Dear Isaac's family,

I am so sorry for your loss, and I cannot imagine what you must be going through. Isaac was a true lover of music; he inspired me and others around him to become better players, and to become more passionate about music and discovery. I remember him being so excited about Prof. Rodland's teachings, and I have never seen someone so driven to figure out all the nuances of her instruction. He did all this with infectious joy. His character inspires me until this day. I'm so sorry for your loss. 

Ryan

Isaac, I had a dream about you a few weeks ago. You were sitting alone in a quiet room, sad and crying. I understood why, so I hugged you. Maybe that was our final goodbye.

One of my favorite memories with you was exploring the city together on our bikes or longboards. It felt so freeing and full of hope. The best memory was skating to the T&T supermarket, when it was still near Cherry Beach—we’d hang out there, sipping bubble tea and gazing out at Lake Shore, talking nonsense, laughing, or sharing our dreams. Later, it was so fun exploring Toronto together while making money doing Uber Eats on our bikes. The last memory I have with you in person was biking around Puli in Taiwan around 11 p.m., coasting through the corners and streets as if the world were ours.

Isaac, you have no idea how much my heart hurt when I saw “Rick” on your shelf when I came to Texas. That was a present I bought for you when we finally departed after living altogether in Toronto during COVID, and I remember how happy you were, even though it was just a stuffed hamster toy from the Kirby series. I think the fact that it was on your shelf, next to your bed, staring at me, just reminded me of your tender side, and the fact that you might have thought about me. For now, I’ve rescued him back to my apartment in NYC, where Rick just stares at me at my computer when I feel sad.

Isaac, I came into this world believing life was stable with you, Mom, and Dad. Maybe it was naïve, but I always thought you would be there—it’s all I ever knew. So when you left, it felt as though a piece of my foundation broke, and I fell with it.

You always loved to throw challenges at me, which I suppose was your subconscious way of being my big brother. Skating so far ahead of me, as if to encourage me to go faster. Always a year ahead of me in school, life experiences, and so on. My next challenge now is to learn to live without you.

Owl and Owol were the names of our childhood toys. I always thought it was hilarious that these baby snowy owls looked like twins, just like us, but were also slightly different because of a mass production error. Owl looked wider and shorter, like me, and Owol was skinnier and taller, like you. Of course, the actual toys now are dirtier and disheveled, but that wear and tear is proof of all the love and joy we shared. And who could forget the mountain of comic books we drew based on them?

Taiwanese Pokémon Master — My biggest fear right now is forgetting who you are if I make it to 75 years old: your belly laugh, funny photo poses, spontaneous comments. But I doubt I’ll forget all the fun and frustrations we shared. Your humor, seriousness, wit, intelligence, and kindness are all woven into me. I don’t think I’m as charismatic or energetic as you, but maybe I can learn, over the next few years, to keep your energy alive.

Isaac 哥哥 (Ge Ge) — I am a bit upset at you for leaving me earlier than we promised! Remember, as kids, we would band together as allies? We were always on the same team: soccer games, basketball duos, longboarding buddies, and gaming teammates. Sure, we occasionally had to play against each other—even though life moved us apart—but that’s just a part of being brothers, right? Even with that distance, I never doubted that we would be together again, despite our occasional arguments or opposing worldviews. Of course, I’m sad I couldn’t say goodbye in person, even though you called me a few days before to say you missed me. But I’m holding onto that childhood dynamic we always had—that we would see each other again, no matter the timeline or circumstances.

You were my mirror and my shadow, the one I looked up to. Now I wonder: how am I supposed to see myself when both the reflection and the shadow are gone?

Isaac, if you could have only seen yourself through all of our eyes! You were the most beautiful, gracious, humble, kindest light I had ever met! You could tell that you were so sincere when you would ask how someone was and if they needed prayer! You were so very genuine! Then, when you were hurting financially, you came a gave Cloe and I $100 so we could eat, while out for a surgery! When I saw you, I saw our precious Heavenly Father through you! I wished you just could have seen it! A smile to always light the way! So precious and so kind! I miss you sweetheart!

I remember when I was at Norris, I spent many nights sitting in Isaac’s room while talking about the Bible and my faith. When I was full of doubt or questions, I would go to Isaac because he always seemed to have the answer. He pushed me to be a better Christian and a better man. He taught me so many things and was always trying to make others smile and laugh. He preached and prayed like no other Christian I met, and he had complete reverence for Gods Word and Christ. I considered him my brother and always loved being around him. He was a joyful and compassionate friend. I miss him and will forever miss him, and I cannot wait to see him when I get to Heaven.

I remember the first time that I met Isaac, he had come to visit Norris Bible Baptist Seminary when we were in our old building with our friend Jonah. I will never forget how excited he was that there was a school where the whole Bible was taught and studied it was such an encouragement to me. He was so in love with the school I’m pretty sure it was that same day he decided that it was where he wanted to be. When he started he was devoted to being in the Word and spending time with the Lord. Everyday his zeal and excitement was an encouragement to me to stay in the ministry, even when the burnout was getting hard it was the friendly faces like Isaac that kept me going. Now I will continue to draw close to the Lord and preach His Word because Isaac can’t anymore. The world needs more Christians like Isaac and Lord willing I will bring many to know Him and in heaven they will meet Isaac who had a part in their life without them ever meeting.

I met Issac during our first week at Eastman, when I picked up his student ID in the SLC’s hallway. That’s how we became friends. I remembered Issac brought me to his church on Easter. I remembered he comforted me with kind words after seeing my frustrations and setbacks. I remembered his smile, his encouragement and his kindness which made my life so much better. I’ll miss you so much, Isaac. Rest peacefully in heaven.

I met Isaac during my junior year, when he was just a freshman. I remember always seeing him with his skateboard, his laughter echoing from a distance. Every time we crossed paths, he was cracking jokes, always bringing a smile to those around him. Isaac had a way of lighting up every room he walked into. His energy, his joy, and the light he carried continue to stay with us.

Isaac was a Blessing!  Will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him!

I’m so thankful, everyday, for Isaac Li coming into my life.  We met in our church and he let this old lady become a friend.  We had great talks, sang together, and had simpatico senses of humor.  We laughed and laughed - a lot!  
I never met anyone who could memorize the scriptures (and references) like he did.  He studied God’s Word and loved God’s Word.  He was a true servant of God and would do just anything to help people.  His true desire was to serve the Lord and see people saved.  
I can’t wait to see him again, in heaven,  I will miss him everyday.  Heaven is truly sounding sweeter all the time.  I loved that kid!!!

I miss hanging out for hours after church in the parking lot talking about the Bible and life and laughing. There’s no one like Isaac ❤️ ❤️‍🩹 . 
Thank You Lord for the friendship we had and the brother you gave me. There’s a huge hole in my heart… I’ll keep teaching people about how Jesus saves and how we can be with Isaac again in heaven. That was his life’s purpose. Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 
Praying for everyone he left an impact on , big and small.

We have known Isaac since the day he was born. Whenever we visited Canada, we stayed with his family, and when his family visited the United States, they often stayed with us. Over the years, we shared many wonderful moments together.

Isaac was a kind and gentle young man, gifted in playing the viola, and deeply devoted to his Christian faith. We take comfort in knowing that he is now with the Lord our God.

Rest in peace, dear Isaac. We love you and will always hold your memory close to our hearts.

I was one of Isaac's "viola friends" from our time together at Eastman. He was the type of person who naturally brought everyone together and just wanted to see everyone happy around him—a person you would describe as having a light within himself. We were so lucky to have him in class with us. I remember specifically that after nearly every performance during studio class, especially if it was shaky or poorly prepared and other students were going to town with a list of problems and things that needed to be fixed, he would chime in to say something along the lines of, "I wasn't really paying attention to all those things, but I REALLY loved your interpretation and vibrato!" When he saw someone else feeling down, he always stepped in with a loving, gentle, and supportive voice. We were all so thankful for that. He will be sorely missed. We love you, Isaac.

Isaac and I went to Eastman together, and we were dorm neighbors for a year. I was always struck by what a good and kind person he was. We had lots of conversations as we’d pass by our door getting back into our rooms at night. I don’t remember what we talked about much, but I remember how much I enjoyed talking to him, and how much it cheered me up. He started wearing blazers all the time that year to get used to the feeling of playing viola in a suit. I was going through an awful time with my mental health, and the conversations we had, even the brief ones made me feel better. I wish I had reached out more. Sending you lots of love and hugs Isaac.

Brother Isaac, I hope you're happy and joyful in God's providence. We all miss you dearly in Taiwan. Thank you for being so lively and leaving us with so many wonderful and interesting memories. I'll pick a fight with you later, hahaha.(Isaac哥哥，希望你在上帝的安排下可以快樂開心，我們在台灣都會很想你的，謝謝你那麼活潑的給我們大家留下那麼多美好又有趣的事情，之後我再去找你打架哈哈哈)

Do you still remember when I was in high school, I took SIANG-YU to Canada to visit you?(你還記得我在高中時獨自帶著翔宇去加拿大找你們嗎?)

Let's go out together when you come back to Taiwan(當你們回來台灣的時候我們一同出遊)

After many years, we reunited and this time we went to a mountain at an altitude of 3000 meters.(經過許多年後，我們再次相聚，這次我們到了海拔3000公尺的高山)

I introduced you to my hometown, Sun Moon Lake. We chatted, joked, and created many wonderful memories.(我向你介紹我的家鄉，日月潭，我們聊天、搞怪、並一起創造許多美好的回憶)

We then had a wonderful dinner together.(我們一同共度了美好的晚餐時光)

Rest in peace, dear  Isaac. 
There is no more pain, no more tears, only perfect peace.
You will never be forgotten.

From auntie 曉蓓

I went to Eastman with Isaac, but didn’t meet him until we became friends at Bowdoin Music Festival back in 2019. He was a very kind and funny guy, and was very talented. We had great conversations, alot of laughs, and quality time together. We didn’t hang together as much in the years to follow, but I always thought of him as a kindhearted, good human and a good violist, and it saddens me to see that he passed away. May he rest in eternal peace, and may God grant comfort, healing and love to his family and friends.

Dear Isaac~
Rest in Peace 
We will miss you forever in Taiwan.
Love you so much!❤️😢
From untie 靜嫻 & uncle 阿進

Isaac~
We will miss you forever! 
Rest in peace 😢
From  auntie hui-Ching❤️

I met Isaac at Eastman. I was a few years above him and didn’t know him very well, but we were friendly acquaintances. 

One evening many years ago, around 11pm as the school was closing, I was about to step out into the rain when I heard someone from behind me call my name. It was Isaac. And by the time I turned around, he was already right beside me, nudging me forward. “Alex, share my umbrella with me!” he said, pushing me along. We huddled together and scurried across the street, laughing and shivering through the cold. After making it inside, I thanked him and we parted ways. 

Again, we weren't close, and I couldn't even recall the last time I had spoken with Isaac before that night, but that's even more why his spontaneous act of kindness stuck with me. I always thought of him as a kindhearted, cheerful, and generous individual.

Isaac became a good friend to me, and so many others. I enjoyed playing our instruments together. He was so well-trained and proper. He was also a goofball all the time. We would joke around most of our time together. He was a great friend, I will truly miss him.

I was a classmate of Isaac’s at Eastman. We often sat next to each other and shared many smiles and much laughter. I always looked forward to his bright personality and meaningful conversation with him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones, and I pray God might offer you peace through this difficult time.

Isaac was in my class at Eastman, and although we didn’t have too many interactions, he attended my Bible study for some time. It was clear that he was a good man who took his life and faith seriously! So sorry for this loss. 

- Micah Harrow

OBITUARY

Isaac Jin-Ray LI

26 February, 1998 – 11 September, 2025

Laurel Land Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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