Larin Michael Isdell

Larin Michael Isdell, 38, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017 at his home in Stafford, VA. Larin was born on May 30, 1979 in Erie, PA, second child to Lee Isdell & Arlene Thompson. Larin was raised in Stafford and graduated from Brooke Point High School (1997); subsequently receiving a Bachelor degree with a double major in both Science and Music from Mary Washington University (MWU), Fredericksburg, VA (2001). Larin was completing and will posthumously be awarded his Master’s degree in Environmental Science from George Mason University (GMU), Fairfax VA on December 20, 2017. Larin was a life-long animal lover of all sorts of creatures. As a child, Larin initially wanted to be a veterinarian, but shifted that focus due to that profession’s requirement as to taking life when necessary. Throughout the years while seeking an education, he worked part-time at a number of kennels, veterinary hospitals and as a pet-sitter throughout Northern Virginia. He owned, at various times, and trained a vast menagerie of dogs, cats, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice, chinchillas, ferrets and fish, but the “loves of his life” were first his beloved Great Dane, Tempest, and more recently, his horse, Chronos; whom he was training to serve as a “war horse” to his “mounted archer” role as an active member in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). Larin was a superb medieval archer. He loved local Renaissance festivals and role-playing games of many types. Larin was an extremely creative individual, with interests and skill in a myriad of activities. He created, designed and constructed a variety of medieval outfits of fabrics and leather, including making his own historically accurate arrows and other accoutrements for his “period” archery interests. Larin was an enthusiastic baker, creating a number of tempting dessert-breads. Larin was an accomplished violist and violinist, playing in both the MWU Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra for many years. Larin was an environmentalist at heart, specializing in water quality issues. As an undergraduate, he volunteered for many years with the National Park Service in conducting water studies throughout all of the Fredericksburg area civil war battlefields. Larin designed, tested and serviced several ponds in and around Fredericksburg malls. And, was cited in water quality research papers of MWU professors. Throughout his graduate study, Larin routinely participated in research projects aimed at evaluating the quality of waters, and the aquatic life, of the Potomac River. He wanted to “make a difference” in addressing the environmental health of the life-sustaining waters of Northern Virginia. Larin was an individual who, while facing a number of medical and life challenges, never gave up. He may have been “knocked down” by life, but always got back up and continued forward to live his dreams, unconsciously becoming an inspiration to those around him. Larin will be sorely missed by his loved ones, lifelong friends, collegiate associates, SCA and Roleplay enthusiasts and a score of Facebook friends across the country. To those who knew him best, his leaving has left a tremendous hole in our hearts. Larin is survived by his family: Arlene and Frank Thompson of Stafford, VA, Lee and Debby Isdell of Ashland, VA and his sister, Wendy Isdell and her partner, Randall Prince of Lanexa, VA. The family will have a private time to say goodbye on Thursday, November 15th at the Mullins & Thompson Funeral Home, Fredericksburg, VA. A “Celebration of Life” will be scheduled in the near future. His ashes will be interred beside other members of his family. As a baby...a mystic once held him, and said to me, in essence ..."He already knows what others still have to learn..." In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable contributions be made in his name to the Whitman Walker Clinic, 1525 14th St., NW Washington, DC 20005 in Washington, DC (202) 797-4413. ...’til later, Beloved Child. We’ll meet you at the Rainbow Bridge…with all of our dogs. A "Celebration Of Life" memorial will be held at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Fredericksburg location, on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 2pm. All of Larin's friends and associates are encouraged to attend and help us celebrate the life of this wonderful person. Many of you have stories and insight into his life, that we, his family, are totally unaware of, so we REALLY would appreciate an opportunity to share those. Further, as Larin was very much involved in roleplaying and SCA...IF you desire to come in period dress, PLEASE do so...we know he'd have loved it. .