Peter Willis Isenagle

Peter Willis Isenagle was born June 30, 1937 to Cecil & Pauline (Honey) Isenagle in Palm Springs, California. He graduated from Palm Springs High School in 1955 and later attended Orange Coast College. Peter married Sheila Russell, also of Palm Springs, in 1963. Peter & Sheila had three children: Shanti, Aaron, and Joshua. While in Palm Springs, Peter worked for General Contractor Francis Markley building homes throughout The Desert. Seeking a healthier environment in which to raise their children, they moved their family to Cave Junction in 1973. Fully embracing their shared passion of Health through Nutrition, Peter & Sheila created and operated “The Natural Foods Store” in downtown Cave Junction from 1973-1978. When The Natural Foods Store closed for business, they continued to operate The Natural Foods Co-Op so they could continue helping Valley families access affordable organic nutrition. Following another passion of education in a nurturing & supportive environment, Peter & Sheila founded and served as directors of “Beaver Meadow School,” one of the original alternative schools in Oregon. Peter often taught History, Social Studies and Literature to students of The School. Peter & Sheila later divorced in 1983, but remained the closest of friends until Peter’s passing. In addition to The Natural Foods Store and Beaver Meadow School, Peter worked as a carpenter around the Valley. In his later years, he and his son, Aaron, co-founded Southern Oregon Fiber Company (SOFCO) to promote the use of fibrous plants as an alternative to trees in the making of paper products. He and Aaron also DJ/co-hosted “Breakfast With Herb & Bud” on Free Radio Takilma.

Though the last several years of Peter’s life were physically challenging, his love of intellectual pursuits was never yielding. He remained a spiritual guide and moral compass to many who looked up to him. He loved to stay on top of the environmental and political issues of the day and was always up for a thought provoking conversation. Peter peacefully passed from this life to his next existence on April 28, 2011 at his home in Cave Junction.

A potluck Celebration of Peter’s Life will be held at The Dome School on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Those touched by Peter’s heart & spirit are welcome to attend.

He volunteered at Free Radio in Takilma.

His hobbies included Natural Foods, Environmental Issues, Politics/Current Events and watching Sports.

Survivors include his former wife, Sheila Russell-Isenagle of Cave Junction, Oregon; a daughter, Shanti Isenagle-Ware of Portland, Oregon; a son, Joshua Isenagle of Cave Junction, Oregon; a brother, Jeffrey Isenagle and a granddaughter, Autumn Isenagle of Eugene, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Isenagle; his Mother, Pauline (Honey) Isenagle; Brother, Michael Isenagle; a Son, Aaron Isenagle and a grandson, Matthew Ware.