Obituary of Bernard Isaacson

Bernie Isaacson, 77, passed away unexpectedly on May 5, 2009 in Las Vegas from heart failure after a reaction to medication. He was born in Sacramento on October 23, 1931 and was raised in the New York City area and San Francisco's East Bay. He graduated from San Jose State and earned an MBA at Golden Gate University, where he later taught as a professor. He married Betty Griffin in 1952 before serving in the Navy as a Lieutenant. The couple returned to the Bay Area and raised three boys. One of Bernie's memorable achievements was the establishment of the award-winning Bubble Machine, the first chain of gas station car washes across the Western US and Canada that numbered over 70 locations. He also founded one of the nation's first 1031 exchange intermediaries, created several retail businesses, developed real estate projects, and founded XYZ Properties brokerage in Las Vegas. He and Betty moved to Southern Nevada in 1994 where he continued his business career until his final days. Bernie was a loving husband, caring father and brother, and was a leader in the communities in which he lived and worked. He enjoyed commerce, and is remembered as a person of great integrity by those who knew him. Bernie is survived by Betty, his wife of 56 years; three sons, Bruce (Robyn) of Las Vegas, Blake (Kelly) of San Diego, CA and Brian (Guisell) of Walnut Creek, CA; sister, Dorien Silverstein, of Oakland, CA; two nieces, Claire (Mark) Chedekel of Fairfax, CA and Beth Silverstein; his nephew, David Silverstein of Oakland, CA and five grandchildren. A memorial was held at Siena Country Club Community Center, 10525 Siena Monte Ave., LV at 11 a.m. on May 17. Donations in Bernie's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, a charity Bernie supported throughout his life. A second memorial will take place on Sunday, June 7 at 11:00 AM at the Shadelands Arts Center, 111 Wiget Lane in Walnut Creek, CA. Please RSVP to Blake@IsaacsonUSA.com by June 4.