‘Amazing’ gymnast, Butler native dies in Florida
Mickey Uram had coached Michael Isaacs in acrobatics and tumbling from a young age, and said the dancer always had a positive attitude.
“He was a thrill to work with,” Uram said. “He was very determined to succeed. Very good kid, very gracious.”
Isaacs died in a motorcycle crash on May 6 near Belleview, Fla., at the age of 63. According to Florida Highway Patrol, two motorcycles were involved in the 11:50 p.m. crash. Isaacs’ cycle struck the other bike from behind and both riders were thrown, police said. Isaacs was pronounced dead at the scene and the other cyclist was hospitalized with serious injuries, according to police.
Terry Leyland, a friend and colleague of Isaacs from their time at the former Lee’s School of Dance, said that he was not only an “amazing dancer,” but a great teacher as well.
“When he moved to Florida he got into teaching there,” Leyland said. “He had a dance studio and put out some amazing, talented kids and has students who are performing all over now.”
Isaacs is survived by his mother, Lee Garrard, brother Eric Garrard and daughter Ashley Isaacs. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Isaacs; sister, Shelly Garrard Macy; and stepfather, Robert Garrard.
Leyland and Uram are still instructors at the Butler Center for Performing Arts, which now occupies the site of Lee’s School of Dance at 122 W. Penn St. in Butler.
Leyland started dancing at Lee’s School of Dance a few years after Isaacs, whose mother, Lee, was the owner of the studio. Leyland said Isaacs was always passionate about self-expression, a trait he passed on through his teaching.
“His passions were gymnastics, his horses and riding motorcycles,” Leyland said. “He was passionate about teaching young kids, and he put out a lot of amazing kids.”
Louis Rosellini went to high school with Isaacs, and Isaacs would be in his wedding to Connie Rosellini. The couple said they purchased a motor home with Isaacs, and their adventures driving around in it are just one memory they will hold of their friend.
“Michael was the kind of guy who would take the motor home to the beach drive-in,” Connie said. “He didn't like to fly, so he took the motor home everywhere.”
Connie also said Isaacs’ personality always shined.
“He had a love of life,” Connie said. “He was a good guy; he never said anything bad about anything.”
Uram said he last saw Isaacs a few years ago at a funeral. Isaacs had asked Uram if he wanted to come teach at his studio in Florida, which Uram said was an appreciated offer he had to turn down.
Still, Uram said he will remember his last in-person interaction with Isaacs as a pleasant one.
“We didn't stay in touch that much, but I enjoyed being with him,” Uram said.
