 2022

Chip was lit up with energy, enthusiasm and kindness, and I admire the way in which he lived life with such purpose and positivity. He and I met in the last several years through my dear friend and former co-worker, Angela. Lucky are those who find love... more

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October 5, 2022

Chip. You will be much missed by the Regulators and by me specifically. Thank you for all your support and assistance over the last few years. Matthew

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September 26, 2022

Chip was a bright light in this world... one of those rare fellow travelers on this earth that made me want to be a better person -- because of his light, love, and enthusiastic love for life. I didn't have as much time with him as others, but whenever... more

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September 24, 2022 · via iPhone

Ruth Frieband At the Presidio July 2015
- September 24, 2022

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September 24, 2022

I think Chip looks especially cool in this photo. One of my favorites! Sonoma-2015

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September 24, 2022

An undated photo from a long time ago.

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September 24, 2022

Chip and I had a very special friendship that spanned over 50 years. We met in Jr High School and became fast friends. Chip truly was one of my very best friends. He's always been a great, unique person. He evolved over time, into an amazing human... moreChip and I had a very special friendship that spanned over 50 years. We met in Jr High School and became fast friends. Chip truly was one of my very best friends. He's always been a great, unique person. He evolved over time, into an amazing human being who just kept on growing, learning and shining his light on those who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with him.

I have such fond memories of Chip, too numerous to list them all, but I'll mention a few.
I have warm and happy memories of spending many Thanksgiving holidays with Chip and his wonderful family at his mother's house in Mendham, NJ. Chip once convinced me that you can cook a 20 lb turkey in the microwave in 3 minutes. I completely believed him! Side note: We may have been a little bit tipsy at the time, but still...

Things I loved about Chip:
-His sense of humor. He could make me laugh like nobody else could.
-His lifelong quest of trying to be his most authentic self at all times.
-His cooking skills. I especially liked his grilled turkey burgers and lemon bars.
-His love and enthusiasm for ice cream. His favorite flavor was coffee ice cream. He would seek it out wherever he was to taste it and compare it to previous taste tests. His goal was to find the best coffee ice cream on the planet.
-His matter-of-factness.
-His smile.
-His kindness.
-His generosity.

Chip would often call me from his happy place; his hammock up in Kenwood. You see, I also have a hammock on my back patio, and it was also my happy place. We would talk and talk, while lying and gently swinging in our respective hammocks. We talked about everything; no topic was off limits. Chip was my confidant and provided me with advice, feedback and honesty. I could always count on Chip for his honesty.

When Chip met Angela, and it became clear that their relationship was the real deal, I was so happy for Chip. He finally found who and what he had been searching for. Angela truly brought out the very best in Chip.

Even though I am completely broken hearted over Chip's death, I count my lucky stars that he was in my life for as long as he was. I know that our paths will cross again, maybe in another lifetime, somewhere, somehow, someway. Until then, I hope Chip knew how much he was loved and how greatly missed he will forever be.

(Some photos will follow soon.) less

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September 21, 2022

My time knowing Chip was brief which makes it profound that he lives so vividly in my memory and leaves me regretting I didn't have more time to know and enjoy him. I will remember him.

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September 19, 2022

I loved him as a son, I miss how wonderful he was, I miss our talks about politics, he was passionate on the issues. He left us too soon and I will miss him forever.

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September 18, 2022

Chip and Richie Unterberger on Lyon St., where we asked neighbors what they knew of Janis Joplin's time living there.

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September 18, 2022

I met Chip Isaac in Spring 2015 when I experienced his Haight-Ashbury tour as part of the set of 6 outings we were required to follow during my training for SF City Guides. I had joined them planning to lead a tour downtown, which would have been easier... moreI met Chip Isaac in Spring 2015 when I experienced his Haight-Ashbury tour as part of the set of 6 outings we were required to follow during my training for SF City Guides. I had joined them planning to lead a tour downtown, which would have been easier to reach from my East Bay residence. But I shifted gears after experiencing Chip’s tour, and his great enthusiasm for his neighborhood convinced me that my place was in the Haight, a choice I’m very grateful I made.

This began a wonderful collaboration and friendship that I’m very sad to have lost. Chip and I had great experiences working together over the years and many fun times seeing live music including multiple visits to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.

In true City Guides fashion, Chip was helpful and generous when I put together my Haight tour, and many of the things I discuss emanated from his talking points and voluminous research. He brought a wonderful, positive energy to his tour and was a terrific storyteller. He did a good job of putting the revolutionary spirit of the 1960s into context and talked about how the tenor of those times played out in his own family. I knew if I could follow the example he set I’d have successful tours.

Chip loved seeking out new information about Haight history. He and I went together to many rock music history presentations at the Park Branch library, and I have fond memories of going door to door with him on Lyon St. as we asked residents there what they knew of the time when Janis Joplin lived there.

In 2017, I put together a series of presentations on the rock musicians and venues of the Summer of Love and was very pleased when Chip offered to create a program titled The Odyssey of Big Brother and the Holding Company, which tells the band’s story and includes many video clips of the band. We were later able to transform Chip’s and other in-person programs to Zoom presentations when the COVID pandemic began.

The Big Brother presentation also led us to meeting Peter Albin, who played bass for and founded the band in 1965 (before the arrival of Janis the following year). Peter offered to do Q&A at the end of Chip’s Zoom presentations and provide his first-hand account of the history we discuss. Later, Peter and his wife Karen came on both Chip’s and my Haight walking tours, a thrill for us both.

Unlike most of the other Haight guides, Chip lived in the neighborhood and his house at the corner of Page And Ashbury Streets has long been a highlight of our tours due to its inclusion in the 1967 CBS News documentary The Hippie Temptation. Chip started off in the house as a renter in the 1980s but was later given the opportunity to buy it. He then oversaw a painstaking renovation that transformed it into one of the most spectacular Victorians in the neighborhood, with articles on SF Gate and elsewhere about Chip’s beautification work.

This is a very tough loss for Chip’s many friends, neighbors and his family, which includes his wife Angela and sister Nancy and brother-in-law Harvey. I’ll always think of 1550 Page as “Chip’s House” and will talk about our friendship and his influence on me when my tours stop to look at it. To me, Chip embodied the best attributes of SF City Guides: he was informative, welcoming and fun and brought great enthusiasm to the subjects he spoke about. I am very grateful to him for inspiring me to be a Haight-Ashbury tour guide. less

Chip starting his tour at the Park Branch Library as Peter Albin watches

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Ruth Frieband reacted on this.

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September 18, 2022

I was fortunate to call Chip a friend and to consider him a close friend in the last year of his life. Chip and I had the east coast connection, meaning that giving each other a hard time was part of our communication style. We enjoyed Giants games... more